Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses addresses Aaron and his sons, assigning specific transport duties to the Levite clans. This directive occurs during the wilderness encampment phase as the community prepares to dismantle and relocate the sanctuary.
The words — קַלְעֵי (qal'ei) translates literally to "curtains" or "hangings," designating the linen panels that formed the courtyard boundary. מָסַךְ (masakh) means "screen" or "veil," referring to the fabric that covered the courtyard gate.
The thread — The courtyard curtains and entrance screen are first commanded in Exodus 27:9 and Exodus 35:18, where their materials and dimensions are detailed. Numbers 4 shifts from construction to logistics by assigning these exact components to the Gershonites for transport.
Why it lands — The text states that the Gershonites are responsible for the courtyard curtains, entrance screen, ropes, and all related service equipment. A reader must recognize that sacred movement requires a fixed division of labor operating under priestly direction.
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
And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.
Cross-references
- Exodus 27:9 You are also to make a courtyard for the tabernacle. On the south side of the courtyard make curtains of finely spun linen, a hundred cubits long on one side,
- Exodus 35:18 the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the courtyard, along with their ropes;