Numbers 4:41
These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
פָּקַ֥ד
These are they that were numbered
H6485
פָּקַ֥ד
These are they that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
2 of 16
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
מִשְׁפְּחֹת֙
of the families
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹת֙
of the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
3 of 16
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
בְּנֵ֣י
of the sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽעֹבֵ֖ד
of all that might do service
H5647
הָֽעֹבֵ֖ד
of all that might do service
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
7 of 16
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
H168
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
8 of 16
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
פָּקַ֥ד
These are they that were numbered
H6485
פָּקַ֥ד
These are they that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
11 of 16
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Aaron's involvement in numbering the Gershonites—his own extended family—ensured priestly oversight of Levitical organization. As high priest, Aaron understood the sacred nature of even fabric-related tabernacle service, having witnessed God's glory fill the completed structure (Exodus 40:34-35).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the recurring emphasis on divine commandment ('al-pi YHWH') challenge pragmatic, efficiency-driven approaches to church structure?
- What would it look like to view your daily work—even mundane tasks—through the lens of sharat (priestly ministry)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD—The repetition of divine authorization (cf. v. 37) for each clan's census underscores that spiritual service organization originates with God, not human preference. The phrase עַל־פִּי יְהוָה (al-pi YHWH, 'by the mouth of the LORD') appears like a refrain, preventing Israel from attributing Levitical structure to Moses's administrative genius.
Of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation—The verb שָׁרַת (sharat, to minister/serve) often denotes priestly service (Exodus 28:35, 43) distinct from general labor. Gershonites didn't merely work; they ministered, transforming manual labor into sacred worship. This sanctification of 'secular' work anticipates Colossians 3:23: 'Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord.'