Numbers 4:31
And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
And this is the charge
H4931
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
And this is the charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
2 of 12
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
מַשָּׂאָ֔ם
of their burden
H4853
מַשָּׂאָ֔ם
of their burden
Strong's:
H4853
Word #:
3 of 12
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
H168
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
6 of 12
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
קַרְשֵׁי֙
the boards
H7175
קַרְשֵׁי֙
the boards
Strong's:
H7175
Word #:
8 of 12
a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
of the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
9 of 12
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
Historical Context
The tabernacle boards were made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, standing upright and fitted into silver sockets. Each board was approximately fifteen feet tall and over two feet wide, making them heavy and requiring careful handling during transport.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the essential nature of unglamorous foundational work challenge our pursuit of visible ministry?
- What does the golden covering of the boards teach about the value God places on structural support?
- In what ways does faithful service in supporting roles demonstrate Christ-like humility?
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Analysis & Commentary
The Merarites' burden of boards represents the fundamental structure supporting God's dwelling place. Boards, though less visibly glorious than the golden furnishings or embroidered curtains, were absolutely essential. Without them, the entire tabernacle would collapse. This teaches the Reformed principle that foundational, supporting work has immense value even when it lacks outward glamour. God values faithful service in every capacity.