Numbers 4:44
The men registered by their clans numbered 3,200.
The men registered by their clans
This phrase refers to the census taken of the Levites, specifically the Kohathites, who were responsible for the care of the sanctuary. The registration by clans indicates the importance of family lineage and tribal affiliation in Israelite society. This census was part of a larger organizational structure established by God for the service of the Tabernacle, ensuring that each clan had specific duties. The Levites were set apart for religious duties, emphasizing the theme of holiness and separation for God's service. This registration is reminiscent of other biblical censuses, such as those in the books of Chronicles, which also emphasize the importance of order and preparation in worship.

numbered 3,200
The specific number of 3,200 indicates the total count of Kohathite men eligible for service, aged between thirty and fifty, as outlined earlier in the chapter. This precise number underscores the meticulous nature of the census and the importance of each individual's role in the community. The number reflects the strength and capacity of the Kohathites to fulfill their duties in transporting the most sacred objects of the Tabernacle. This attention to detail in numbering is consistent with other biblical accounts, such as the numbering of the Israelites in the wilderness, which highlights God's concern for order and accountability. The number also signifies the readiness and preparedness of God's people to carry out His commands, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Gershonites
One of the Levitical families responsible for the care of the tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and other fabric elements. They were counted separately for their specific duties.

2. Moses and Aaron
Leaders of the Israelites who were responsible for organizing the census and assigning duties to the Levites.

3. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, central to their worship and community life.

4. The Wilderness of Sinai
The location where the census and organization of the Levites took place, a significant period of testing and preparation for the Israelites.

5. The Census
A divinely commanded enumeration of the Levites, highlighting their roles and responsibilities in the service of the tabernacle.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Order and Organization
God values order in worship and service, as seen in the detailed organization of the Levites. This principle can be applied to our personal and communal worship practices today.

Every Role Matters
The specific duties assigned to the Gershonites remind us that every role in the body of Christ is significant, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes.

Faithfulness in Service
The Levites' dedication to their tasks serves as a model for faithfulness in whatever God has called us to do, encouraging us to serve diligently and with integrity.

Preparation for Worship
Just as the Levites prepared the tabernacle for worship, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives for worship, ensuring that we approach God with reverence and readiness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the organization of the Levites in Numbers 4 reflect God's character and priorities?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of every role being important in our local church or community?

3. How does the service of the Gershonites in the tabernacle relate to the New Testament concept of the body of Christ?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our worship and service are orderly and pleasing to God?

5. How can the faithfulness of the Levites in their duties inspire us in our daily walk with Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 26
Describes the construction of the tabernacle, providing context for the duties assigned to the Gershonites.

1 Chronicles 23
Offers additional insight into the organization and duties of the Levites, showing continuity in their service roles.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the tabernacle as a foreshadowing of Christ's work, connecting the Old Testament service to New Testament fulfillment.
The Levites and the Regulation of Their DutiesD. Young Numbers 4:1-49
All have a Work to Do for GodJohn Ruskin.Numbers 4:34-49
Happiness of Working for GodNumbers 4:34-49
Many in the Church Who Do not Add to its ServiceHenry, MatthewNumbers 4:34-49
Power Running to WasteCanadian Independent.Numbers 4:34-49
Proportion Between Number and ServiceW. Jones.Numbers 4:34-49
The Numbered PeopleSpurgeon, Charles HaddonNumbers 4:34-49
Unfaithful Helpers are a BurdenYoung Men's ReviewNumbers 4:34-49
People
Aaron, Eleazar, Gershon, Gershonites, Ithamar, Kohath, Kohathites, Levi, Levites, Merari, Merarites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Clans, Families, 200, Hundred, Numbered, Ones, Thousand
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 4:43

     5716   middle age
     8345   servanthood, and worship

Library
The Warfare of Christian Service
'All that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle.' NUM. iv. 23. These words occur in the series of regulations as to the functions of the Levites in the Tabernacle worship. The words 'to perform the service' are, as the margin tells us, literally, to 'war the warfare.' Although it may be difficult to say why such very prosaic and homely work as carrying the materials of the Tabernacle and the sacrificial vessels was designated by such a term, the underlying suggestion is
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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