This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the Tent of MeetingThe Gershonites were one of the three Levitical clans, descendants of Levi through his son Gershon. Their service at the Tent of Meeting involved the care and transportation of the tabernacle's coverings, curtains, and other fabric elements. This role highlights the importance of order and structure in worship, as each clan had specific duties. The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It symbolizes God's presence and the centrality of worship in the life of the Israelite community.
and their duties shall be under the direction of Ithamar
Ithamar was one of the sons of Aaron, the first high priest. His role in overseeing the Gershonites' duties underscores the hierarchical structure within the priesthood and the importance of leadership and accountability in religious service. Ithamar's oversight ensured that the tasks were performed according to divine instructions, reflecting the need for obedience and precision in worship practices.
son of Aaron the priest
Aaron, the brother of Moses, was appointed by God as the first high priest of Israel. His lineage established the priestly line, and his sons, including Ithamar, continued this sacred duty. The mention of Aaron emphasizes the hereditary nature of the priesthood and the continuity of spiritual leadership. It also points to the role of the priest as a mediator between God and the people, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ, who is considered the ultimate High Priest in Christian theology.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
GershonitesA Levitical family responsible for specific duties related to the Tabernacle. They were descendants of Gershon, the son of Levi.
2.
Tent of MeetingAlso known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.
3.
IthamarThe youngest son of Aaron, the high priest. He was responsible for overseeing the duties of the Gershonites and other Levitical families.
4.
AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. His sons, including Ithamar, were given priestly duties.
5.
Levitical ServiceThe specific roles and responsibilities assigned to the Levites, who were set apart for the service of the Tabernacle.
Teaching Points
Delegation and Order in ServiceThe organization of duties among the Levites, under the supervision of Ithamar, highlights the importance of delegation and order in ministry. Each person has a specific role, contributing to the overall function of the community.
Faithfulness in Assigned RolesThe Gershonites were entrusted with specific tasks. This teaches us the value of being faithful in whatever role God assigns us, no matter how seemingly small or large.
Priestly OversightIthamar's role in overseeing the Gershonites underscores the need for spiritual oversight and accountability in ministry. Leaders are called to guide and support those under their care.
Continuity of WorshipThe service of the Gershonites in the Tent of Meeting points to the continuity of worship practices, reminding us of the importance of maintaining a heart of worship in all aspects of life.
Community and CooperationThe cooperation among the Levitical families illustrates the necessity of working together in unity for the common goal of serving God and His people.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 4:28?
2.How does Numbers 4:28 emphasize the importance of following God's specific instructions?
3.What role does Eleazar play in ensuring the duties are properly executed?
4.How can we apply the principle of assigned responsibilities in our church today?
5.Compare Numbers 4:28 with 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 on diverse roles in the body.
6.How does Numbers 4:28 encourage accountability in our personal spiritual practices?
7.What is the significance of Numbers 4:28 in the context of Levitical duties?
8.How does Numbers 4:28 reflect the organization of the Israelite camp?
9.Why is the Gershonites' service detailed in Numbers 4:28 important for understanding biblical priesthood?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 4?
11.Who was Ithamar in the Bible?
12.Who was Eleazar in the Bible?
13.Who was the high priest in the Bible?
14.Who was Ithamar in the Bible?What Does Numbers 4:28 Mean
This is the serviceNumbers 4:28 opens with, “This is the service…”. The word “service” signals a divinely assigned ministry, not a task the clan devised on its own (compareNumbers 3:7–8, “They are to perform the duties for him and for the whole congregation”).
• Service is worship in action—obedience rendered to God’s instruction.
• InExodus 35:21 the people’s “service” involved bringing offerings; here it involves hands-on caretaking of God’s dwelling.
• God defines what true service looks like, reminding us that worship is not self-styled (John 4:24).
of the Gershonite clansThe verse specifies the “Gershonite clans,” descendants of Levi’s son Gershon (Numbers 3:17).
• Earlier,Numbers 3:25 listed their charge: the curtains, coverings, and hangings of the Tabernacle.
•1 Chronicles 23:7 notes the Gershonites’ continuing role in temple worship centuries later—God’s calling on families can span generations.
• Their unique assignment illustrates1 Corinthians 12:18, “God has arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He desired.”
at the Tent of MeetingService happens “at the Tent of Meeting,” the focal point of Israel’s encounter with God (Exodus 40:34–35).
• Proximity to God’s presence required purity and precision (Leviticus 1:1;Hebrews 9:1).
• Every curtain or cord mattered because they protected and revealed the holy presence within—a vivid reminder that even small obediences support God’s greater glory (Luke 16:10).
and their duties shall be under the directionOrder prevails: “their duties shall be under the direction…”
• Submission to oversight prevents confusion (Numbers 4:16 gives similar instructions for the Kohathites under Eleazar).
• This aligns with1 Corinthians 14:40, “Everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner,” andColossians 3:23, serving “from the soul, as for the Lord.”
• God’s work flows through delegated authority, fostering unity rather than rivalry.
of Ithamar son of Aaron the priestOversight rests with “Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.”
•Exodus 28:1 records Ithamar’s consecration alongside his brothers.
• After Nadab and Abihu’s judgment (Leviticus 10:12), Ithamar models careful obedience, illustrating the seriousness of priestly duty.
•1 Chronicles 24:1 traces priestly divisions back to Ithamar, showing that faithful administration leaves a legacy.
summaryNumbers 4:28 details a God-ordained chain of service: the Gershonites perform specific tasks at the holy tent, all under Ithamar’s supervision. The verse teaches that:
• Worship involves concrete, assigned labors.
• Each family or believer has a distinct role, vital to the whole.
• Proper authority structures safeguard holiness and harmony.
In our own callings we, like the Gershonites, honor God by embracing our appointed work, submitting to righteous oversight, and serving with reverent precision for the glory of the One who dwells among His people.
(28)
Under the hand of Ithamar.--It appears from
Exodus 38:21 that Ithamar had been actively concerned in the construction of the Tabernacle. As the special duties of Eleazar, the eldest son of Aaron, had been already assigned (
Numbers 4:16), so also are those of Ithamar, the younger son. These duties consisted in the superintendence of the Gershonites, as stated in this verse, and in the superintendence of the Merarites, as stated in
Numbers 4:33.
Verse 28. -
Underthe hand of Ithamar, as also were the Merarites. He had been already engaged in overseeing the construction of the tabernacle (
Exodus 38:21).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Thisזֹ֣את(zōṯ)Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063:Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,is the serviceעֲבֹדַ֗ת(‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5656:Work of any kindof the Gershoniteבְּנֵ֥י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonclansמִשְׁפְּחֹ֛ת(miš·pə·ḥōṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4940:A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, peopleat the Tentבְּאֹ֣הֶל(bə·’ō·hel)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 168:A tentof Meeting,מוֹעֵ֑ד(mō·w·‘êḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4150:Appointed time, place, or meetingand their dutiesוּמִ֨שְׁמַרְתָּ֔ם(ū·miš·mar·tām)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4931:A guard, watch, charge, functionshall be under the directionבְּיַד֙(bə·yaḏ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027:A handof Ithamarאִֽיתָמָ֔ר(’î·ṯā·mār)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 385:Ithamar -- 'land of palms', a son of Aaronsonבֶּֽן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Aaronאַהֲרֹ֖ן(’a·hă·rōn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Mosesthe priest.הַכֹּהֵֽן׃(hak·kō·hên)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548:Priest
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OT Law: Numbers 4:28 This is the service of the families (Nu Num.) 
