Numbers 4:27
At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּי֩
At the appointment
H6310
פִּי֩
At the appointment
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
2 of 19
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
בְּנֵ֣י
and his sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
and his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
תִּֽהְיֶ֗ה
H1961
תִּֽהְיֶ֗ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּנֵ֣י
and his sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
and his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַגֵּֽרְשֻׁנִּ֔י
of the Gershonites
H1649
הַגֵּֽרְשֻׁנִּ֔י
of the Gershonites
Strong's:
H1649
Word #:
9 of 19
a gereshonite or descendant of gereshon
לְכָ֨ל
H3605
לְכָ֨ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַשָּׂאָֽם׃
all their burdens
H4853
מַשָּׂאָֽם׃
all their burdens
Strong's:
H4853
Word #:
11 of 19
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
וּלְכֹ֖ל
H3605
וּלְכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וּפְקַדְתֶּ֤ם
and ye shall appoint
H6485
וּפְקַדְתֶּ֤ם
and ye shall appoint
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
14 of 19
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
עֲלֵהֶם֙
H5921
עֲלֵהֶם֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בְּמִשְׁמֶ֔רֶת
unto them in charge
H4931
בְּמִשְׁמֶ֔רֶת
unto them in charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
16 of 19
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Aaron, as high priest, held ultimate responsibility for the tabernacle and its service. His sons, the priests, worked under his direction. The Levites served under the priests' supervision, creating three tiers of sacred service, each with distinct roles and responsibilities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the principle of appointed leadership in worship guard against individualism and disorder?
- What balance should exist between recognizing human authority in the church and Christ's ultimate headship?
- In what ways does submission to godly authority demonstrate trust in God's ordering of His church?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'at the appointment of Aaron and his sons' establishes the principle of ordained authority in worship. The Gershonites, though Levites, served under priestly direction. They could not decide for themselves what to carry or when; authority came from above. This hierarchy in worship leadership reflects the Reformed understanding of church government—God establishes order and authority structures for the edification and protection of His people.