Numbers 7:3-9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 7:1-9

Here is the offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle. Observe, I. When it was; not till it was fully set up, Num. 7:1. When all things were done both about the tabernacle itself, and the camp of Israel which surrounded it, according to the directions given, then they began their presents, probably about the eighth day of the second month. Note, Necessary observances must always take place of free-will offerings: first those, and then these. II. Who it was that offered: The... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 7:3

And they brought their offering before the Lord ,.... Before the tabernacle, as it is afterwards explained, where he had now taken up his habitation: six covered wagons, and twelve oxen ; according to the number of the twelve tribes, of which they were princes, two oxen for each wagon, which were to carry the tabernacle, and its vessels, from place to place; and which wagons were covered, not only to hide the things to be put into them from the sight of the people, being sacred, but to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 7:4

And the Lord spake unto Moses ,.... Out of the tabernacle, before which the wagons and oxen were brought: saying : as follows. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 7:5

Take it of them ,.... The present of the wagons and oxen, by which it appears that this freewill offering of the princes was according to his mind and will, and what they were influenced and guided to by his Spirit, and was well pleasing in his sight, and acceptable to him: that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation ; be made use of, and employed in carrying the tabernacle, and the things of it, from place to place, when the Israelites journeyed: and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 7:6

And Moses took the wagons and the oxen ,.... Of the princes, as he was directed: and gave them unto the Levites ; the Gershonites and Merarites; for, as for the Kohathites, they had no part of them, for a reason after given, Numbers 7:9 . read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 7:7

Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon ,.... The eldest son of Levi: according to their service ; which was to bear and take care of the curtains, coverings, hangings and rails of the tabernacle; and which, when carrying from place to place, it was proper they should be covered from being exposed to rain and dust; and being so many as they were, must be heavy, burdensome, and cumbersome, and therefore two wagons, with two yoke of oxen, were given them, to ease them. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 7:8

And four wagons and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari ,.... All the remaining wagons and oxen, which were double the number given to the Gershonites: according unto their service ; being much heavier than theirs, having all the boards, pillars, sockets, pins; cords, &c.; to bear and carry: thus Moses was directed of God wisely to dispose of those carriages, in proportion to the services each was employed in; and in a spiritual way, as the day, duty, and service of the people... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 7:9

But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none ,.... Being all disposed of to the sons of Gershon and Merari: the reason of which follows: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders ; as the ark with the mercy seat, and cherubim, the shewbread table, the candlestick, and the two altars; though in later times we find the ark was sometimes not only carried by the priests, but upon a cart, Joshua 3:17 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 7:3

Six covered wagons - צב עגלת שש shesh egloth tsab , six tilted wagons, the Septuagint translate ἑξ ἁμαξας λαμπηνικας , with which the Coptic agrees; but what lampenic chariots were, no person pretends to know. Covered or tilted is probably the meaning of the original. The wagons were given for the more convenient exporting of the heavier parts of the tabernacle, which could not be conveniently carried on men's shoulders. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 7:5

According to his service - That is, distribute them among the Levites as they may need them, giving most to those who have the heaviest burdens to bear. read more

Group of Brands