Numbers 10:17

Numbers 10:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, transporting it.

King James Version KJV

And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

American Standard Version ASV

And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, who bare the tabernacle, set forward.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then the House was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, who were responsible for moving the House, went forward.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then the Tabernacle was dismantled, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set off, carrying it.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

When the Tabernacle was taken downe, then the sonnes of Gershon, and the sonnes of Merari went forward bearing the Tabernacle.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the tabernacle hath been taken down, and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari have journeyed, bearing the tabernacle.

World English Bible WEB

The tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, who bore the tabernacle, went forward.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari moved forward, bearing the tabernacle.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the tabernacle was taken down, and the sons of Gerson and Merari set forward, bearing it.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then they dismantled the Sacred Tent, and the descendants of Gershon and Merari carried it, and they went next.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 10:17

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 10:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הוּרַ֖ד הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֑ן וְ/נָסְע֤וּ בְנֵֽי גֵרְשׁוֹן֙ וּ/בְנֵ֣י מְרָרִ֔י נֹשְׂאֵ֖י הַ/מִּשְׁכָּֽן

וְ/הוּרַ֖ד yârad H3381 to go down Conj | V-Hophal-3ms

הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֑ן mishkân H4908 tabernacle Art | N-ms

וְ/נָסְע֤וּ nâçaʻ H5265 to set out Conj | V-Qal-3cp

בְנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp

גֵרְשׁוֹן֙ Gêrᵉshôwn H1648 Gershon N-proper

וּ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 son Conj | N-mp

מְרָרִ֔י Mᵉrârîy H4847 Merari N-proper

נֹשְׂאֵ֖י nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal

הַ/מִּשְׁכָּֽן mishkân H4908 tabernacle Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 10:17

וְ/הוּרַ֖ד yârad H3381 "to go down" Conj | V-Hophal-3ms

To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.

Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down

Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.

הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֑ן mishkân H4908 "tabernacle" Art | N-ms

The tabernacle was a special tent where God met with the Israelites, as described in Exodus and Leviticus. It was a portable place of worship, like a dwelling place for God. The Israelites carried it with them.

Definition: 1) dwelling place, tabernacle 1a) dwelling-place 1b) dwellings Aramaic equivalent: mish.kan (מִשְׁכַּן "habitation" H4907)

Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. See also: Exodus 25:9; Numbers 3:23; Psalms 26:8.

וְ/נָסְע֤וּ nâçaʻ H5265 "to set out" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

In the Bible, this word means to set out or start a journey, like the Israelites departing from Egypt, or to remove something, as in pulling up tent pins.

Definition: 1) to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull out or up 1a2) to set out, depart 1a3) to journey, march 1a4) to set forth (of wind) 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled up, be removed, be plucked up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to set out, lead out, cause to spring up 1c2) to remove, quarry

Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way. See also: Genesis 11:2; Numbers 33:9; Psalms 78:26.

בְנֵֽי bên H1121 "son" N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

גֵרְשׁוֹן֙ Gêrᵉshôwn H1648 "Gershon" N-proper

Gershon was a son of Levi and an ancestor of the tribe of Levi, which played a key role in the priesthood and worship of the Israelites. He is mentioned in books like Genesis and Chronicles, and his name means 'exile'.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.11; son of: Levi (H3878); brother of: Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115); father of: Libni (H3845) and Shimei (H8096); also called Gershom at 1Ch.6.16,17,20,43,62,71; 15.7; § Gershon or Gershom = "exile" firstborn son of Levi born before Jacob's family went to Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Gershon, Gershom. See also: Genesis 46:11; Numbers 4:38; 1 Chronicles 15:7.

וּ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" Conj | N-mp

Definition: : child/son

מְרָרִ֔י Mᵉrârîy H4847 "Merari" N-proper

Merari was a man in the Bible, the third son of Levi and head of a family of Levites. His name means 'bitter' and he's mentioned in Genesis as an ancestor of the tribe of Levi.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.11; son of: Levi (H3878); brother of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955) and Jochebed (H3115); father of: Mahli (H4249), Mushi (H4187) and Jaaziah (H3269) Also named: me.ra.ri (מְרָרִי "Merari" H4848) § Merari = "bitter" the 3rd son of Levi and head of a Levitical family

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Merari. See also H4848 (מְרָרִי). See also: Genesis 46:11; 1 Chronicles 6:1; Ezra 8:19.

נֹשְׂאֵ֖י nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

הַ/מִּשְׁכָּֽן mishkân H4908 "tabernacle" Art | N-ms

Definition: 1) dwelling place, tabernacle 1a) dwelling-place 1b) dwellings Aramaic equivalent: mish.kan (מִשְׁכַּן "habitation" H4907)

Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. See also: Exodus 25:9; Numbers 3:23; Psalms 26:8.

Study Notes — Numbers 10:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 10:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 10:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 10:17
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 10:17
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 10:17
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 10:17
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 10:17
Sermons on Numbers 10:17

Context — From Sinai to Paran

15Nethanel son of Zuar was over the division of the tribe of Issachar, 16and Eliab son of Helon was over the division of the tribe of Zebulun.

17Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, transporting it.

18Then the divisions of the camp of Reuben set out under their standard, with Elizur son of Shedeur in command. 19Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai was over the division of the tribe of Simeon,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 7:6–8	So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. He gave the Gershonites two carts and four oxen, as their service required, and he gave the Merarites four carts and eight oxen, as their service required, all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
2	Numbers 1:51	Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.
3	Hebrews 12:28	Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
4	2 Peter 1:14	because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.
5	Numbers 4:21–33	And the LORD said to Moses, “Take a census of the Gershonites as well, by their families and clans, from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport: They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with the covering of fine leather over it, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, and the curtains for the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, along with their ropes and all the equipment for their service. The Gershonites will do all that needs to be done with these items. All the service of the Gershonites—all their transport duties and other work—is to be done at the direction of Aaron and his sons; you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry. This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the Tent of Meeting, and their duties shall be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. As for the sons of Merari, you are to number them by their clans and families, from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work of the Tent of Meeting. This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and bases, and the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use. You shall assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry. This is the service of the Merarite clans according to all their work at the Tent of Meeting, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.”
6	Numbers 3:36–37	The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service for these items, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes.
7	Numbers 3:25–26	The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting were the tabernacle and tent, its covering, the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, and the cords—all the service for these items.
8	Hebrews 9:11	But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation.

Numbers 10:17 Summary

The tabernacle was a special tent where God met with His people, and it was taken down and transported by the Gershonites and Merarites as the Israelites moved to a new location. This showed that God's presence was with them always, and they had to be careful and respectful when handling the tabernacle (as seen in Exodus 25:8). Just like the Israelites, we can trust that God is with us and guiding us, even when we're not sure what's ahead (Numbers 9:15-23). We can learn from the Israelites' example to be careful and respectful in our own relationships with God and others, and to trust in His guidance and provision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the tabernacle taken down in Numbers 10:17?

The tabernacle was taken down as the Israelites prepared to move to a new location, following God's command to set out and journey to the land He had promised them, as seen in Numbers 10:13 and Deuteronomy 1:6-8.

Who were the Gershonites and Merarites mentioned in Numbers 10:17?

The Gershonites and Merarites were clans of Levites, descended from Levi, who were responsible for transporting and caring for the tabernacle, as appointed by God in Numbers 3:21-22 and Numbers 3:33-37.

What was the significance of the tabernacle being transported by the Gershonites and Merarites?

The tabernacle represented God's presence among the Israelites, and its transportation by the Gershonites and Merarites symbolized the careful handling and reverence due to God's holy dwelling place, as emphasized in Exodus 25:8 and Hebrews 9:1-5.

How does Numbers 10:17 relate to the broader narrative of the Israelites' journey?

Numbers 10:17 marks a significant point in the Israelites' journey, as they transition from a period of rest at Mount Sinai to a new phase of travel, trusting in God's guidance and provision, as seen in Numbers 9:15-23 and Psalm 78:52-53.

Reflection Questions

What does the careful transportation of the tabernacle by the Gershonites and Merarites teach us about our own responsibility to handle God's Word and presence with reverence and care?
How can we, like the Israelites, trust in God's guidance and provision as we journey through life, even when the path ahead is uncertain?
What role does community and cooperation play in our own spiritual journeys, as seen in the collaboration between the Gershonites, Merarites, and other tribes in Numbers 10:17?
In what ways can we apply the principles of careful handling and transportation of the tabernacle to our own lives, such as in our relationships, work, or ministries?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 10:17

And the tabernacle was taken down,.... By the Levites, as Aben Ezra, and which appears to be their work, from Numbers 1:51; this began to be done by them as soon as the cloud was perceived to move

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 10:17

And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses. They first took their journey ... by the hand of Moses.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 10:17

(17) And the tabernacle was taken down . . . —The order of precedence as regards the twelve tribes which were encamped on the four sides of the Tabernacle is clearly laid down in Numbers 2, where it is ordered that the camp of the Lervites should set forward “in the midst of the camps” (Numbers 10:17). The precise position which the three bodies of Levites were to occupy in the marches is defined in this chapter. The Gershonites, who had the charge of the curtains and hangings of the Tabernacle and the court (Numbers 4:25-26), with their two wagons, and the Merarites, who had the charge of the heavier and more bulky materials (Numbers 4:31-32), with their four wagons, were to set forward after the first or eastern camp, which was composed of the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulon, in order that they might have time to erect the Tabernacle before the arrival of the Kohathites, “bearing the sanctuary” (or sacred things). Next in order after the Gershonites and Merarites followed the southern camp, consisting of the three tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad. Then followed the Kohathites in the centre of the procession, “bearing the sanctuary.” After them marched the three tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, who formed the western camp, and as the rereward, the three tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali, which formed the northern camp. This arrangement serves to throw light upon Psalms 80:2 : “Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come and save us.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 10:17

17. The verbs in this and the following verse, and in 21 f., 25, are perfects with Vav. This use, to describe consecutive actions in the past, though not unexampled in late literature, is rare. And it is probable that the writer intended them to be frequentative. The order of the host in the first march was that which was observed throughout the journeys.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 10:17

A more precise determination of the method of executing the order given in Numbers 2:17. The appointed place of the tabernacle, in the midst of the host, was represented during the march by the ark, the holy vessels, etc.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 10:17

17-21. Bearing the tabernacle — By inspecting the plan of the camp (Numbers 2:5, cut) it will be seen that the bearers of the various parts of the tabernacle wheeled into the column after the entire

Sermons on Numbers 10:17

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	Five Rules for Christian Living - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a holy fear and reverence for God. He explains that this kind of fear cannot be induced by external factors like fa
	The Calmness of the Trusting Believer Pt 1 by Aeron Morgan	In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching the Word of God in the Philippines, specifically among rebel tribes and in areas of extreme poverty. He emphasizes th
	Consider Him - Hebrews 12-3-17 by Anthony Mathenia	This sermon delves into Hebrews 12, emphasizing the Christian race as a theme, urging believers to endure and run the race set before them. It highlights the importance of respondi
	How to Resurrect a Dead Church by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the need for churches to be revived by the presence of Jesus Christ, highlighting the decline in spiritual fervor and the rise of dead churches. It calls for
	(Revival) Religious Stumbling Blocks - Part 1 by Michael L. Brown	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reasons why God is often left out of human religious structures and not welcomed in prestigious places. He emphasizes that when people thi
	Ye Are Come Unto Mount Zion by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the reality and power of the spiritual realm that believers have come to. He contrasts the abstract and imaginary nature of the natural world
	Leonard Ravenhill 85yrs Old Rebukes Pastors!! by Compilations	This sermon emphasizes the seriousness of reverence for God and the importance of being attentive and respectful in His presence. It calls for a deep reflection on one's attitude t