Numbers 3:26

Verse

the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, and the cords—all the service for these items.

American Standard Version (1901)

and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.

Bible in Basic English

And the hangings for the open space round the House and the altar, and the curtain for its doorway, and all the cords needed for its use.

Free Bible Version

the courtyard curtains, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle and altar, the ropes, and everything connected with their use.

King James (Authorized) Version

And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.

One Unity Resource Bible

and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and around the altar, and its cords for all of its service.

Translation for Translators

the ◄curtains/large pieces of cloth► that formed the walls around the courtyard that is around the tent and around the altar, the curtains that were at the entrance of the courtyard, and the ropes for fastening the tent. They also did all the work of taking care of the things outside the Sacred Tent.

Unlocked Literal Bible

They must care for the courtyard hangings, the curtain at the courtyard entrance—the courtyard that surrounds the sanctuary and the altar. They must care for the ropes of the tent of meeting and for everything in it.

Noah Webster Bible

And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it, for all the service of it.

World English Bible

the hangings of the court, the screen for the door of the court which is by the tabernacle and around the altar, and its cords for all of its service.

Young's Literal Translation

and the hangings of the court, and the vail at the opening of the court, which [is] by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and its cords, to all its service.

Context

The Gershonites

²⁵The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting were the tabernacle and tent, its covering, the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting,²⁶the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, and the cords—all the service for these items.

Summary

In Numbers 3:26, the Levites are tasked with the responsibility of carrying the curtains of the tabernacle, highlighting their role in the service of the sanctuary. This verse underscores the importance of each tribe having specific duties and functions within the community of Israel, emphasizing the need for order and organization. The meticulous care given to the tabernacle's components reflects the reverence and holiness associated with the worship of God. Through these detailed instructions, God demonstrates His desire for His people to approach Him with reverence and obedience in all aspects of their lives.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And the hangings of the court,.... Which formed the great open court that encompassed the tabernacle, and was an hundred cubits long and fifty broad; Exo 27:9, and the curtain for the door of the court: which was an hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, Exo 27:16, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about: this refers to the court, the hangings, and curtains of the door of it, which are spoken of; and this court surrounded the tabernacle, and the altar which was without the tabernacle, as Aben Ezra observes, and which was the altar of burnt offering that stood within this court; for the particle sometimes signifies "about" (s), and the word "around", being joined with it, requires this sense: and the cords of it; which seem to be the cords of the court, which fastened the hangings and curtains to brass pins, or stakes fixed in the ground to keep them tight, that the wind might not move them to and fro; but Jarchi says, these were the cords of the tabernacle and tent, and not of the court; and indeed the tabernacle had its cords as well as the court, Exo 38:18; the cords of the court were in the charge of the Merarites, Num 3:37, for all the service thereof: for that part of the tabernacle and court which the Gershonites had in their care and custody. (s) Vid. Nold. Partic. Ebr. Concord. p. 992.