King James Version
What Does Numbers 4:1 Mean?
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,”
Context
1
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
2
Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers,
3
From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**4-16. with you there shall be a man of every tribe, &c.--**The social condition of the Israelites in the wilderness bore a close resemblance to that of the nomad tribes of the East in the present day. The head of the tribe was a hereditary dignity, vested in the oldest son or some other to whom the right of primogeniture was transferred, and under whom were other inferior heads, also hereditary, among the different branches of the tribe. The Israelites being divided into twelve tribes, there were twelve chiefs appointed to assist in taking the census of the people.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. 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 4:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.