Numbers 7:8
And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari, according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵ֣ת׀
H853
וְאֵ֣ת׀
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁמֹנַ֣ת
and eight
H8083
שְׁמֹנַ֣ת
and eight
Strong's:
H8083
Word #:
5 of 16
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
הַבָּקָ֔ר
oxen
H1241
הַבָּקָ֔ר
oxen
Strong's:
H1241
Word #:
6 of 16
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
נָתַ֖ן
he gave
H5414
נָתַ֖ן
he gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בֶּֽן
the son
H1121
בֶּֽן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 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
כְּפִי֙
according
H6310
כְּפִי֙
according
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
10 of 16
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
בְּיַד֙
under the hand
H3027
בְּיַד֙
under the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
12 of 16
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
the son
H1121
בֶּֽן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 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
Historical Context
The Merarites carried the entire structural framework of the tabernacle, including heavy bronze sockets that formed the foundation. These components, being solid metal and wood rather than fabric, required more substantial transportation. The eight oxen provided the pulling power necessary for moving such weight repeatedly during Israel's wanderings.
Questions for Reflection
- What does proportionate resource allocation according to burden teach about God's justice?
- How should recognizing that harder tasks receive more support encourage those in difficult ministries?
- In what ways does this principle challenge comparison and envy among different workers in God's kingdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Merarites receiving four wagons and eight oxen—double what the Gershonites received—reflects their heavier burden of boards, bars, pillars, and sockets. The bronze and wooden framework was substantially heavier than fabric coverings. This demonstrates that God distributes resources equitably based on need, not equally regardless of circumstances. The Reformed principle that to whom much is given, much is required also applies in reverse—those with greater burdens receive greater provision.