King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:25 Mean?

And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

Context

23

From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation. to perform: Heb. to war the warfare

24

This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens: burdens: or, carriage

25

And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

26

And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.

27

At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens. appointment: Heb. mouth

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **And the tabernacle of the congregation.**—Better, *And the tent of meeting. *The *mishkan *or dwelling-place is distinguished in Numbers 3:25 from the *ohel *or tent which covered it. The curtains of the *mishkan *are represented in Exodus 26:6 as constituting the *mishkan *itself, the woodwork being apparently regarded as subsidiary to the curtains. These curtains were of fine-twined linen, while the curtains of the *ohel *or tent were of goats’ hair (Exodus 26:1; Exodus 26:7). **His covering.**—*i.e., *the covering of rams’ skins, which is here distinguished from the outer covering of badgers’ skins (Exodus 26:14). **And the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.—**Better, *the hanging *(or covering) *for the entrance of the tent of meeting *(Exodus 26:36).

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 4:25 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 4:25

Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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