Bible Strands
Numbers 4:49
At the LORD’s command through Moses they were numbered, and each one was assigned his work and burden, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator reports that the LORD directed Moses to conduct a census and assign duties to the Levites following the completion of the tabernacle's covering. This occurs immediately after the count of 8,580 eligible workers is recorded in Numbers 4:48.
The words — The phrase עַל־פִּי (‘al-pî) translates literally as "at the mouth of," indicating direct instruction or command from Yahweh. The verb פָּקַד (paqad) denotes the formal enrollment or mustering of these men for service.
The thread — The pattern of numbering and assigning burdens reappears in Numbers 1:54, where the Israelites follow the LORD’s command through Moses in exact proportion. The administrative structure established here is later referenced in Numbers 4:21 regarding the Kohathites' specific duties.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to recognize that divine authority dictates both the selection of personnel and the specific tasks assigned to them. It establishes a model of obedience where individual roles are determined by explicit command 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
According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as the Lord commanded Moses.
Cross-references
- Numbers 1:54 Thus the Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
- 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 4:21 And the LORD said to Moses,
- Numbers 4:24 This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport:
- 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 1:47 The Levites, however, were not numbered along with them by the tribe of their fathers.
- Numbers 2:33 But the Levites were not counted among the other Israelites, as the LORD had commanded Moses.
- Numbers 3:51 And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons in obedience to the word of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.
- 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 4:41 These were counted from the Gershonite clans who served at the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron counted at the LORD’s command.