Gershonites’ Service
Numbers 4:21-28
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Num.4.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Exod.25.1 (verbal): Same introductory formula 'And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying' that begins the lengthy instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
- Lev.1.1 (verbal): Uses the same divine-speech formula to introduce detailed priestly and sacrificial regulations—parallel in form and function.
- Num.1.1 (verbal): Another opening use of 'The LORD spoke to Moses' to introduce major legislative material (the census and organization of Israel) within Numbers.
- Exod.20.1 (structural): Although phrased slightly differently ('And God spoke all these words'), this verse performs the same structural role—introducing divine commandments (the Decalogue) by direct divine speech.
Alternative generated candidates
- And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying:
- And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying:
Num.4.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- נשא: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- גרשון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גם: ADV
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 3:18 (verbal): Uses the same technical formula for counting/identifying Levite clans — 'by their fathers' houses, by their families' (same Hebrew phrasing echoed in Num 4:22).
- Numbers 1:18 (structural): Part of the earlier census material where leaders are listed 'by their families' and 'heads of the house of their fathers' — parallels the administrative/census framing and language of Num 4:22.
- Numbers 26:4 (thematic): Later census of Israel repeats the clan/household language ('these are the families... by their fathers' houses'), reflecting the same tribal/household organizational concern as Num 4:22.
- 1 Chronicles 23:6 (allusion): In the later Chronicles account of Levites and their divisions the phraseology and concern with 'fathers' houses' and families recalls the Levitical organizational formulas found in Numbers 4:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- Take a census of the heads of the families of the Gershonites also, by their clans, by their fathers' households.
- Take a census of the heads of the sons of Gershon also—by their clans, by their fathers' households.
Num.4.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מבן: PREP
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- עד: PREP
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תפקד: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- כל: DET
- הבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לצבא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעבד: VERB,qal,inf
- עבדה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- באהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Num.4.3 (verbal): Uses the identical formula of age—'from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years'—to define who is numbered for service in the tabernacle (direct repetition within the same chapter).
- Num.8:24-26 (thematic): Also sets age-limits for Levite service in the tent of meeting but gives a different starting age (twenty‑five) and prescribes retirement at fifty, showing a related regulation with a differing scope/context.
- 1 Chr.23:24-27 (thematic): David’s reorganization of the Levites specifies age‑ranges for service (twenty to fifty in this passage) and allocation of duties—a later administrative parallel that echoes Numbers’ concern with age and functional assignment.
- Num.4:30 (structural): Another verse in the same census sequence that repeats the thirty-to-fifty age formula for a different Levite division, illustrating the repetitive structural pattern of Numbers 4 assigning work by clan and age.
Alternative generated candidates
- From thirty years old and upward to fifty years you shall number them—every one who comes to be mustered for service, to perform the work of the tent of meeting.
- From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old you shall number them—everyone who comes to the military service to perform the work in the Tent of Meeting.
Num.4.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- עבדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- משפחת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- הגרשני: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעבד: VERB,qal,inf
- ולמשא: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 3:25-26 (verbal): An earlier summary assignment of the Gershonite families to the tabernacle hangings and coverings—same duty stated before the detailed service lists in ch.4.
- Numbers 4:21-28 (structural): Immediate context: the passage that outlines the specific service and burden-bearing responsibilities of the Gershonite family, of which v.24 is a part.
- Numbers 4:29-33 (thematic): Parallel description of another Levitical clan (the Merarites) charged with transporting and bearing heavy parts of the tabernacle—shows the pattern of family-specific duties among the Levites.
- Exodus 26:1,7,14 (allusion): Describes the curtains, hangings and outer coverings of the tent of meeting (fine linen curtains, goat-hair hangings, rams' skins/other coverings) — the very items the Gershonites were charged to carry and tend.
Alternative generated candidates
- This is the service of the family of the Gershonites: to do the work and to bear the burden.
- This is the service of the family of the Gershonites: for service and for bearing burdens.
Num.4.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונשאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- יריעת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- המשכן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- אהל: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכסהו: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומכסה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התחש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- מלמעלה: ADV
- ואת: CONJ
- מסך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהל: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 4:5-15 (structural): Immediate context: instructions for the Kohathite Levites about covering and carrying the holy furnishings and tent components — verse 25 is part of this set of transport duties.
- Exodus 26:1-14 (verbal): Detailed specification of the tent's curtains and coverings (inner curtains, goats' hair, rams' skins) — parallels the objects named in Num 4:25 (the tent curtain, coverings, and related textiles).
- Exodus 26:31-33 (verbal): Description of the inner veil and the arrangement of curtains that separate and shelter the holy place — connects with Num 4:25's mention of the screen/curtain and entrance covering of the tent of meeting.
- Deuteronomy 10:8-9 (thematic): States God set apart the Levites to carry the ark and to serve at the tabernacle — thematically parallels the Levites' responsibility in Num 4:25 to handle and transport the tent's coverings and sacred furnishings.
- 1 Chronicles 15:11-15 (cf. 2 Samuel 6:3-7) (thematic): Narrative of moving the ark and the later corrective action to have Levites carry it properly — thematically echoes the concern in Numbers for proper handling and transport of the tent and its coverings.
Alternative generated candidates
- They shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tent of meeting with its covering, and the covering of tachash skins that is over it on top, and the screen of the doorway of the tent of meeting.
- They shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tent of meeting—its covering and the covering of tachash that is upon it above—and the screen for the entrance of the tent of meeting.
Num.4.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- קלעי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- החצר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- מסך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- החצר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- המשכן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- המזבח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- סביב: ADV
- ואת: CONJ
- מיתריהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- כלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- עבדתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ועבדו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 27:9-19 (structural): Gives the specifications for the court (hangings, posts, sockets, and dimensions) — parallels Numbers 4:26’s listing of the court hangings and related fittings.
- Exodus 27:16 (verbal): Mentions the screen/curtain for the entrance of the court, the same element (פתח שער החצר) named in Numbers 4:26.
- Exodus 38:9-16 (verbal): An account of the making of the court hangings, screen, and cords — an almost identical inventory of the same materials and fittings listed in Numbers 4:26.
- Exodus 26:36-37 (thematic): Describes the making of the screen/curtain for the tent’s door with similar materials and function, thematically parallel to the court entrance screen in Numbers 4:26.
- Numbers 4:25-33 (structural): Immediate context listing Levites’ duties and the specific items (hangings, cords, vessels) they are to handle and service, repeating and elaborating the same elements named in 4:26.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the pegs of the court, and the screen for the entrance of the court gate that is upon the tabernacle and upon the altar all around, with their cords, and all the implements of their service, and all the work that they perform.
- Also the hangings of the court, and the screen for the entrance of the court gate that is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the utensils of their service, and all that they shall do in their work.
Num.4.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- על: PREP
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובניו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- עבדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הגרשני: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לכל: PREP
- משאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp
- ולכל: CONJ+PREP+DET
- עבדתם: NOUN,f,sg,const+3mp
- ופקדתם: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,const+3mp
- עלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- במשמרת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- משאם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp
Parallels
- Numbers 4:24-26 (verbal): Immediate context repeating the same command about the sons of Gershon: their service, charge over the tabernacle hangings/coverings, with nearly identical wording.
- Numbers 3:21-26 (verbal): Earlier allocation of duties to the Gershonites—assigns them the carrying and care of the tabernacle curtains, hangings and coverings (precise items entrusted to them).
- Numbers 1:50-53 (thematic): General commissioning of the Levites to attend, bear, and guard the tabernacle and its vessels under Aaron’s oversight—provides the broader framework for the specific Gershonite responsibilities.
- 1 Chronicles 23:6 (allusion): Later (post‑exilic/monarchical) restatement of Levitical divisions: lists Gershonite duties for the tent, its hangings and curtains, echoing the Numbers assignment in an administrative setting.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the service of the Gershonites—for all their carrying and for all their service—shall be under the charge of Aaron and his sons; and they shall be assigned to them as overseers, to keep watch over all their burdens.
- All the service of the Gershonites, for all their burdens and for all their service, shall be under Aaron and his sons; and their oversight shall be upon them as a charge, to keep all their burdens.
Num.4.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- עבדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- משפחת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הגרשני: NOUN,m,sg,def
- באהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומשמרתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- איתמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 3:21-26 (verbal): Parallel assignment of the Gershonite families to service 'in the tent of meeting' and statement that their charge is under the hand of Ithamar — essentially the same organizational material found earlier in Numbers 3.
- Numbers 4:24-26 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same chapter enumerating the service of the Gershonites; repeats the formula 'this shall be the service of the family of the sons of Gershon' and links their responsibility to Ithamar.
- Numbers 3:30-31 (structural): Broader structural parallel describing the appointment of the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony and the role of Aaron and his sons in supervising Levite duties — situates the Gershonite assignment within the Levite organizational scheme.
- 1 Chronicles 23:6; 23:24-32 (thematic): David's later distribution and organization of Levite families (including the Gershonites) and the assignment of specific ministerial duties echo the Numbers material—showing continuity in Levite roles and oversight across the history of Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- This is the service of the family of the Gershonites at the tent of meeting, and their oversight shall be in the hands of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
- This is the service of the family of the Gershonites in the Tent of Meeting, and their oversight is in the hand of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying:
Take a census of the heads of the Gershonites also, by their clans, by their fathers' households.
From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old you shall number them—everyone who comes to the service to do the work at the Tent of Meeting.
This is the service of the family of the Gershonites: to perform the work and to bear the burdens.
They shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of meeting, its covering, and the covering of tachash that is upon it above, and the screen for the entrance of the tent of meeting. And the hangings of the courtyard, and the screen for the entrance of the courtyard gate that is at the tabernacle and around the altar, and their ropes, and all the implements of their service, and everything that pertains to their work—they shall do and serve.
All the service of the Gershonites—for all their burdens and for all their work—shall be under the charge of Aaron and his sons; and you shall assign them to Aaron and his sons as a custody over all their burdens.
This is the service of the family of the sons of Gershon at the Tent of Meeting, and their oversight is in the hand of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.