Numbers 4:12
And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar:
Original Language Analysis
וְלָֽקְחוּ֩
And they shall take
H3947
וְלָֽקְחוּ֩
And they shall take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
1 of 21
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 21
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 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כְּלֵ֨י
all the instruments
H3627
כְּלֵ֨י
all the instruments
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
4 of 21
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְשָֽׁרְתוּ
wherewith they minister
H8334
יְשָֽׁרְתוּ
wherewith they minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
7 of 21
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
בַּקֹּ֗דֶשׁ
in the sanctuary
H6944
בַּקֹּ֗דֶשׁ
in the sanctuary
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
9 of 21
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
וְנָֽתְנ֖וּ
and put
H5414
וְנָֽתְנ֖וּ
and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
10 of 21
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֔לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
13 of 21
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְכִסּ֣וּ
and cover
H3680
וְכִסּ֣וּ
and cover
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
אוֹתָ֔ם
H853
אוֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תָּ֑חַשׁ
of badgers
H8476
תָּ֑חַשׁ
of badgers
Strong's:
H8476
Word #:
18 of 21
a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope
וְנָֽתְנ֖וּ
and put
H5414
וְנָֽתְנ֖וּ
and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
19 of 21
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Historical Context
The instruments of ministry included numerous specialized tools: firepans, fleshhooks, shovels, basins, all specifically crafted for tabernacle functions (Exodus 27:3; 38:3). Each served specific purposes in the sacrificial system. Their inclusion in transport ensured worship could resume immediately upon arrival at each camp. This prepared Israel for the conquest—worship would continue even during warfare.
Questions for Reflection
- How does comprehensive provision of ministry instruments teach that churches need all biblical means, not selective adoption?
- What happens when churches neglect certain biblical ministry elements?
- How do we ensure our ministry maintains all biblical components rather than cultural preferences?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The concluding phrase 'all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary' encompasses every tool used in tabernacle service. The Hebrew kol-kelei hasharet (all the vessels/instruments of service) emphasizes completeness—nothing forgotten or left behind. This teaches that effective spiritual ministry requires all necessary resources, not selective use of convenient elements. Churches similarly need comprehensive provision: Word, sacraments, prayer, discipline, mutual care—all components of biblical ecclesiology. Partial provision produces incomplete ministry.