Context and Background:

Numbers 4:40 is part of a larger passage detailing the duties and responsibilities of the Levitical families during the Israelites' wilderness journey. The book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Pentateuch, is named for the censuses of the Israelite tribes and is primarily concerned with the organization, duties, and journey of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In this chapter, God commands Moses and Aaron to take a census of the Levites by their clans and families, specifically focusing on those who are eligible to serve in the Tabernacle.

Scripture:

Numbers 4:40 : "those numbered by their clans and families were 2,630."

Analysis:

This verse is part of the census of the Gershonite clan, one of the three main divisions of the Levites, alongside the Kohathites and Merarites. The Gershonites were responsible for the care of the Tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and other fabric elements. The specific number, 2,630, represents the men aged 30 to 50 who were eligible for service in the Tabernacle.

Theological Significance:

1. Divine Order and Organization: The detailed census and assignment of duties underscore the importance of order and structure in worship and service to God. Each clan had specific responsibilities, reflecting the belief that God is a God of order, not chaos (1 Corinthians 14:33).

2. Community and Service: The Levites' role highlights the communal aspect of worship, where each member has a part to play. This serves as a model for the Christian community, where believers are called to serve according to their gifts and roles within the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-8).

3. Holiness and Dedication: The Levites were set apart for sacred duties, emphasizing the concept of holiness and dedication to God's service. This prefigures the New Testament teaching that all believers are a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), called to live lives dedicated to God.

4. Faithfulness in Small Things: The specific enumeration of the Gershonites reminds believers of the importance of faithfulness in seemingly small or mundane tasks. Every role, no matter how minor it may appear, is significant in the eyes of God.

Practical Application:

Believers today can draw inspiration from the Levites' dedication and the meticulous organization of their service. It encourages Christians to approach their own roles within the church and community with diligence and a sense of divine purpose. Recognizing that God values order and faithfulness, believers are called to serve with integrity and commitment, trusting that their contributions, however small, are vital to the greater mission of the Church.

In summary, Numbers 4:40, while a simple record of a census, carries profound implications for understanding service, community, and dedication in the life of faith.2630 (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 4:40
even those who were numbered of them, by their families, by their fathers' houses, were two thousand six hundred thirty.
(See NAS NIV)

2630 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 2630 (1 Occurrence). Numbers 4:40 even those who
were numbered of them, by their families, by their fathers ...
/num/2630.htm - 6k

2600 (1 Occurrence)

/num/2600.htm - 6k

2750 (1 Occurrence)

/num/2750.htm - 6k

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