Numbers 3:42
And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּפְקֹ֣ד
numbered
H6485
וַיִּפְקֹ֣ד
numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
1 of 11
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֹת֑וֹ
H853
אֹת֑וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
The Merarites were descended from Merari, Levi's youngest son (Genesis 46:11). Though assigned to transport the tabernacle's boards, bars, pillars, and sockets—the structural framework—their work was indispensable. Without them, the beautiful curtains and sacred furniture would have no support.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God numbers His servants from infancy encourage your sense of purpose?
- What 'structural' ministries in the church are often undervalued but essential?
- How can we cultivate gratitude for unglamorous but necessary service?
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Analysis & Commentary
The census of Merarite males from one month old parallels the Kohathite and Gershonite counts, emphasizing that every Levite was numbered and known to God from infancy. The specificity of 6,200 demonstrates God's precise knowledge of His servants. This meticulous accounting reflects the doctrine of divine omniscience—God knows each of His elect by name (John 10:3). The Merarites, though handling the less glorious structural components, were equally essential to tabernacle function, teaching that all spiritual service matters to God.