Numbers 4:1
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 7
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֔ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
This joint address to Moses and Aaron occurs infrequently, usually regarding priestly matters or Levitical service. It demonstrates the complementary roles of prophet and priest in Israel's theocratic structure. Later, Christ would unite both offices—prophet, priest, and king—in His person.
Questions for Reflection
- How do prophetic and priestly ministries complement each other in church leadership?
- What happens when divine authority is supplanted by family or institutional loyalty?
- How does Christ unite all mediatorial offices in Himself?
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Analysis & Commentary
The repeated phrase 'And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron' elevates Aaron to partnership with Moses in receiving divine instruction regarding the Kohathites. This joint address emphasizes both prophetic (Moses) and priestly (Aaron) authority in ordering sacred service. The Hebrew construction shows coordinated leadership under God's ultimate authority. The Kohathites descended from Aaron's family line, so Aaron had familial interest in their duties, yet divine command superseded family preference.