Numbers 3:8
And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.
Original Language Analysis
וְשָֽׁמְר֗וּ
And they shall keep
H8104
וְשָֽׁמְר֗וּ
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
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
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)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כְּלֵי֙
all the instruments
H3627
כְּלֵי֙
all the instruments
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
4 of 14
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
H168
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
5 of 14
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
6 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
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
and the charge
H4931
מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
and the charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
8 of 14
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
10 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
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
Historical Context
The tabernacle's instruments included the altar, lampstand, table of showbread, incense altar, ark, and various utensils for sacrifice and service. Each item had specific construction requirements (Exodus 25-31) and required careful handling to prevent profanation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Levites' careful maintenance of tabernacle instruments illustrate the church's responsibility to preserve and protect what God has entrusted?
- What does this teach us about the balance between preserving what God has given and allowing unauthorized innovation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command that Levites 'keep all the instruments of the tabernacle' emphasizes faithful stewardship of sacred things. God's people are trustees, not owners, of what He entrusts to them. The tabernacle's instruments were tools for worship, and the Levites' careful maintenance ensured they remained fit for sacred use. This principle extends to the church's stewardship of Word, sacraments, and ministry—we preserve what God has entrusted, not innovating or discarding according to human preference.