King James Version
What Does Numbers 3:23 Mean?
“The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.”
Context
21
Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.
22
Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them were seven thousand and five hundred.
23
The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.
24
And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.
25
And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(23) **Behind the tabernacle westward.**—As the position of the twelve tribes in respect of the tent of meeting had been already determined, so in this and the following verses the position of the priests and Levites is fixed. On the east side of the tent Moses and Aaron and Aaron’s sons were to encamp, on the south the Kohathites, on the west the Gershonites, on the north the Merarites.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 3:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 3:23
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge