Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 4

107 catchwords464 parallels

← Numbers | ← Ch 3 | Ch 5 →

Numbers 4 . 1 , The age at which the Levites were to begin to serve , and the duration of the service; Numbers 4 . 4 , The duty of the Kohathites; Numbers 4 . 16 , The charge of Eleazar; Numbers 4 . 17 , The office of the priests; Numbers 4 . 21 , The duty of the Gershonites; Numbers 4 . 29 , of the Merarites; Numbers 4 . 34 , The number of the Kohathites; Numbers 4 . 38 , of the Gershonites Numbers 4 . 42 , and of the Merarites.

Numbers 4:1

Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,

Numbers 4:1 · BSB

Reciprocal6 parallels

Numbers 4:2

“Take a census of the Kohathites among the Levites by their clans and families,

Numbers 4:2 · BSB

the whole verse2 parallels

Reciprocal5 parallels

Numbers 4:3

men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.

Numbers 4:3 · BSB

thirty years8 parallels

enter6 parallels

to do8 parallels

Reciprocal8 parallels

Numbers 4:4

This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things.

Numbers 4:4 · BSB

the whole verse7 parallels

Reciprocal6 parallels

Numbers 4:5

Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it.

Numbers 4:5 · BSB

And when3 parallels

Aaron shall come2 parallels

The law prohibiting any person , except the high priest on one day in the year , to enter into the most holy place , must have admitted an exception while the Israelites were in the wilderness . that exception , therefore , is here expressly made; and the directions given respecting it must be religiously observed , or the service could not be safely performed. While the cloud rested on the tabernacle , the general rule was in force; but when it was removed , then the priests might enter to prepare the sacred vessels for removal

they shall7 parallels

and cover3 parallels

Reciprocal9 parallels

Numbers 4:6

They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles.

Numbers 4:6 · BSB

badgers' skins2 parallels

This was not the covering of badgers' skins made for the tabernacle , which was carried by the Gershonites

  • Numbers 4:24 and
  • Numbers 4:25 but one made for the purpose of concealing and sheltering the ark when it was to be carried

a cloth6 parallels

the staves3 parallels

Reciprocal4 parallels

and shall put Wesamoo baddaiv , rather , "and adjust the staves thereof;" i.e. , dispose them rightly under the covering , that they might be laid on their shoulders . for the staves were never taken out of the rings.

Numbers 4:7

Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it.

Numbers 4:7 · BSB

the table3 parallels

Reciprocal10 parallels

cover withal or , pour out withal

the continual The Israelites , without doubt , were able to procure corn enough from the adjacent countries , even when in the wilderness , to make the shewbread , and to present the daily meat offerings.

Numbers 4:8

And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles.

Numbers 4:8 · BSB

the whole verse4 parallels

Reciprocal3 parallels

Numbers 4:9

They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand used for light, together with its lamps, wick trimmers, and trays, as well as the jars of oil with which to supply it.

Numbers 4:9 · BSB

the whole verse5 parallels

Reciprocal6 parallels

Numbers 4:10

Then they shall wrap it and all its utensils inside a covering of fine leather and put it on the carrying frame.

Numbers 4:10 · BSB

the whole verse2 parallels

Reciprocal1 parallel

Numbers 4:11

Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles.

Numbers 4:11 · BSB

the whole verse6 parallels

Reciprocal4 parallels

Numbers 4:12

They are to take all the utensils for serving in the sanctuary, place them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine leather, and put them on the carrying frame.

Numbers 4:12 · BSB

the whole verse12 parallels

Reciprocal2 parallels

Numbers 4:13

Then they shall remove the ashes from the bronze altar, spread a purple cloth over it,

Numbers 4:13 · BSB

the whole verse8 parallels

The embers of the sacred fire seem to have been removed in the grate , which was carried apart from the brazen altar; both being covered from view by purple cloths

Reciprocal1 parallel

Numbers 4:14

and place on it all the vessels used to serve there: the firepans, meat forks, shovels, and sprinkling bowls—all the equipment of the altar. They are to spread over it a covering of fine leather and insert the poles.

Numbers 4:14 · BSB

all the vessels thereof2 parallels

Reciprocal7 parallels

basins or , bowls

Numbers 4:15

When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.

Numbers 4:15 · BSB

after that7 parallels

they shall8 parallels

These things2 parallels

Reciprocal23 parallels

Numbers 4:16

Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.”

Numbers 4:16 · BSB

the office2 parallels

Eleazar himself , perhaps with the other priests , was required to carry the oil for the light , the incense , and the flour for the daily meat offering , and the holy ointment; besides superintending the Levites. It may be supposed , that he himself carried no more of the oil than for present use . see note on

the oil4 parallels

the sweet2 parallels

the daily1 parallel

the anointing1 parallel

the oversight8 parallels

Reciprocal2 parallels

Numbers 4:18

“Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be cut off from among the Levites.

Numbers 4:18 · BSB

the whole verse11 parallels

Eleazar and the priests would be chargeable with the death of the Kohathites , if they failed to give them proper cautions and directions; or permitted them to gaze with irreverence or curiosity upon the holy things , which they might carry , but not see

Numbers 4:19

In order that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and what he is to carry.

Numbers 4:19 · BSB

the most holy1 parallel

Reciprocal7 parallels

Numbers 4:20

But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die.”

Numbers 4:20 · BSB

they shall8 parallels

the holy things2 parallels

Hakkodesh , "the holy ," or "sanctuary ," i.e. , the ark , as the Jews generally understand it; and with good reason , as any one may be convinced , who compares

Reciprocal5 parallels

Numbers 4:21

And the LORD said to Moses,

Numbers 4:21 · BSB

Reciprocal1 parallel

Numbers 4:22

“Take a census of the Gershonites as well, by their families and clans,

Numbers 4:22 · BSB

the whole verse3 parallels

Reciprocal1 parallel

Numbers 4:23

from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.

Numbers 4:23 · BSB

thirty years1 parallel

to perform the service13 parallels

Heb. to war the warfare

Reciprocal6 parallels

Numbers 4:24

This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport:

Numbers 4:24 · BSB

burdens7 parallels

or , carriage

Reciprocal4 parallels

Numbers 4:25

They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with the covering of fine leather over it, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting,

Numbers 4:25 · BSB

the curtains3 parallels

the covering1 parallel

Reciprocal5 parallels

Numbers 4:26

the curtains of the courtyard, and the curtains for the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, along with their ropes and all the equipment for their service. The Gershonites will do all that needs to be done with these items.

Numbers 4:26 · BSB

the hangings1 parallel

and their cords1 parallel

Numbers 4:27

All the service of the Gershonites—all their transport duties and other work—is to be done at the direction of Aaron and his sons; you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry.

Numbers 4:27 · BSB

appointment3 parallels

Heb. mouth , The Levites were under the command of the priests. Eleazar exercised this authority in general , as next in succession to Aaron , and he in particular was placed over the Kohathites; while Ithamar , his younger brother , commanded the Gershonites and Merarites

Reciprocal5 parallels

Numbers 4:28

This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the Tent of Meeting, and their duties shall be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.

Numbers 4:28 · BSB

the whole verse3 parallels

Reciprocal5 parallels

Numbers 4:29

As for the sons of Merari, you are to number them by their clans and families,

Numbers 4:29 · BSB

the whole verse1 parallel

Reciprocal2 parallels

Numbers 4:30

from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work of the Tent of Meeting.

Numbers 4:30 · BSB

service8 parallels

Heb. warfare

Reciprocal4 parallels

Numbers 4:31

This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and bases,

Numbers 4:31 · BSB

the charge4 parallels

the boards1 parallel

Reciprocal4 parallels

Numbers 4:32

and the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use. You shall assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry.

Numbers 4:32 · BSB

the instruments6 parallels

Reciprocal5 parallels

and by name An inventory was taken of every particular , even to the very pins belonging to each part , that nothing might be wanting when the tabernacle was set up.

Numbers 4:33

This is the service of the Merarite clans according to all their work at the Tent of Meeting, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.”

Numbers 4:33 · BSB

under the hand3 parallels

Reciprocal4 parallels

Numbers 4:34

So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation numbered the Kohathites by their clans and families,

Numbers 4:34 · BSB

the whole verse1 parallel

Reciprocal1 parallel

Numbers 4:35

everyone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.

Numbers 4:35 · BSB

the whole verse14 parallels

Reciprocal1 parallel

Numbers 4:36

And those numbered by their clans totaled 2,750.

Numbers 4:36 · BSB

Reciprocal2 parallels

In the third chapter we have an account of the whole number of the Levites; and here of those only who were able to serve the Lord in the sanctuary. By comparing the two places , we find the number of the effective and ineffective males to stand thus .

Families , Effective Men , Ineffective Men , Totals

Kohathites 2 ,750 5 ,850 8 ,600 Gershonites 2 ,630 4 ,870 7 ,500 Merarites 3 ,200 3 ,000 6 ,200

Thus we find that the whole number of the Levites amounted to 22 ,300; of whom 8 ,580 were fit for service and 13 ,720 unfit , being either too old or too young. What an astonishing number of men , all performing some service by which God was glorified , and the congregation at large benefited!

Numbers 4:37

These were counted from the Kohathite clans, everyone who could serve at the Tent of Meeting. Moses and Aaron numbered them according to the command of the LORD through Moses.

Numbers 4:37 · BSB

Reciprocal4 parallels

Numbers 4:38

Then the Gershonites were numbered by their clans and families,

Numbers 4:38 · BSB

Reciprocal2 parallels

Numbers 4:39

everyone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.

Numbers 4:39 · BSB

Reciprocal2 parallels

Numbers 4:40

And those numbered by their clans and families totaled 2,630.

Numbers 4:40 · BSB

the whole verse1 parallel

Reciprocal2 parallels

Numbers 4:41

These were counted from the Gershonite clans who served at the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron counted at the LORD’s command.

Numbers 4:41 · BSB

the whole verse1 parallel

Reciprocal2 parallels

Numbers 4:42

And the Merarites were numbered by their clans and families,

Numbers 4:42 · BSB

Reciprocal2 parallels

Numbers 4:43

everyone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.

Numbers 4:43 · BSB

Reciprocal3 parallels

Numbers 4:44

The men registered by their clans numbered 3,200.

Numbers 4:44 · BSB

the whole verse10 parallels

The family of Merari , though smaller than either of the other families of Levi , yet had a greater number of able men than any of them; for out of 6 ,200 males of a month old and upwards , we find 3 ,200 who were neither too young nor too old for the service of the sanctuary; which was more than one-half of their whole number. In this the wisdom and providence of God appear most conspicuously; for the Merarites were charged with the heaviest part of the sanctuary , as the boards , bars , sockets , etc; and though waggons were afterwards provided for them , yet the loading and unloading of the sockets , and other things of great weight , would require much strength , both bodily and numerical. . Compare

  • Numbers 4:36 and
  • Numbers 4:40 with
  • Numbers 3:22
  • Numbers 3:28 Numbers 3 . 24. Thus God ever manifests his wisdom , in fitting men for the work to which they are appointed , whether with respect to number or gifts . "For to one is given , by the Spirit , the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge , by the same Spirit; to another faith , by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing , by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues , but all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit , dividing to every man severally as he will."
  • Numbers 3:34
  • Deuteronomy 33:25
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • 1 Corinthians 12:8-12
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9
  • 2 Corinthians 12:10

Reciprocal1 parallel

Numbers 4:45

These were counted from the Merarite clans, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the LORD’s command through Moses.

Numbers 4:45 · BSB

the whole verse1 parallel

Reciprocal2 parallels

Numbers 4:46

So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel numbered by their clans and families all the Levites

Numbers 4:46 · BSB

Reciprocal1 parallel

Numbers 4:47

from thirty to fifty years old who came to do the work of serving and carrying the Tent of Meeting.

Numbers 4:47 · BSB

From thirty5 parallels

every one5 parallels

Reciprocal3 parallels

Numbers 4:48

And the number of men was 8,580.

Numbers 4:48 · BSB

the whole verse4 parallels

Reciprocal3 parallels

Numbers 4:49

At the LORD’s command they were numbered through Moses and each one was assigned his work and burden, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Numbers 4:49 · BSB

According to the6 parallels

every one7 parallels

as the Lord2 parallels

Reciprocal6 parallels

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge is the classical cross-reference layer — centuries of catchword parallels beneath the site’s quotations, allusions, and echoes. Every reference above also flows into the wider web of connections.

In the wider web3 threads
Intertextuality Pairs
Allusions 1 Chronicles 15:13-15 → Numbers 4:4-15
Echoes Numbers 4:20 → Exodus 19:21
Trajectories
Levites (Substitutionary Service)
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