Numbers 4:25
And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,
Original Language Analysis
וְנָ֨שְׂא֜וּ
And they shall bear
H5375
וְנָ֨שְׂא֜וּ
And they shall bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 18
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙
of the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
4 of 18
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֹ֥הֶל
and the tabernacle
H168
אֹ֥הֶל
and the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
6 of 18
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵֽד׃
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵֽד׃
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
הַתַּ֥חַשׁ
of the badgers
H8476
הַתַּ֥חַשׁ
of the badgers
Strong's:
H8476
Word #:
10 of 18
a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִלְמָ֑עְלָה
skins that is above
H4605
מִלְמָ֑עְלָה
skins that is above
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
13 of 18
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
וְאֶ֨ת
H853
וְאֶ֨ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פֶּ֖תַח
for the door
H6607
פֶּ֖תַח
for the door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
16 of 18
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
Historical Context
The tabernacle's covering consisted of multiple layers: fine linen curtains embroidered with cherubim, curtains of goats' hair, rams' skins dyed red, and an outer weather-resistant covering of badgers' skins (or possibly dugongs). Each layer had symbolic and practical significance.
Questions for Reflection
- What do the multiple protective layers of the tabernacle teach us about God's comprehensive provision and protection?
- How should the detailed prescription of worship elements inform contemporary worship planning?
- In what ways does the beauty combined with functionality of the tabernacle reflect God's character?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The detailed enumeration of the Gershonites' specific responsibilities—the tent curtains, the tabernacle covering, the outer covering of badger skins, and the hanging door—shows that God leaves nothing to chance in worship. Each element served a purpose in protecting and beautifying God's dwelling place among His people. This meticulous detail reflects the Reformed principle that God's worship must follow His revealed will (the regulative principle), not human imagination.