Numbers 4:33
This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁפְּחֹת֙
of the families
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹת֙
of the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
3 of 14
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 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 14
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 #:
8 of 14
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
בְּיַד֙
under the hand
H3027
בְּיַד֙
under the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 14
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 #:
12 of 14
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
The Merarites' burdens were the heaviest and most cumbersome—solid wood and metal components rather than fabric. Their service required greater physical strength, illustrating that God distributes responsibilities according to capacity and calling.
Questions for Reflection
- How does bearing burdens for the sake of God's presence among His people apply to church ministry today?
- What does the distribution of burdens according to capacity teach about God's wisdom in calling?
- In what ways does Christ's burden-bearing transform our understanding of sacrificial service?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Merarites' service of bearing burdens parallels the Gershonites' calling, yet with different objects. Both clans bore what was necessary for God's dwelling place among His people. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes that Christian service is fundamentally about bearing burdens for the sake of God's presence with His people. Christ ultimately fulfilled this by bearing the burden of sin to bring God and humanity together.