Numbers 10:17

Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, transporting it.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The narrative reports the moment the Israelite camp breaks station, detailing the precise sequence of the sanctuary's dismantling and the departure of the tribal divisions.

The words — וְ/הוּרַ֖ד (hu.rad) means "it was taken down," and נֹשְׂאֵ֖י (no.se.'ei) denotes the "bearers" or carriers responsible for the transport.

The thread — This dismantling protocol appears in Numbers 1:51 and Numbers 3:25, where Levitical clans are assigned the duty of taking down and carrying the sanctuary, while Numbers 7:6 records the provision of carts and oxen to support this task.

Why it lands — It requires recognition that worship follows a divinely ordered structure, with specific clans held accountable for the practical handling of sacred objects during movement.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

וְהוּרַ֖דve./hu.Radand/ it was taken down הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ןha./mish.Kanthe/ tabernacle וְנָסְע֤וּve./na.se.'Uand/ they set out בְנֵֽי־ve.nei-[the] descendants of גֵרְשׁוֹן֙ge.re.shOnGershon וּבְנֵ֣יu./ve.Neiand/ [the] descendants of מְרָרִ֔יme.ra.RiMerari נֹשְׂאֵ֖יno.se.'Ei[the] bearers of הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃ סha./mish.Kanthe/ tabernacle

King James Version

And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

Cross-references

Numbers 1:51 Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.
Numbers 7:6 So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites.
Numbers 3:25 The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting were the tabernacle and tent, its covering, the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting,
Numbers 3:36 The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service for these items,
Numbers 4:21 And the LORD said to Moses,
Hebrews 9:11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation.
Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
2 Peter 1:14 because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.