Numbers 4:32
And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַמּוּדֵי֩
And the pillars
H5982
וְעַמּוּדֵי֩
And the pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
1 of 16
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
הֶֽחָצֵ֨ר
of the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵ֨ר
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
2 of 16
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
סָבִ֜יב
round about
H5439
סָבִ֜יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
3 of 16
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֗ם
and their sockets
H134
וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֗ם
and their sockets
Strong's:
H134
Word #:
4 of 16
a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)
וּמֵ֣יתְרֵיהֶ֔ם
and their cords
H4340
וּמֵ֣יתְרֵיהֶ֔ם
and their cords
Strong's:
H4340
Word #:
6 of 16
a cord (of a tent); or the string (of a bow)
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כְּלֵ֖י
the instruments
H3627
כְּלֵ֖י
the instruments
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
8 of 16
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
וּלְכֹ֖ל
H3605
וּלְכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וּבְשֵׁמֹ֣ת
and by name
H8034
וּבְשֵׁמֹ֣ת
and by name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
11 of 16
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
תִּפְקְד֔וּ
ye shall reckon
H6485
תִּפְקְד֔וּ
ye shall reckon
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
12 of 16
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כְּלֵ֖י
the instruments
H3627
כְּלֵ֖י
the instruments
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
14 of 16
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
Historical Context
The bars held the boards together, the pillars supported the courtyard hangings, and the sockets provided the foundation. Each element was precisely crafted according to the pattern God showed Moses on the mountain, ensuring the tabernacle's structure matched its heavenly archetype.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the consecration of even tools and instruments inform our approach to work and daily life?
- What does the precision of the tabernacle's framework teach about God's attention to detail?
- In what ways should our methods and means reflect our commitment to God's glory?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The comprehensive list—bars, pillars, sockets, and all instruments—shows that the Merarites bore responsibility for every component of the tabernacle's framework. The specific mention of 'all their instruments' indicates that even the tools for assembly were consecrated for this purpose. This reflects the Reformed understanding that all of life is to be lived coram Deo (before the face of God), with even our tools and methods dedicated to His service.