Numbers 4:16
And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.
Original Language Analysis
פְּקֻדַּ֗ת
And to the office
H6486
פְּקֻדַּ֗ת
And to the office
Strong's:
H6486
Word #:
1 of 21
visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
5 of 21
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְשֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
H8081
וְשֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
6 of 21
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
הַמָּאוֹר֙
for the light
H3974
הַמָּאוֹר֙
for the light
Strong's:
H3974
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e., (abstractly) light (as an element); figuratively, brightness, i.e.,cheerfulness; specifically, a chandeli
וּמִנְחַ֥ת
meat offering
H4503
וּמִנְחַ֥ת
meat offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
10 of 21
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
הַתָּמִ֖יד
and the daily
H8548
הַתָּמִ֖יד
and the daily
Strong's:
H8548
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
וְשֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
H8081
וְשֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
12 of 21
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
הַמִּשְׁחָ֑ה
and the anointing
H4888
הַמִּשְׁחָ֑ה
and the anointing
Strong's:
H4888
Word #:
13 of 21
unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift
פְּקֻדַּ֗ת
And to the office
H6486
פְּקֻדַּ֗ת
And to the office
Strong's:
H6486
Word #:
14 of 21
visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙
of all the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙
of all the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
16 of 21
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
17 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
18 of 21
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Exodus 25:6Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,Leviticus 24:2Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.1 Peter 2:25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
Historical Context
Eleazar, Aaron's third son, would eventually succeed his father as high priest. His specific responsibility for these particular elements prepared him for this role. The items under his care were used daily in the tabernacle service and were essential for maintaining proper worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Eleazar's faithful stewardship of worship elements challenge modern church leaders?
- What do the four elements—oil, incense, grain, and anointing oil—teach us about comprehensive worship?
- In what ways does the anointing oil prefigure the Holy Spirit's work in consecrating believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Eleazar's oversight of the oil, incense, meal offering, and anointing oil placed him in charge of the most essential elements of worship—light, prayer, grain offering, and consecration. These four elements together represent the fullness of Israel's approach to God. The oil for light sustained the golden lampstand's continual flame, symbolizing God's presence and the illumination of His word. This verse demonstrates the principle that worship leadership requires both divine appointment and faithful stewardship of sacred things.