Numbers 4:45
These be those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
Original Language Analysis
פָּקַ֤ד
These be those that were numbered
H6485
פָּקַ֤ד
These be those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
2 of 14
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת
of the families
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת
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
בְּנֵ֣י
of the sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
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
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
פָּקַ֤ד
These be those that were numbered
H6485
פָּקַ֤ד
These be those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
7 of 14
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 #:
10 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּ֥י
according to the word
H6310
פִּ֥י
according to the word
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
11 of 14
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The Merarites were descended from Levi's youngest son. During Israel's wilderness wanderings (1445-1405 BC), they transported the tabernacle's structural framework using wagons (7:8). Their service required both physical strength and precise adherence to divine specifications revealed at Sinai.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the specific numbering of Merarites challenge modern assumptions that all spiritual service should be glamorous or high-profile?
- What does the phrase 'according to the word of the LORD' teach about finding purpose in seemingly mundane or physically demanding ministry?
- How might viewing your current responsibilities as 'numbered by the hand of Moses' (divinely appointed) transform your attitude toward work?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari (פְּקוּדֵי, pequdei, 'those appointed/counted')—The Merarites received the most physically demanding tabernacle duty: transporting frames, bars, pillars, and sockets (4:31-32). The census formula whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses emphasizes divine initiative in service organization.
The phrase by the hand of Moses (בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה, beyad-Mosheh) occurs repeatedly in Numbers 4, highlighting Moses as God's appointed mediator. Every Levitical assignment originated from Sinai's direct revelation, not human planning. This structured accountability prevented chaos in transporting God's dwelling.