Numbers 3:42

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses numbered all the firstborn of the Israelites, as the LORD had commanded him.

American Standard Version (1901)

And Moses numbered, as Jehovah commanded him, all the first-born among the children of Israel.

Bible in Basic English

So Moses had all the first sons among the children of Israel numbered, as the Lord said to him.

Free Bible Version

Moses conducted a census of all the firstborn of the Israelites, as the Lord had instructed him.

King James (Authorized) Version

And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel.

One Unity Resource Bible

Moses [Drawn out] counted, as Adonai enjoined him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel [God prevails].

Translation for Translators

So Moses/I did that. He/I counted the firstborn males of all the Israeli people, as Yahweh had commanded.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Moses counted all the firstborn people of Israel as Yahweh had commanded him to do.

Noah Webster Bible

And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the first-born among the children of Israel.

World English Bible

Moses counted, as Yahweh commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel.

Young's Literal Translation

And Moses numbereth, as Jehovah hath commanded him, all the first-born among the sons of Israel.

Context

The Redemption of the Firstborn

⁴¹You are to take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites.”⁴²So Moses numbered all the firstborn of the Israelites, as the LORD had commanded him.⁴³The total number of the firstborn males a month old or more, listed by name, was 22,273.

Summary

This verse highlights the Levites' role in serving at the Tent of Meeting, emphasizing their responsibility to assist Aaron and his sons in their priestly duties. The Levites were chosen by God to support the priests in the sacred tasks of the tabernacle, ensuring that the Israelites could worship and make offerings according to God's commands. Their service symbolizes the importance of cooperation and order in carrying out God's work, demonstrating the need for dedicated individuals to fulfill specific roles within the community of faith. Ultimately, this verse underscores the significance of every believer contributing their unique gifts and talents to the service of God and His people.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And all the firstborn males,.... For such only were ordered to be numbered, and not firstborn females: by the number of names; which were particularly taken: from a month old and upward; for before that time they were not sanctified to the Lord, nor subject to the redemption price: of those that were numbered of them were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen; 22,273 men; so that there were two hundred seventy three more than the Levites, Num 3:39.