Numbers 4:47 - from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered in to do the work of service, and the work of bearing burdens in the Tent of Meeting,

Generated Verse: Numbers 4:47

What does "Numbers 4:47" mean?


This verse is part of a census taken in Numbers 4 of the Levites specifically designated for certain tasks within the Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting). Let's break it down:

"From thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old...": This establishes the age range for eligibility. Levites within this age bracket were considered to be in their prime for physical labor and mental acuity required for their duties.

"...everyone who entered in to do the work of service...": This refers to the general responsibilities of serving in the Tent of Meeting. This could encompass various tasks, depending on which family of Levites they belonged to (Gershonites, Kohathites, or Merarites).

"...and the work of bearing burdens in the Tent of Meeting...": This specifies one crucial aspect of their service: transporting the various components of the Tabernacle during the Israelites' travels. The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary, and its parts were heavy and cumbersome. This was physically demanding work.

In essence, the verse describes a group of Levites aged 30 to 50 who were responsible for both general service duties within the Tent of Meeting and, importantly, the strenuous task of carrying the Tabernacle's components during their journeys.

Significance:

Division of Labor: The verse highlights the structured organization of the Levites and their specific roles. Different families had different responsibilities.
Age Requirement: The age restriction suggests a focus on physical strength and maturity for the work.
Importance of the Tabernacle: Bearing the burdens of the Tabernacle was a sacred duty, emphasizing the importance of the Tabernacle as the dwelling place of God.
Census: This verse is a record of those eligible to perform these specific duties and shows the practical aspects of the community, from population size to specific skill sets.

What categories does "Numbers 4:47" have?