Numbers 4:42
And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers,
Original Language Analysis
וּפְקוּדֵ֕י
And those that were numbered
H6485
וּפְקוּדֵ֕י
And those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
1 of 7
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם
of the families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם
of the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
2 of 7
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 #:
3 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם
of the families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם
of the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
5 of 7
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
Historical Context
Merarites camped north of the tabernacle (3:35) and received four wagons and eight oxen for transport (7:8)—double the Gershonites' allocation—reflecting their heavier structural loads. Archaeological parallels show ancient Near Eastern portable shrines required similar framework systems for nomadic worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the indispensability of Merarite 'infrastructure' work challenge modern prestige hierarchies that elevate platform ministry over behind-the-scenes service?
- What value do you see in multi-generational apprenticeship for Christian service, as opposed to individualistic training models?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The families of the sons of Merari—Named after Levi's youngest son (Genesis 46:11), the Merarites bore the tabernacle's structural framework: boards, bars, pillars, sockets, and pins (4:31-32). Theirs was the foundation work, literally supporting the Kohathites' holy objects and Gershonites' curtains. Without Merarite labor, the entire worship structure would collapse—a vivid picture of how 'lesser' service roles sustain visible ministry.
Throughout their families, by the house of their fathers—The genealogical structure ensured multi-generational continuity. Merarite sons learned carpentry and metalwork from fathers and grandfathers, developing expertise in assembling/disassembling the tabernacle efficiently. This apprenticeship model, lost in modern instant-training culture, cultivated deep competency and family legacy in God's service.