Numbers 7:5
Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service.
Original Language Analysis
מֵֽאִתָּ֔ם
H853
מֵֽאִתָּ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְהָי֕וּ
H1961
וְהָי֕וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לַֽעֲבֹ֕ד
it of them that they may be to do
H5647
לַֽעֲבֹ֕ד
it of them that they may be to do
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
4 of 15
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
H168
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
7 of 15
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה
and thou shalt give
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה
and thou shalt give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אוֹתָם֙
H853
אוֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אִ֖ישׁ
to every man
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
to every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
13 of 15
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
The Levitical clans had different burdens—the Merarites carried the heaviest items (boards and sockets), while the Kohathites carried the sacred furniture. The distribution of transportation resources would reflect these different needs, with the Merarites receiving more wagons and the Kohathites possibly receiving none since they carried sacred objects on their shoulders.
Questions for Reflection
- How does resource distribution according to service challenge egalitarian assumptions about fairness?
- What does appropriate allocation according to need teach about biblical stewardship?
- In what ways should functional requirements rather than status determine resource distribution in churches?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses receiving the wagons and oxen to distribute to the Levites shows proper ecclesiastical authority in handling gifts for ministry. The phrase 'every man according to his service' establishes the principle of distributing resources based on actual need and function. Not all received equally, but all received appropriately. This demonstrates the Reformed understanding that gifts are tools for service, not status symbols. Equity doesn't mean identical distribution but appropriate allocation according to calling.