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Numbers 4:21

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Numbers 4:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
Numbers 4:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Numbers 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites;
19but thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden;
20but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.
21And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
22Take the sum of the sons of Gershon also, by their fathers` houses, by their families;
23from thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to wait upon the service, to do the work in the tent of meeting.
24This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in bearing burdens:
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the Lord spake unto Moses, etc.] Though Aaron is not mentioned here, he was concerned in taking the sum of the Gershonites, as well as of the Kohathites, as appears from (<040441>Numbers 4:41); saying; as follows.”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:21-28 The men of the Gershonite clan (see 3:21-26) were responsible for general service and carrying loads (4:24). This involved handling the curtains and coverings, ropes, and related equipment that was less central to Israel’s worship. Their duties focused on the Tabernacle in general instead of on the sacred objects of the inner sanctuary that were the responsibility of Kohath’s clan.”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“The service of the Gershonites is introduced in Num 4:21-23 in the same manner as that of the Kohathites in Num 4:1-3; and in Num 4:24-26 it is described in accordance with the brief notice and explanation already given in Num 3:24-26. Numbers 4:27”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification