Numbers 3:35
And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.
Original Language Analysis
וּנְשִׂ֤יא
And the chief
H5387
וּנְשִׂ֤יא
And the chief
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
בֵֽית
of the house
H1004
בֵֽית
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
2 of 13
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אָב֙
of the father
H1
אָב֙
of the father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
3 of 13
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
of the families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
of the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
4 of 13
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲבִיחָ֑יִל
of Abihail
H32
אֲבִיחָ֑יִל
of Abihail
Strong's:
H32
Word #:
8 of 13
abihail or abichail, the name of three israelites and two israelitesses
עַ֣ל
H5921
עַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יֶ֧רֶךְ
on the side
H3409
יֶ֧רֶךְ
on the side
Strong's:
H3409
Word #:
10 of 13
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
of the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
11 of 13
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
Cross References
Numbers 2:25The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.Numbers 1:53But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
Historical Context
The north side, while not carrying the prominence of east or traditional honor of south, was nonetheless essential for complete protection of the tabernacle. The Merarites' position ensured all four sides had Levitical guardians preventing unauthorized approach.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the equal dignity of all four Levitical positions teach us that every role in Christ's body has inherent worth regardless of visibility?
- What does the complete encirclement of the tabernacle teach us about comprehensive ministry covering all aspects of church life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Merarites' camp assignment on the north side of the tabernacle completed the four-sided Levitical enclosure around God's dwelling. Each clan's position had purpose and dignity, with no location considered inferior. This equal dignity across varying responsibilities illustrates that in God's kingdom, worth comes from faithful service in assigned roles, not from human hierarchies of importance.