Numbers 4:28
This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֛ת
of the families
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֛ת
of the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
3 of 13
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
בֶּֽן
of the sons
H1121
בֶּֽן
of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
H168
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
6 of 13
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וּמִ֨שְׁמַרְתָּ֔ם
and their charge
H4931
וּמִ֨שְׁמַרְתָּ֔ם
and their charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
8 of 13
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
בְּיַד֙
shall be under the hand
H3027
בְּיַד֙
shall be under the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
9 of 13
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
בֶּֽן
of the sons
H1121
בֶּֽן
of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
Ithamar was Aaron's youngest surviving son, his older brothers Nadab and Abihu having died for offering unauthorized fire. Ithamar's assignment to oversee the Gershonites while his brother Eleazar oversaw the Kohathites divided the supervisory responsibilities among the priestly sons.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the principle of oversight in ministry protect both leaders and the church?
- What does Ithamar's role teach us about delegation and shared responsibility in leadership?
- In what ways does accountability in service reflect our ultimate accountability to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Ithamar's oversight of the Gershonites establishes accountability in sacred service. Even those called to bear the tabernacle's coverings needed direction and supervision. This principle protects both the workers and the work—guidance prevents error, and accountability ensures faithful execution. The Reformed tradition emphasizes that ministry should be exercised within the context of church oversight, not independent individualism.