Bible Strands
Numbers 3:23
The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Moses records the camp layout instructions for the Levite families during the wilderness transit. The verse assigns a specific geographic position to the Gershonite clans relative to the tabernacle.
The words — The verb יַחֲנ֖וּ (ya.cha.Nu) literally means "they will encamp," and the preposition אַחֲרֵ֧י ('a.cha.Rei) translates to "behind." These terms fix the Gershonite encampment at the rear of the sanctuary structure.
The thread — This placement executes the standing command that Levites must surround the tabernacle to prevent divine wrath (Numbers 1:53). It also maintains the structural rule that the Tent of Meeting travels centrally within the Levite camp divisions (Numbers 2:17).
Why it lands — The text mandates a fixed location for a specific clan, leaving no room for voluntary positioning. Readers must submit to the prescribed order of sacred space rather than personal preference.
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
King James Version
The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.
Cross-references
- Numbers 1:53 But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.”
- Numbers 2:17 In the middle of the camps, the Tent of Meeting is to travel with the camp of the Levites. They are to set out in the order they encamped, each in his own place under his standard.