What does Numbers 3:47 mean?
"Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)" - Numbers 3:47
Numbers 3:47 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them (but) take the Levites according to the service of the tabernacle of the congregation."
To fully understand the meaning and context of this verse, it is important to examine the surrounding passages in the book of Numbers. The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Hebrew Bible and focuses on the Israelites' journey from Mount Sinai to the edge of the Promised Land. It contains laws, regulations, and historical accounts that were important to the Israelites during this time.
In Numbers 3, the focus is on the Levites, who were chosen by God to serve in the tabernacle and assist the priests in their duties. The Levites were given specific tasks related to the care, maintenance, and transportation of the tabernacle and its furnishings.
In verse 47, the Lord instructs Moses regarding the counting and valuation of the Levites. The passage explains that the Levites are to be counted individually and then a specific amount is to be taken from each person as a contribution to the service of the tabernacle. The term "by the poll" indicates that this contribution is to be collected from each individual, not as a collective sum.
The use of the term "shekel of the sanctuary" is significant, as it underscores the sacred and holy nature of the contribution. The shekel was a unit of weight and currency in ancient times, and the shekel of the sanctuary was a standard used for offerings and contributions to God. By using this specific term, the verse emphasizes the spiritual significance of the Levites' contribution and their role in serving God in the tabernacle.
The verse also mentions the "service of the tabernacle of the congregation," highlighting the importance of the Levites' role in the religious practices and rituals of the Israelites. They were responsible for the practical and logistical aspects of maintaining the tabernacle, as well as supporting the priestly duties and the spiritual life of the community.
In a broader context, this verse speaks to the idea of stewardship and the importance of contributing to the work of God. The Levites were required to give a portion of their earnings to support the service of the tabernacle, demonstrating their commitment to the spiritual community and their willingness to support the work of God. This principle of giving and sacrificial service is a timeless theme found throughout the Bible, and it continues to be relevant to believers today.
Symbolically, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the value of service and the importance of supporting the work of God's kingdom. It emphasizes the idea that all members of the community have a role to play in furthering the mission and ministry of the church. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer work, or other forms of support, this verse encourages believers to actively participate in the service of God and the welfare of the faith community.
In conclusion, Numbers 3:47 provides a specific instruction regarding the contribution of the Levites to the service of the tabernacle. It underscores the spiritual significance of their offering and their role in supporting the religious practices of the Israelites. This verse also conveys a broader message about the importance of stewardship and the value of sacrificial service in the work of God's kingdom. As such, it continues to offer meaningful insights and challenges to believers today.
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Numbers 3:47 Artwork
Numbers 3:47 - "Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)"
"Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)" - Numbers 3:47
Numbers 1:47 - "¶ But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them."
Numbers 33:47 - "And they removed from Almon-diblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo."
Numbers 26:47 - "These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred."
Lamentations 3:47 - "Fear and a snare is come upon us, desolation and destruction."
"¶ But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them." - Numbers 1:47
Numbers 7:47 - "And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel."
Numbers 16:47 - "And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people."
Psalms 47:3 - "He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet."
"And they removed from Almon-diblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo." - Numbers 33:47
Numbers 4:47 - "From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation,"
Numbers 31:47 - "Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, which kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses."
"Fear and a snare is come upon us, desolation and destruction." - Lamentations 3:47
Jeremiah 47:3 - "At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to their children for feebleness of hands;"
Genesis 47:3 - "And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers."
Ezekiel 47:3 - "And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ancles."
"These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred." - Numbers 26:47
"He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet." - Psalms 47:3
Numbers 3:41
Isaiah 47:3 - "Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man." The image should not depict explicit or offensive content but be symbolic.
Numbers 3:16 - "And Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he was commanded."
Numbers 3:3 - "These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office."
Numbers 3:5 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 3:44 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 3:11 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
"And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel." - Numbers 7:47
Picture of Numbers 21:1-3
Levites selected as priests in numbers 3
"And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people." - Numbers 16:47