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

NUMBERS 10:17KJV
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Numbers 10:17 (KJV)

What does Numbers 10:17 mean?

Numbers 10:17 describes how, when the Israelites were traveling in the wilderness, the tabernacle was carefully taken down, and the sons of Gershon and Merari were responsible for carrying its parts as the people set out. This verse highlights the organized process for moving the sacred tent during the journey.

In this part of the book of Numbers, Moses is recording the specific roles assigned to different Levite families as Israel moves from Sinai. The sons of Gershon and Merari, two of Levi’s clans, had the duty of transporting the main structure and coverings of the tabernacle after it was dismantled. This careful order shows the importance placed on both the tabernacle and the responsibilities of those who served it.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 10:17

  • מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan, "tabernacle"): This word refers to the portable sanctuary where God’s presence was believed to dwell among the Israelites. Its use here emphasizes the sacredness of what was being moved.
  • נָסַע (nasa, "set forward"): This verb is used for breaking camp or setting out on a journey, underlining the organized movement of the whole community.
  • נָשָׂא (nasa, "bearing"): This word means to lift or carry, pointing to the physical task given to Gershon and Merari’s descendants, not just a symbolic role.

Why Numbers 10:17 matters

  • Numbers 10:17 clarifies that the Levite families had distinct, practical jobs, showing that the worship life of Israel involved real work and teamwork.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage by showing the orderliness of Israel’s camp and journey, not just a random migration but a well-planned movement centered on the tabernacle.
  • This detail helps readers see that the tabernacle was not just a spiritual symbol but a real, physical structure that required care, respect, and effort to move.

Where else these words appear

“Gershon” Hebrew H1648 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • Numbers 3:21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.
  • Numbers 7:7 Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to their service:

“Merari” Hebrew H4847 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • Numbers 7:8 And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari, according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs:

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:17 And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?

“forward” Hebrew H5265 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Numbers 10:25 And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
  • Numbers 33:32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.