Numbers 3:7

Authorized King James Version

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And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle.

Original Language Analysis

וְשָֽׁמְר֣וּ And they shall keep H8104
וְשָֽׁמְר֣וּ And they shall keep
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 1 of 14
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙ and the charge H4931
מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙ and the charge
Strong's: H4931
Word #: 3 of 14
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
וְאֶת H853
וְאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙ and the charge H4931
מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙ and the charge
Strong's: H4931
Word #: 5 of 14
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 6 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה of the whole congregation H5712
הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה of the whole congregation
Strong's: H5712
Word #: 7 of 14
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
לִפְנֵ֖י before H6440
לִפְנֵ֖י before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 8 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֹ֣הֶל the tabernacle H168
אֹ֣הֶל the tabernacle
Strong's: H168
Word #: 9 of 14
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד of the congregation H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד of the congregation
Strong's: H4150
Word #: 10 of 14
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
לַֽעֲבֹ֖ד to do H5647
לַֽעֲבֹ֖ד to do
Strong's: H5647
Word #: 11 of 14
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 12 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֲבֹדַ֥ת the service H5656
עֲבֹדַ֥ת the service
Strong's: H5656
Word #: 13 of 14
work of any kind
הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃ of the tabernacle H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃ of the tabernacle
Strong's: H4908
Word #: 14 of 14
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

Analysis & Commentary

The Levites' dual charge—'keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation'—demonstrates that their service benefited both Aaron (enabling him to fulfill priestly duties) and all Israel (maintaining the tabernacle where God dwelt among them). This principle of serving both leadership and congregation applies to church officers today who assist pastors while also serving the body of Christ. Effective ministry always has both vertical (toward God/leadership) and horizontal (toward people) dimensions.

Historical Context

The 'charge' (Hebrew mishmeret) refers to duties, obligations, and things entrusted to one's care. The Levites guarded, maintained, transported, and erected the tabernacle, enabling continuous worship without burdening the other tribes with these constant responsibilities.

Questions for Reflection

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