Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses directs the Levite clans during the preparation for moving the tabernacle through the wilderness. The command assigns Aaron and his sons as the overseeing authority for the Gershonite tribe.
The words — The phrase עַל־פִּי (‘al-pî) literally means "at the mouth of" or "by the command of," denoting authorized direction. It specifies that the Gershonites' transport work proceeds only under the spoken orders of Aaron and his sons.
The thread — The text establishes delegated oversight in Numbers 4:28, where Ithamar assumes responsibility, and echoes in Luke 1:70 regarding prophetic tradition and 1 Corinthians 11:2 regarding maintained traditions.
Why it lands — The verse states that sacred duties require assignment and oversight rather than autonomous action. It requires readers to submit to designated roles and recognize that order governs communal service.
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
At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens.
Cross-references
- Luke 1:70 as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past,
- 1 Corinthians 11:2 Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for maintaining the traditions, just as I passed them on to you.