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◄ Numbers 3:35►

New International Version
The leader of the families of the Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

New Living Translation
They were assigned the area north of the Tabernacle for their camp. The leader of the Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail.

English Standard Version
And the chief of the fathers’ house of the clans of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. They were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

Berean Standard Bible
The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

King James Bible
And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merariwas Zuriel the son of Abihail:these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.

New King James Version
The leader of the fathers’ house of the families of Merariwas Zuriel the son of Abihail. Thesewere to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

New American Standard Bible
And the leader of the fathers’ households of the families of Merariwas Zuriel the son of Abihail. They were to camp on the northward side of the tabernacle.

NASB 1995
The leader of the fathers’ households of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. They were to camp on the northward side of the tabernacle.

NASB 1977
And the leader of the fathers’ households of the families of Merariwas Zuriel the son of Abihail. Theywere to camp on the northward side of the tabernacle.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the leader of the fathers’ households of the families of Merariwas Zuriel the son of Abihail. Theywere to camp on the northward side of the tabernacle.

Amplified Bible
The leader of the fathers’ households of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. The Merarites were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

Christian Standard Bible
The leader of the families of the Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail; they camped on the north side of the tabernacle.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The leader of the family of the Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail; they camped on the north side of the tabernacle.

American Standard Version
And the prince of the fathers' house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: they shall encamp on the side of the tabernacle northward.

Contemporary English Version
The Merarites, under the leadership of Zuriel son of Abihail, were to camp on the north side of the sacred tent.

English Revised Version
And the prince of the fathers' house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: they shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The leader of the Merarite families and households was Zuriel, son of Abihail. They put up their tents on the north side of the tent of meeting.

Good News Translation
This clan was to camp on the north side of the Tent, with Zuriel son of Abihail as chief of the clan.

International Standard Version
The leader of the tribe and family of Merari was Abihail's son Zuriel. The descendants of Merari encamped beside the tent toward the north.

NET Bible
Now the leader of the clan of the families of Merari was Zuriel son of Abihail. These were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

New Heart English Bible
The prince of the fathers' house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. They shall camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

World English Bible
The prince of the fathers’ house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. They shall encamp on the north side of the tabernacle.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the prince of a father’s house for the families of Merari [is] Zuriel son of Abihail; they encamp northward by the side of the Dwelling Place.

Young's Literal Translation
And the prince of a father's house for the families of Merari is Zuriel son of Abihail; by the side of the tabernacle they encamp northward.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the chief of the house of the father to the families of Merari, Zuriel, son of Abihail: by the thigh of the dwelling shall they encamp to the north.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Their prince Suriel the son of Abihaiel: they shall camp on the north side.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Their leader is Suriel the son of Abihaiel. They shall make camp on the north side.

New American Bible
The leader of the ancestral house of the clans of Merari was Zuriel, son of Abihail. They camped at the north side of the tabernacle.

New Revised Standard Version
The head of the ancestral house of the clans of Merari was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the chief of the house of the fathers of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail; they shall encamp on the side of the tabernacle northward.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Ruler of the house of the fathers of the families of Merari: Tsuriel son of Abikhel; they shall be camping on the side of the Tabernacle from the North.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
the prince of the fathers' house of the families of Merari being Zuriel the son of Abihail; they were to pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the head of the house of the families of the division of Merari, was Suriel the son of Abichail: they shall encamp by the side of the tabernacle northwards.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Merarites
…34The number of all the males a month old or more was 6,200.35The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail;they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.36The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service for these items,…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

1 Chronicles 6:62
The Gershomites, according to their clans, were allotted thirteen cities from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh in Bashan.

1 Chronicles 23:12-13
The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—four in all. / The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.

Exodus 6:18
The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years.

Exodus 6:25
Aaron’s son Eleazar married one of the daughters of Putiel, and she bore him Phinehas. These were the heads of the Levite families by their clans.

Numbers 1:53
But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.”

Numbers 4:28
This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the Tent of Meeting, and their duties shall be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.

Numbers 4:33
This is the service of the Merarite clans according to all their work at the Tent of Meeting, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.”

Numbers 7:8
and he gave the Merarites four carts and eight oxen, as their service required, all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.

Numbers 10:17
Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, transporting it.

Numbers 18:2-3
But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die.

Deuteronomy 10:8
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.

Joshua 21:5
The remaining descendants of Kohath received ten cities by lot from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

1 Samuel 6:15
And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the chest containing the gold objects, and they placed them on the large rock. That day the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices to the LORD.

1 Kings 8:4
and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. So the priests and Levites carried them up.

2 Chronicles 29:34
However, since there were not enough priests to skin all the burnt offerings, their Levite brothers helped them until the work was finished and until the priests had consecrated themselves. For the Levites had been more diligent in consecrating themselves than the priests had been.

Treasury of Scripture

And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.

shall

Numbers 3:28,29
In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward,were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary…

Numbers 1:53
But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.

northward

Numbers 2:25
The standard of the camp of Danshall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Danshall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

Jump to Previous

Abihail Ab'ihail Camp Chief Encamp Encamped Families Fathers Father's Head House Households Leader Merari Merar'i Merarite North Northward Pitch Placed Prince Side Tabernacle Tents

Jump to Next

Abihail Ab'ihail Camp Chief Encamp Encamped Families Fathers Father's Head House Households Leader Merari Merar'i Merarite North Northward Pitch Placed Prince Side Tabernacle Tents

Numbers 3

1.The sons of Aaron
5.The Levites are given to the priests instead of the firstborn
14.Are numbered by their families
21.The families, number, and charge of the Gershonites
27.Of the Kohathites
33.Of the Merarites
38.The place and charge of Moses and Aaron
40.The firstborn are freed by the Levites
44.The balances are refunded

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail;
Zuriel, meaning "my rock is God," signifies the importance of divine strength and reliance on God. The Merarites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, responsible for the more structural aspects of the tabernacle, such as the frames, bars, pillars, and bases. This role highlights the importance of order and support within the community of Israel. The mention of Zuriel as the leader underscores the significance of leadership within the Levitical families, ensuring that the duties assigned by God were carried out efficiently. The name Abihail, meaning "father of might," further emphasizes the strength and authority expected in the leadership of the Merarites. This lineage and leadership structure reflect the organized and hierarchical nature of Israelite society, as established by God through Moses.

they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.
The positioning of the Merarites on the north side of the tabernacle is significant in the broader layout of the Israelite camp. Each Levitical family had a designated place around the tabernacle, which was the center of worship and the presence of God among His people. The north side was a strategic location, as it was one of the four cardinal directions that defined the camp's organization. This arrangement ensured that the tabernacle was surrounded and protected by those dedicated to its service. The north side, in particular, may symbolize strength and stability, aligning with the Merarites' responsibilities for the tabernacle's structural components. This placement also reflects the order and precision with which God instructed the Israelites to live, emphasizing the importance of obedience and reverence in their relationship with Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Zuriel
The leader of the Merarite families, whose name means "my rock is God" in Hebrew. He was responsible for overseeing the duties assigned to his clan in the service of the tabernacle.

2.Merarites
One of the three main divisions of the Levites, descended from Merari, the son of Levi. They were tasked with the care and transportation of the tabernacle's structural components.

3.Abihail
The father of Zuriel, whose name means "father of strength" in Hebrew. His lineage is significant in establishing the leadership within the Merarite clan.

4.North Side of the Tabernacle
The designated camping area for the Merarites, indicating their specific role and position in relation to the tabernacle, which was central to Israel's worship and community life.

5.Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, central to their worship and religious practices during their wilderness journey.

Teaching Points

Leadership and Responsibility
Zuriel's leadership role among the Merarites emphasizes the importance of godly leadership in fulfilling God's purposes. Leaders are called to guide their people in service and obedience to God.

Service in God's Kingdom
The Merarites' specific duties remind us that every role in God's kingdom is significant, whether seen or unseen. Faithful service in our assigned tasks contributes to the greater work of God.

Order and Structure in Worship
The organized camping and duties around the tabernacle illustrate the importance of order and structure in worship. God is a God of order, and our worship should reflect His nature.

Heritage and Legacy
The mention of Zuriel and Abihail highlights the importance of spiritual heritage and legacy. Our faithfulness can impact future generations in their service to God.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Numbers 3:35?

2.How does Numbers 3:35 highlight the responsibilities of the Merarite clans today?

3.What can we learn from Numbers 3:35 about God's order and structure?

4.How does Numbers 3:35 connect with other scriptures about priestly duties?

5.How can we apply the Merarite's obedience in Numbers 3:35 to our lives?

6.What does Numbers 3:35 teach us about serving God within our communities?

7.What is the significance of Numbers 3:35 in the context of Levitical duties?

8.How does Numbers 3:35 reflect the organization of the Israelite camp?

9.Why was the family of Merari assigned specific responsibilities in Numbers 3:35?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 3?

11.What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes?

12.Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites?

13.How could 2 Chronicles 35:7's massive number of sacrificed animals (30,000 lambs and goats) be logistically and historically feasible?

14.Do the cities assigned in Joshua 21 conflict with the earlier tribal boundaries in Joshua 14-20?

What Does Numbers 3:35 Mean

The leader

“The leader of the families of the Merarites …” (Numbers 3:35)

• God appoints specific men to visible roles, underscoring His concern for orderly worship (cf.Numbers 3:24; 3:30;1 Corinthians 14:40).

• Leadership among the Levites was not seized; it was assigned by divine command through Moses (Numbers 3:5-10).

• The term “leader” reminds every generation that spiritual authority is delegated and carries accountability (Hebrews 13:17).

of the families of the Merarites

• The Merarites were one of three Levitical clans—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari (Numbers 3:17).

• Their charge involved the heaviest pieces of the tabernacle: frames, crossbars, posts, and bases (Numbers 3:36-37; 4:29-33).

• God matched the clan’s assignment to its size and strength, illustrating that He equips His people for the tasks He gives (Exodus 31:2-6;Ephesians 2:10).

• The phrase “families of the Merarites” highlights the generational nature of ministry; fathers passed skill and calling to sons (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

was Zuriel son of Abihail

• “Zuriel” means “my rock is God,” a fitting name for one who led those responsible for the tabernacle’s structural supports.

• Mentioning his father, Abihail, safeguards the historical record and shows God values lineage and individual identity (Numbers 1:2;1 Chronicles 9:1).

• Scripture’s precision with names bolsters its reliability and roots doctrine in real history (Luke 3:23-38).

they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle

• Location mattered. The northern side balanced the Kohathites on the south (Numbers 3:29), Gershonites on the west (3:24), and Moses, Aaron, and the priests on the east (3:38).

• This symmetry protected the sanctuary on every side (Numbers 1:51) and facilitated swift assembly whenever Israel broke camp (Numbers 10:17, 21).

• The north quadrant also bordered the standard of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali (Numbers 2:25-31), visibly uniting Levites with the wider nation they served.

• God’s detailed layout teaches that worship is not haphazard; His people thrive when they honor His patterns (Exodus 25:9;Colossians 2:5).

summary

Numbers 3:35 records more than a census detail. It reveals God’s purposeful placement of people, the legitimacy of divinely appointed leadership, the value of family heritage in ministry, and the importance of order in worship. Zuriel and the Merarites remind believers today that every role—seen or unseen—matters when God assigns it, and that His design for His dwelling and His people is always exact, intentional, and good.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The leader
וּנְשִׂ֤יא(ū·nə·śî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5387:An exalted one, a king, sheik, a rising mist

of the families
בֵֽית־(ḇêṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A house

of the Merarites
מְרָרִ֔י(mə·rā·rî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4847:Merari -- a son of Levi

was Zuriel
צוּרִיאֵ֖ל(ṣū·rî·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6700:Zuriel -- 'my rock is El', a Levite

son
בֶּן־(ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A son

of Abihail;
אֲבִיחָ֑יִל(’ă·ḇî·ḥā·yil)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 32:Abihail -- 'my father is might', an Israelite name

they were to camp
יַחֲנ֖וּ(ya·ḥă·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2583:To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp

on
עַ֣ל(‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

the north
צָפֹֽנָה׃(ṣā·p̄ō·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6828:Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter

side
יֶ֧רֶךְ(ye·reḵ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3409:Thigh,loin, flank, side

of the tabernacle.
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן(ham·miš·kān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4908:A residence, the Tabernacle

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OT Law: Numbers 3:35 The prince of the fathers' house (Nu Num.)