Numbers 4:26
And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵת֩
H853
וְאֵת֩
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קַלְעֵ֨י
And the hangings
H7050
קַלְעֵ֨י
And the hangings
Strong's:
H7050
Word #:
2 of 26
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
הֶֽחָצֵ֗ר
of the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵ֗ר
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
3 of 26
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פֶּ֣תַח׀
for the door
H6607
פֶּ֣תַח׀
for the door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
6 of 26
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
הֶֽחָצֵ֗ר
of the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵ֗ר
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
8 of 26
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 26
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֤ן
which is by the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֤ן
which is by the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
11 of 26
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 26
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
סָבִ֔יב
round about
H5439
סָבִ֔יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
14 of 26
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֵֽיתְרֵיהֶ֔ם
and their cords
H4340
מֵֽיתְרֵיהֶ֔ם
and their cords
Strong's:
H4340
Word #:
16 of 26
a cord (of a tent); or the string (of a bow)
וְאֶֽת
H853
וְאֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 26
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 #:
18 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כְּלֵ֖י
and all the instruments
H3627
כְּלֵ֖י
and all the instruments
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
19 of 26
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
וְאֵ֨ת
H853
וְאֵ֨ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
21 of 26
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 #:
22 of 26
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
23 of 26
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
The court hangings formed a barrier around the tabernacle complex, creating sacred space and preventing unauthorized approach. The cords and pins secured these hangings against the wilderness winds, maintaining the boundary between holy and common ground.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the seemingly minor elements like cords and pins challenge our tendency to despise small things in God's service?
- What does the comprehensive nature of these instructions teach about thoroughness in obeying God?
- In what ways does attention to detail in worship reflect the character of the God we serve?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The comprehensive inventory of the Gershonites' burden includes all the fabric infrastructure of worship—curtains, coverings, hangings, and their cords. The cords, though small, were essential for stability; without them, the entire structure would collapse. This teaches that seemingly insignificant details matter greatly in God's service. The Reformed emphasis on God's sovereignty extends to every detail of His worship—nothing is too small to escape His care and command.