Bible Commentaries
Numbers 4

Verse 1

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

spake. See note on Numbers 1:1 .

Verse 3

thirty. This thirty pertains to their numbering, The age twenty-five pertains to their service. So that there was a probationary live years. Changed (by Divine direction given to David) in 1 Chronicles 23:23 , 1 Chronicles 23:24 , 1 Chronicles 23:27 to twenty. Compare 2 Chronicles 31:17 .

all that enter into the host. This expression occurs five times in this chapter, verses: Numbers 4:3 , Numbers 4:30 , Numbers 4:35 , Numbers 3:39 , Numbers 3:43 .

tabernacle of the congregation = "tent of meeting". Hebrew. 'ohel. See App-40 .

Verse 4

most holy = the holiest. Hebrew holiness of holinesses. See note on Exodus 3:5 .

Verse 5

And. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton ( App-6 ), here and in following verses, to emphasize each particular in verses: Numbers 4:5-15 .

Verse 7

table of shewbread. See Exodus 25:30 and Leviticus 24:6 .

dishes. In ch App-4 rendered "charger" throughout.

spoons = dishes.

bowls = pans.

covers = bowls.

to cover = to pour. continual. Compare Leviticus 24:8 .

Verse 9

candlestick = light-holder, as in Genesis 1:14 .

Verse 10

bar = pole. Compare Numbers 13:23 .

Verse 14

the. Some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, Targum of Onkelos, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "and the". See note on Numbers 4:5 above.

fleshhooks: or forks.

and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton ( App-6 ), emphasizing each separate item.

basons: or sprinkling-bowls.

Verse 15

holy. See note on Exodus 3:5 .

Verse 16

light = candlestick. See on Numbers 4:9 above.

tabernacle = habitation. Hebrew. mishkan. App-40 .

Verse 19

every one = each to his own work. No confusion.

Verse 20

to see. Compare Exodus 19:21 . 1 Samuel 6:19 .

Verse 23

perform the service. Hebrew war the warfare. Figure of speech Polyptoton ( App-6 ), for emphasis = do the important or solemn work.

Verse 25

door = entrance.

Verse 27

appointment. Hebrew "mouth", put for what is said or bidden by it. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause). App-6 ,

Verse 30

do the work. Hebrew "serve the service". Figure of speech Polyptoton ( App-6 ), for emphasis = perform the solemn service.

Verse 32

the instruments of. Instead of these words some codices, with Samaritan Pentateuch, The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel and Septuagint, read "all", i.e. "all the charge".

Verse 37

commandment. Hebrew "mouth". Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , put for words spoken by it.

hand. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , "hand" put for ministry performed by Moses.

Verse 47

do the service. Hebrew "serve the service". Figure of speech Polyptoton ( App-6 ), for emphasis = do the solemn or important service.

Verse 49

commandment. Hebrew "mouth", put for what is said by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause). App-6 .

hand. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for ministry performed by it.

every one. Hebrew. 'ish 'iah. See App-14 .