Latest Commentaries

The LORD pronounces judgment on the inhabitants of Judah because they rejected His covenantal laws and did not keep His statutes.

The LORD pronounces judgment on the inhabitants of Moab because they burned the bones of the king of Edom to ash.

Verses 40-51 relate what was to take place for the Levites to replace the firstborn as the LORD’s possession. First, a census was taken of the number of firstborn males of the non—Levite tribes (verses 40-43). Then, the LORD declared the Levites as His. Because the number of non—Levite males was greater than the number of Levite males, a "ransom" was to be paid to the priests (verses 44-51).

Moses and Aaron and his sons are to camp on the east side of the tabernacle. This is symbolic of Christ to come.

Verses 33 through 37 describe the next group to be considered. It was the family of Merari, the third born son of Levi. As in the previous sections, it recorded their numbers, their placement in the camp, and their duties in service to the priests and the tabernacle.

The next group considered was the family of Kohath, Levi’s second son. Recorded here are their numbers, their placement in the camp, their appointed leader, and their duties in service to the priests and the tabernacle.

The families of Gershon are listed: their numbers, their placement in the camp, their appointed leader, and their duties in service to the priests and the tabernacle.

The next set of instructions from the LORD involved numbering and placing the Levites. The numbers were to be by household and family. They were to count the number of males one month old and older. The numbers were to be by each family in the three sons of Levi and their descendants.

The LORD declared that the Levites were to be set apart to become His possession instead of the firstborn.

The LORD now described the role of the Levites outside of Aaron’s line. They were to minister for the people outside the tabernacle, as well as maintain the components of the tabernacle itself and its furnishings.

Verses 1-4 introduce the section of Numbers that concerns the appointment of the Levites to serve in the tabernacle and introduces their duties in that service. They also reaffirm that Aaron and his sons are priests before the LORD.

The grand total of the number of available troops excluding the Levites is recorded here, and it is reported that the Israelites obeyed the commands of the LORD.

The three tribes assigned to the north side of the tabernacle were Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. The number of men eligible for military service was given for each tribe. Also their leaders were named. These tribes were to move out last when the Israelites made their way through the wilderness.

The three tribes assigned to the west side of the tabernacle were Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin. These tribes were to move out third when the Israelites made their way through the wilderness.

The next part of the procession was the tent of meeting (the tabernacle). The Levites, who camped around the tabernacle, were to move out with the tabernacle.

The three tribes assigned to camp on the south side of the tabernacle were Reuben, Simeon, and Gad. The number of men eligible for military service was given for each tribe. The leaders are also named. These tribes were to move out second when the Israelites made their way through the wilderness.

The three tribes assigned to the east side of the tabernacle were Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. They were the fourth, fifth, and sixth sons of Jacob by Leah. The number of men eligible for military service was given for each tribe. The name of the tribal leader is also given. These tribes were to move out first ahead of the tabernacle when the Israelites made their way through the wilderness.

The Lord tells Moses and Aaron to divide the Israelites into groups around the Tabernacle.

Even though the Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, the LORD commanded that they were not to be numbered. The reason He gave was that the Levites were designated to be the ones who maintained and transported the tabernacle, the LORD’s dwelling place amongst His people. Thus, they were to be exempt from military duty.

Verses 20-46 relates the count of the number of men qualified for warfare by each tribe. The last three verses record the totals.