Numbers 4

Numbers 4:1

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

spake. See note on Numbers 1:1.

Numbers 4:3

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.

Numbers 4:4

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

Numbers 4:5

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

Numbers 4:7

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

dishes. In chApp-4rendered “charger” throughout.

spoons = dishes.

bowls = pans.

covers = bowls.

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

Numbers 4:9

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

Numbers 4:10

bar = pole. Compare Numbers 13:23.

Numbers 4:14

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.

Numbers 4:15

holy. See note on Exodus 3:5.

Numbers 4:16

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

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

Numbers 4:19

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

Numbers 4:20

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

Numbers 4:23

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

Numbers 4:25

door = entrance.

Numbers 4:27

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

Numbers 4:30

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

Numbers 4:32

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”.

Numbers 4:37

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.

Numbers 4:47

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

Numbers 4:49

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.