So Moses numbered themMoses, as the leader of the Israelites, was responsible for organizing the people according to God's instructions. This act of numbering, or taking a census, was a practical measure for managing the community, especially in preparation for their roles in the service of the Tabernacle. The Levites were set apart for specific duties, and this census ensured that each family and individual was accounted for. This reflects the order and structure that God desired for His people, emphasizing the importance of each person's role in the community.
according to the word of the LORD
The phrase underscores the divine authority behind Moses' actions. It was not merely a human decision but a directive from God Himself. This highlights the theme of obedience to God's commands, which is a recurring motif throughout the Pentateuch. The "word of the LORD" signifies the communication of God's will, often delivered through prophets or directly to leaders like Moses. This obedience is crucial for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
as he had been commanded
This emphasizes Moses' faithfulness and submission to God's instructions. It reflects the biblical principle that leaders are to act in accordance with God's commands, serving as examples to the people. Moses' obedience is a model for leadership, showing that true leadership involves following God's guidance rather than personal ambition. This phrase also connects to the broader narrative of Israel's journey, where obedience to God's commands is linked to blessings and success, while disobedience leads to consequences.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this context, Moses is acting in obedience to God's command to take a census of the Levites.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, who commands Moses to number the Levites. This highlights God's authority and His direct involvement in the organization of His people.
3.
The LevitesA tribe set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle. This census is part of their consecration and organization for service.
4.
The WildernessThe setting where the Israelites are journeying after their exodus from Egypt. It is a place of testing, learning, and preparation for entering the Promised Land.
5.
The TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites. The Levites are given specific roles related to its care and transport.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's CommandMoses' action in numbering the Levites demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's specific instructions. As believers, we are called to listen and act according to God's Word.
God's Sovereign OrganizationThe census of the Levites shows God's intentional design and order for His people. This reminds us that God has a purpose and plan for each of us within the body of Christ.
Set Apart for ServiceThe Levites were set apart for a special role, illustrating the concept of being consecrated for God's work. As Christians, we are called to be holy and dedicated to serving God in our unique capacities.
Faithfulness in Small ThingsThe detailed organization of the Levites' duties underscores the value of faithfulness in seemingly small or mundane tasks. Every role in God's kingdom is significant.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 3:16?
2.How does Numbers 3:16 demonstrate Moses' obedience to God's command?
3.Why is it important to follow God's instructions as Moses did in Numbers 3:16?
4.What can we learn from Moses' example in Numbers 3:16 for our lives?
5.How does Numbers 3:16 connect to other instances of obedience in Scripture?
6.How can we apply the principle of obedience from Numbers 3:16 today?
7.What is the significance of Moses counting the Levites in Numbers 3:16?
8.How does Numbers 3:16 reflect God's authority and order?
9.Why were the Levites specifically chosen for this task in Numbers 3:16?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 3?
11.What did the Ark of the Covenant contain?
12.What are key events in Joshua's life?
13.Does the harsh divine reaction in Numbers 12:9-10 conflict with other biblical portrayals of God's mercy, suggesting an inconsistency in the text's depiction of God's character?
14.Is the law of Moses useful? Yes. All scripture is... profitable... (2 Timothy 3:16) No. . . . A former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness... (Hebrews 7:18)What Does Numbers 3:16 Mean
So Moses numbered them“So Moses numbered them…” (Numbers 3:16)
• The scene follows God’s directive to count every male Levite one month old and up (Numbers 3:14-15).
• Moses personally engages in the census, demonstrating hands-on leadership (Numbers 1:19;Exodus 38:21).
• Counting has spiritual purpose:
– Identifies those set apart for tabernacle service (Numbers 3:21-37).
– Provides a substitute tribe for Israel’s firstborn (Numbers 3:40-41).
• The literal numbering underscores God’s intimate knowledge of His people, echoed later when Jesus says even the hairs on our head are numbered (Luke 12:7).
• Like David’s later census done “by the word of the LORD” (1 Chronicles 23:3), this act highlights order in worship and ministry.
according to the word of the LORD“…according to the word of the LORD…”
• The directive originates with God, not human initiative (Numbers 3:11-13).
• Moses models that genuine ministry starts and stays within God’s revealed will (Exodus 40:16;Deuteronomy 30:14).
• Scripture’s authority guides every detail, reinforcing the truth that “man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
• When leadership aligns with divine instruction, the community enjoys clarity, protection, and blessing (Psalm 119:105;John 17:17).
as he had been commanded“…as he had been commanded.”
• The phrase spotlights complete obedience, not selective compliance (Leviticus 8:36;Numbers 20:9).
• Repetition drives the point: God spoke, Moses acted—nothing added, nothing withheld (Hebrews 3:5).
• Obedience brings the Levites into their God-given role, foreshadowing Christ’s perfect obedience that secures our place in God’s service (Philippians 2:8;John 14:15).
• Practical takeaways:
– Follow instructions fully, even in administrative tasks.
– Faithfulness in “little things” opens doors to greater stewardship (Luke 16:10).
summaryNumbers 3:16 records Moses’ precise, wholehearted execution of God’s command to number the Levites. Every word highlights submission to divine authority: he counts the people, does it by God’s word, and fulfills the command exactly. The verse invites us to value each believer’s place in God’s service, trust the reliability of Scripture, and practice thorough obedience in everything God assigns.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So Mosesמֹשֶׁ֖ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgivernumberedוַיִּפְקֹ֥ד(way·yip̄·qōḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6485:To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, depositthemאֹתָ֛ם(’ō·ṯām)Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative caseaccording toעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe wordפִּ֣י(pî)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according toof the LORD,יְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelasכַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר(ka·’ă·šer)Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thathe had been commanded.צֻוָּֽה׃(ṣuw·wāh)Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order
Links
Numbers 3:16 NIVNumbers 3:16 NLTNumbers 3:16 ESVNumbers 3:16 NASBNumbers 3:16 KJV
Numbers 3:16 BibleApps.comNumbers 3:16 Biblia ParalelaNumbers 3:16 Chinese BibleNumbers 3:16 French BibleNumbers 3:16 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Numbers 3:16 Moses numbered them according to the word (Nu Num.) 
