And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

NUMBERS 3:25KJV
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Numbers 3:25 (KJV)

What does Numbers 3:25 mean?

Numbers 3:25 explains that the sons of Gershon were given responsibility for specific parts of the tabernacle, including the tent itself, its covering, and the curtain for the entrance. Their assigned duties focused on caring for and transporting these key coverings and hangings of the tabernacle of the congregation.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving instructions about the roles of the different Levite families as the Israelites travel through the wilderness. The sons of Gershon were one of the three main Levitical clans, and their job was to look after the fabric elements of the tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary where Israel worshiped during their journey.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 3:25

  • "charge" (מִשְׁמֶרֶת, mishmeret): This word means a duty, responsibility, or area of oversight. Here, it highlights that the Gershonites were officially assigned these tasks, not just casually helping.
  • "tabernacle" (אֹהֶל, ohel) and "tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): Both words are used in this passage. "Ohel" often refers to the tent structure itself, while "mishkan" refers to the dwelling or sanctuary aspect. The distinction shows the Gershonites cared for both the physical tent and its sacred function.
  • "covering" (מִכְסֶה, mikseh): This word points to the outermost layer or protective covering of the tabernacle, which shielded the structure from the elements. The Gershonites were responsible for this important protective layer.
  • "hanging" (מָסָךְ, masakh): This refers to the curtain or screen at the entrance. The Gershonites managed the entryway, controlling access to the sacred space.

Why Numbers 3:25 matters

  • Numbers 3:25 clarifies that the Levites had carefully defined roles, preventing confusion and ensuring the tabernacle was handled with respect and order.
  • The verse highlights the importance of every part of the tabernacle, showing that even the coverings and curtains were considered sacred and needed special care.
  • This assignment connects to the broader organization of Israel’s worship life in the wilderness, showing how God provided structure and purpose for each family within the community.

Where else these words appear

“covering” Hebrew H4372 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
  • Exodus 36:19 And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.
  • Numbers 4:10 And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.

“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 10:17 And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

“hanging” Hebrew H4539 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
  • Exodus 39:34 And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,
  • Numbers 3:26 And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.

“charge” Hebrew H4931 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
  • Numbers 9:19 And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD, and journeyed not.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.