Census of the Levites
Numbers 4:34-49
Num.4.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואהרן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונשיאי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הקהתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- ולבית: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 3:27 (verbal): Nearly identical wording — Moses, Aaron and the leaders count the Kohathites “by their families and by the house of their fathers.”
- Numbers 3:15 (structural): Earlier command to number the Levites “by their families, by the house of their fathers,” providing the same organizational formula used here.
- Numbers 4:2 (thematic): Immediate context: God’s instruction to take the sum of the sons of Kohath (including age limits), linking the age-based census with the family/household ordering.
- 1 Chronicles 23:23-24 (allusion): David’s later numbering and organizing of Levites by families and fathers’ houses echoes the same institutional practice recorded in Numbers.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moses and Aaron and the leaders of the congregation numbered the sons of Kohath by their clans and by their fathers' households.
- Moses and Aaron and the leaders of the congregation counted the sons of Kohath by their families, by their fathers' households.
Num.4.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מבן: PREP
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- הבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לצבא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעבדה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- באהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 4:3 (verbal): Nearly identical wording earlier in the same chapter prescribing the age-range (30–50) for those entering service in the tabernacle; repetition of the legal formula for Levite duties.
- Numbers 4:23 (verbal): Another parallel verse in the chapter applying the same 30–50 age limit to a different Levite family/group, showing the consistent age requirement across clans.
- Numbers 8:24-25 (thematic): Gives a related regulation for Levite service but sets the entry age at 25 (to 50) — a closely related law that both overlaps and contrasts with the 30–50 rule in Numbers 4.
- 1 Chronicles 23:3,24 (structural): David's later reorganization of Levites mentions different age thresholds for service (e.g., from 20 or 30 for particular duties), reflecting a development/administrative adjustment of the age requirements found in Numbers.
Alternative generated candidates
- From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old you shall number them—every one who comes to the service to do the work at the Tent of Meeting.
- From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old—every one who came to do the service, to perform the work at the Tent of Meeting.
Num.4.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שבע: NUM,card
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וחמשים: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 3:21 (verbal): Both verses concern the counting of Levite families—an explicit instruction and report of numbering the Levites for their service.
- Numbers 1:2 (thematic): Introduces the general census motif in Israel (take the sum of the congregation), the larger context for family-by-family enumerations like Num 4:36.
- Numbers 26:57 (thematic): A later census passage that likewise lists the families and numbers of Levi/Cohorts; repeats the practice of enumerating families and totals.
- Exodus 30:12 (structural): Gives the census procedure (the half-shekel and counting) that underlies the various Israelite enumerations, providing ritual/legal background to passages like Num 4:36.
- 1 Chronicles 23:3 (thematic): David’s organization and numbering of Levites for temple service parallels the Numbers account’s purpose in counting Levite families for assigned duties.
Alternative generated candidates
- And their number by their families, by their fathers' households, was two thousand seven hundred and fifty.
- Their number by their families was seven thousand seven hundred and fifty.
Num.4.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- פקודי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- משפחת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- הקהתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כל: DET
- העבד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- באהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- פקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואהרן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 4:1-20 (structural): The opening section of the Kohathite instructions that sets out the same assignment of duties for the family of Kohath regarding service at the Tent of Meeting.
- Numbers 4:31-33 (verbal): Continues the Kohathite regulations (who may carry the holy things, restrictions, and the concluding formula linking the assignments to the LORD through Moses), closely mirroring the language and purpose of 4:37.
- Deuteronomy 10:8-9 (thematic): Describes how the LORD set apart the Levites to carry the ark and to minister at the sanctuary—themewise parallel to the Kohathites’ designated role at the Tent of Meeting.
- 1 Chronicles 23:24-32 (thematic): Later allocation of Levitical duties and divisions of service among families and age-groups, echoing the Numbers account of family-based responsibilities for cultic service.
- Exodus 25:8-9 (thematic): God’s instruction to build the Tent of Meeting and the requirement to follow divine specifications—background context for the regulations governing those who serve in and transport the sacred furnishings.
Alternative generated candidates
- These are the counts of the family of the sons of Kohath, all who served in the Tent of Meeting—whom Moses and Aaron counted at the LORD's command by the hand of Moses.
- These are the registrations of the family of the Kohathites, all who served in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron counted by the LORD's command through the hand of Moses.
Num.4.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ופקודי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,construct
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- גרשון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למשפחותם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,poss3mp
- ולבית: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
Parallels
- Num.4.21 (verbal): Parallel wording for the Kohathite list — the same formula about the sons being counted/assigned “למשפחתם ולבית אבתם.”
- Num.4.24 (verbal): Parallel wording for the Merarite list — again using the families/house-of-fathers formula for Levite divisions and duties.
- Num.26.57 (structural): Second census that repeats the Levite family formula (“אלה בני לוי למשפחתם ולבית אבתם”) and explicitly names the sons of Levi, including Gershon.
- Exod.6:16-20 (thematic): Genealogical background listing Levi’s sons (Gershon, Kohath, Merari), which underlies the tribal/familial divisions referenced in Numbers 4.
- 1 Chr.6:1-30 (allusion): Later genealogical and administrative recapitulation of Levite families (including Gershonites) and their divisions/duties, echoing the Numbers presentation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the counts of the sons of Gershon, by their families and by their fathers' households.
- And the registrations of the sons of Gershon by their families, by their fathers' households.
Num.4.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מבן: PREP
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- הבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לצבא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעבדה: PREP
- באהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 4:3 (verbal): Same age-range (30–50) specified for those 'to do the work of the service of the tent of meeting' earlier in the chapter—verbal repetition of the regulation.
- Numbers 4:23 (structural): Repeats the 30–50 age-limit for another Levitical family (the Gershonites) within the same chapter, showing the rule's application across clans.
- Numbers 4:30 (structural): Applies the identical 30–50 stipulation to the Merarites' tasks—another internal parallel that emphasizes the uniform age requirement for heavy tabernacle service.
- Numbers 8:24-26 (thematic): Related regulation stating Levites begin service at 25 and serve until 50 after a period of training/cleansing—often compared with Numbers 4's 30–50 as complementary distinctions between general ministerial duty and heavy labor.
- 1 Chronicles 23:24-27 (allusion): David's reorganization echoes Mosaic age limits by designating officers/judges from 30 upward and assigning duties within the 30–50 range, reflecting continuity and adaptation of Levitical service norms.
Alternative generated candidates
- From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old, every one who comes to the service to do the work at the Tent of Meeting.
- From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old—every one who came to do the service, to perform the work at the Tent of Meeting.
Num.4.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושש: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ושלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2 (verbal): Uses the same census formula “by their families, by the house of their fathers” — the standard wording for tribal/familial numbering in the Pentateuch.
- Numbers 3:15 (verbal): Another close recapitulation of the Levite/tribal numbering language — numbering by families and fathers’ houses in the context of priestly/Levitical organization.
- Numbers 1:46 (structural): Gives a parallel instance of a census total for the congregation; parallels the function of reporting an aggregate number after listing family counts.
- Numbers 26:5 (verbal): A later wilderness census that again organizes and reports the people “by their families, by their fathers’ houses,” showing continuity in census practice.
- 1 Chronicles 23:3 (thematic): David’s numbering and organization of the Levites (by divisions/age/groups) parallels the Numbers passages in purpose — organizing Levites for service by counted groups.
Alternative generated candidates
- And their number by their families, by their fathers' households, was two thousand six hundred and thirty.
- Their number by their families and by their fathers' houses was one thousand six hundred thirty.
Num.4.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- פקודי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- משפחת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- גרשון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- העבד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- באהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- פקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואהרן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 3:25-26 (verbal): Gives the roster and duties of the Gershonite families and uses the same language about their service for the tent of meeting and appointments made by Moses and Aaron at the LORD’s command.
- Numbers 4:23 (structural): Parallel passage within the same chapter assigning duties to another Levite clan (the Kohathites); shares the same structural formula of listing families, their tabernacle tasks, and appointment by Moses and Aaron under divine instruction.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (thematic): Summarizes the distinct role God gave to the Levites—set apart to serve at the sanctuary—echoing the theme of divine appointment to tabernacle service found in Num 4:41.
- 1 Chronicles 23:28-32 (thematic): Postexilic reorganization of Levites (including Gershonites) with assignments for temple service; parallels the enumeration of families and allocation of specific duties for sanctuary work.
Alternative generated candidates
- These are the counts of the family of the sons of Gershon, all who served in the Tent of Meeting—whom Moses and Aaron counted at the LORD's command.
- These are the registrations of the families of the sons of Gershon, all who served in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron counted by the command of the LORD.
Num.4.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ופקודי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- משפחת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מררי: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2 (verbal): Uses the same census/formula language — “take the sum… by their families, by the house of their fathers,” paralleling the phraseology of Num 4:42.
- Numbers 4:1 (structural): Begins the same section of Levite duties and census instructions (headings that assign responsibilities to Levite clans), showing the parallel organizational framework.
- Numbers 3:17 (thematic): Names the three Levite clans (Gershon, Kohath, Merari) and sets up the family-based divisions that Num 4:42 restates when assigning duties by families and fathers' houses.
- 1 Chronicles 23:24 (allusion): The Chronicler’s list of Levite families and their organization echoes the tribal/familial divisions and household-based assignments found in Num 4:42 (later reflection of the same administrative pattern).
Alternative generated candidates
- And the counts of the families of the sons of Merari, by their families and by their fathers' households.
- And the registrations of the families of the sons of Merari by their families and by their fathers' households.
Num.4.43 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מבן: PREP
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- הבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לצבא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעבדה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- באהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 3:23 (verbal): Gives the same age-range (30–50) for Levites (here the Kohathites) called to service — nearly identical legal wording.
- Numbers 4:3 (verbal): An immediately parallel statement in the chapter applying the 30–50 age qualification to those who perform work in the tent of meeting.
- Numbers 8:24-25 (thematic): Related law about Levite service that sets the age of beginning service at 25 and the upper limit at 50 — addresses the same topic (Levitical service ages) with a different starting age.
- 1 Chronicles 23:24-27 (allusion): David's reorganization of the Levites cites an adjusted service range (commonly 20–50 in the Chronicler's account), reflecting a later adaptation of the Levitical age regulations found in Numbers.
Alternative generated candidates
- From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old, every one who comes to the service to do the work at the Tent of Meeting.
- From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old—every one who came to do the service, to perform the work at the Tent of Meeting.
Num.4.44 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- שלשת: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומאתים: CONJ+NUM,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 3:39 (verbal): Also part of the Levite enumerations; uses the same census/numbering language for Levite families and individuals, showing the systematic counting of the tribe.
- Numbers 1:46 (thematic): A broader census of Israel’s fighting men — thematically similar as another instance of official population tallies used for organization and military/tribal administration.
- Numbers 26:62 (structural): In the later wilderness census the Levites are again treated distinctly (no tribal inheritance), reflecting the same structural distinction and separate counting seen in Numbers 4.
- 1 Chronicles 23:3 (allusion): David’s numbering and organization of the Levites echoes the earlier Mosaic listings and family divisions, continuing the administrative pattern of Levite rolls and assignments.
Alternative generated candidates
- And their number by their families was three thousand two hundred.
- Their number by their families was three thousand two hundred.
Num.4.45 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- פקודי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- משפחת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מררי: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- פקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואהרן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 4:24 (verbal): Same formula introducing the duties/assignments of a Levite clan (the Kohathites); parallels Num 4:45 in structure and purpose—cataloguing Levite charges.
- Numbers 3:21-32 (thematic): Earlier account of the Levites' census and assignment of duties (especially Kohathites) by Yahweh through Moses; provides the broader context for Num 4:45’s listing of Merari’s charges.
- Exodus 38:21 (verbal): Uses a similar opening formula (‘these are the accounts/records’) to introduce a tabulation related to the sanctuary; parallels Num 4:45’s cataloging language for sacred service.
- 1 Chronicles 23:24-32 (thematic): Post‑exilic parallel describing the divisions and specific duties/age‑requirements of Levites; echoes the administrative and functional concerns found in Num 4:45’s enumeration of Merari’s responsibilities.
Alternative generated candidates
- These are the counts of the family of the sons of Merari, which Moses and Aaron counted at the LORD's command by the hand of Moses.
- These are the registrations of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron counted by the LORD's command through the hand of Moses.
Num.4.46 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- הפקדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- פקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואהרן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונשיאי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- ולבית: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 3:15 (verbal): Gives the same instruction to take the Levites 'by their fathers' houses, by their families' — same language and census procedure referenced in Num 4:46.
- Numbers 3:39 (quotation): Counts 'all those who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the congregation of Israel numbered' — a closely parallel report of the Levite census and its agents.
- Numbers 1:47 (thematic): Contrasts the general census of Israel with the special status of the Levites (they were not numbered among the other tribes), highlighting the distinct treatment behind the Levite enumeration in Num 4:46.
- Numbers 26:62 (allusion): Reiterates that the Levites were not numbered among the fighting men of Israel, echoing the separate counting and special role indicated by the Levite roll call in Num 4:46.
- 1 Chronicles 23:3-5 (structural): David organizes and numbers the Levites by their fathers' houses and duties — a later, parallel administrative arrangement that mirrors the family/household‑based Levite censuses in Numbers.
Alternative generated candidates
- All those counted whom Moses and Aaron and the leaders of Israel numbered of the Levites by their families and by their fathers' households.
- All those who were counted—whom Moses and Aaron and the leaders of Israel numbered of the Levites by their families and by their fathers' households.
Num.4.47 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מבן: PREP
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- הבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעבד: VERB,qal,inf
- עבדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- עבדה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ועבדת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 4:3 (verbal): Nearly identical age formula — “from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years” — applied to those entering service in the tent of meeting.
- Numbers 4:23 (verbal): Repetition of the same thirty-to-fifty age rule for another Levitical clan (the Kohathites) within the same chapter and service regulations.
- Numbers 8:24-26 (thematic): Gives a related regulation for Levites’ service with a different entrance age (twenty‑five to fifty), addressing when Levites begin and leave duty in the sanctuary.
- 1 Chronicles 23:24-27 (thematic): David’s reorganization assigns Levites to temple service and specifies age ranges (from twenty up to fifty for heavy duties), reflecting later/practical adjustments to the Mosaic age limits for ministerial work.
Alternative generated candidates
- From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old, every one who comes to do the service—the work of service and the bearing of burdens at the Tent of Meeting.
- From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old—every one who came to perform the service, the work of service and the service of bearing burdens, in the Tent of Meeting.
Num.4.48 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- שמנת: NUM,f,sg,cons
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וחמש: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ושמנים: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 4:47 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same chapter: the same census formula is used to enumerate another Levite family (same wording and numerical-reporting pattern).
- Numbers 1:46 (thematic): An earlier national census formula (“the number of those counted was…”) — shows the same administrative practice of enumerating Israel by families and reporting totals.
- Exodus 30:12–13 (thematic): Instruction for a census by a ransom (half‑shekel) and the requirement to count the people; thematically parallel as another instance of Israelite population enumeration for service and regulation.
- 1 Chronicles 23:3–4 (thematic): A later registry of Levites and their duties under David; parallels Numbers in counting Levite families and assigning service roles.
Alternative generated candidates
- And their number was eight thousand five hundred and eighty.
- Their number was eight thousand five hundred and twenty.
Num.4.49 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- על: PREP
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- פקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- עבדתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3fs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- משאו: NOUN,m,sg,poss:3,m
- ופקדיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2 (verbal): Both passages begin with the divine command to take a census and frame Moses' action as carried out 'by the command of the LORD' (formula of numbered/by the LORD's word).
- Numbers 3:39 (verbal): Gives the total number of Levites after being numbered; parallels the outcome language and the Levites' registration carried out under God's instruction.
- Numbers 26:2 (verbal): Another census formula — 'Take the sum of the whole congregation' — showing the recurring command form for numbering Israel by divine instruction through Moses.
- Exodus 30:12 (allusion): Prescribes taking a census ('when thou takest the sum of the children of Israel') with divine intent and procedure, serving as an antecedent legal/ritual basis for later censuses.
- 1 Chronicles 23:3-4 (thematic): David numbers the Levites and arranges them 'for their service,' paralleling the assignment of duties and burdens ('על־ עבדתו ועל־ משאו') described in Numbers 4:49.
Alternative generated candidates
- At the LORD's command they were counted by the hand of Moses, each one according to his service and according to his burden—the numbers that the LORD commanded Moses.
- By the LORD they were numbered through the hand of Moses—each one according to his service and according to the burden he bore; these are the ones whom the LORD commanded Moses to count.
And Moses and Aaron and the leaders of the congregation numbered the sons of Kohath by their clans and by their fathers' households.
From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old—every one who came to the service to do the work at the Tent of Meeting—
their number, by their families, was two thousand seven hundred and fifty.
These are the numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all who served in the Tent of Meeting—those whom Moses and Aaron counted at the LORD's command by the hand of Moses. And the numbering of the sons of Gershon by their clans and by their fathers' households:
From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old—every one who came to the service to do the work at the Tent of Meeting—
their number, by their families, by their fathers' houses, was two thousand six hundred and thirty.
These are the numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon—everyone who served in the Tent of Meeting—whom Moses and Aaron counted at the LORD's command. And the numbering of the family of the sons of Merari, by their families and by their fathers' houses:
From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old—every one who came to the service to do the work at the Tent of Meeting—
their number, by their families, was three thousand two hundred.
These are the numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron counted at the LORD's command by the hand of Moses.
All those who were numbered whom Moses and Aaron and the leaders of Israel had numbered of the Levites, by their clans and by their fathers' houses,
from thirty years old and upward to fifty years old—every one who came to do the service, the work of service and the bearing of burdens in the Tent of Meeting—
their number, by their families, was eight thousand five hundred and eighty.
At the LORD's command they were numbered by the hand of Moses—each man according to his service and according to his burden, and according to the charges which the LORD commanded Moses.