Numbers 3:8
Numbers 3:8 in Multiple Translations
They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle.
And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.
And they shall keep all the furniture of the tent of meeting, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.
And they will have the care of all the vessels of the Tent of meeting, and will do for the children of Israel all the necessary work of the House.
They are responsible for caring for all the furniture of the Tent of Meeting, serving the Israelites through what they do in the Tabernacle.
They shall also keepe all the instruments of the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and haue the charge of the children of Israel to doe the seruice of the Tabernacle.
and they have kept all the vessels of the tent of meeting, and the charge of the sons of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle;
They shall keep all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting, and the obligations of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.
And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.
And let them keep the vessels of the tabernacle, serving in the ministry thereof.
They must serve all the Israeli people by taking care of all the things that are inside the Sacred Tent.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 3:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שָׁמְר֗וּ
אֶֽת
כָּל
כְּלֵי֙
אֹ֣הֶל
מוֹעֵ֔ד
וְ/אֶת
מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
לַ/עֲבֹ֖ד
אֶת
עֲבֹדַ֥ת
הַ/מִּשְׁכָּֽן
וְ/שָׁמְר֗וּ
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
כְּלֵי֙
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp
אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-ms
מוֹעֵ֔ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
charge
N-fs
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
לַ/עֲבֹ֖ד
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֲבֹדַ֥ת
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
service
N-fs
הַ/מִּשְׁכָּֽן
mishkân
H4908
tabernacle
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 3:8
וְ/שָׁמְר֗וּ
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כְּלֵי֙
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
מוֹעֵ֔ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
N-fs
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
לַ/עֲבֹ֖ד
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֲבֹדַ֥ת
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
"service"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.
Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: act, bondage, [phrase] bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, [idiom] wrought. See also: Genesis 29:27; Numbers 18:6; Psalms 104:14.
הַ/מִּשְׁכָּֽן
mishkân
H4908
"tabernacle"
Art | N-ms
The tabernacle was a special tent where God met with the Israelites, as described in Exodus and Leviticus. It was a portable place of worship, like a dwelling place for God. The Israelites carried it with them.
Definition: 1) dwelling place, tabernacle 1a) dwelling-place 1b) dwellings Aramaic equivalent: mish.kan (מִשְׁכַּן "habitation" H4907)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. See also: Exodus 25:9; Numbers 3:23; Psalms 26:8.
Study Notes — Numbers 3:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 3:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 3:8
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:8
- Sermons on Numbers 3:8
Context — The Duties of the Levites
6“Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.
7They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle.
8They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle.
9Assign the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they have been given exclusively to him from among the Israelites. 10So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood; but any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 4:33 | This is the service of the Merarite clans according to all their work at the Tent of Meeting, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.” |
| 2 | Numbers 10:17 | Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, transporting it. |
| 3 | Isaiah 52:11 | Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 26:20–28 | Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD. From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites: Shebuel, a descendant of Gershom son of Moses, was the officer in charge of the treasuries. His relatives through Eliezer included Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son. This Shelomith and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries for the things dedicated by King David, by the heads of families who were the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and by the army commanders. They had dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to the repair of the house of the LORD. Everything that had been dedicated by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah, along with everything else that was dedicated, was under the care of Shelomith and his brothers. |
| 5 | Ezra 8:24–30 | Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers, and I weighed out to them the contribution of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his counselors, his leaders, and all the Israelites there had offered for the house of our God. I weighed out into their hands 650 talents of silver, articles of silver weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold, 20 gold bowls valued at 1,000 darics, and two articles of fine polished bronze, as precious as gold. Then I told them, “You are holy to the LORD, and these articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. Guard them carefully until you weigh them out in the chambers of the house of the LORD in Jerusalem before the leading priests, Levites, and heads of the Israelite families.” So the priests and Levites took charge of the silver and gold and sacred articles that had been weighed out to be taken to the house of our God in Jerusalem. |
| 6 | Numbers 4:15 | When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting. |
| 7 | Numbers 10:21 | Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival. |
| 8 | Numbers 4:28 | This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the Tent of Meeting, and their duties shall be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. |
Numbers 3:8 Summary
This verse is talking about the special jobs that the Levites had in taking care of the Tent of Meeting, which was like a portable church for the Israelites. They were in charge of making sure everything was in order and that the tabernacle was well-maintained, as described in Numbers 3:8. This is similar to how we are called to be good stewards of the things God has given us, like our bodies and our resources, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:2 and Matthew 25:14-30. By taking care of these things, we can show our love and respect for God, just like the Levites did by taking care of the tabernacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the role of the Levites in the Tent of Meeting?
The Levites were assigned to take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and attend to its service, as seen in Numbers 3:8, which is similar to their role described in Numbers 1:50 and Exodus 38:21.
Why were the Levites given to Aaron and his sons?
The Levites were given to Aaron and his sons to assist them in their priestly duties, as stated in Numbers 3:9, and to help with the service of the tabernacle, as mentioned in Numbers 3:7-8 and Exodus 4:14.
What would happen to outsiders who approached the tabernacle?
According to Numbers 3:10, any outsider who approached the tabernacle would be put to death, emphasizing the importance of following God's instructions and respecting the sacred space, as also seen in Numbers 1:51 and Exodus 29:33.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of worship in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of proper worship and the role of the Levites in maintaining the Tent of Meeting, which is also seen in other passages like Exodus 25:8 and Hebrews 9:1-5, where the tabernacle is described as a symbol of God's presence among His people.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting' in my own life, and how can I apply this principle to my relationship with God?
- How can I, like the Levites, 'fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle', and what does this look like in my daily life?
- What can I learn from the Levites' example of faithful service, and how can I apply this to my own role in the body of Christ?
- In what ways can I show reverence and respect for God's sacred spaces, whether physical or spiritual, and what does this mean for my worship and devotion?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:8
And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation,.... Take care of them that none be lost or come to any damage, especially while it was moving, and carried from place to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:8
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Bring the tribe of Levi near , [ haqªreeb (H7126)] - make approach.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:8
The charge of the children of Israel; those things which all the children of Israel are in their several places and stations obliged to take care of, though not in their persons, yet by others in their stead.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 3:8
Verse 8. All the instruments] The tabernacle itself and all its contents: see all described, Numbers 3:25-26; Numbers 3:31; Numbers 3:36-37. The Levites were to perform the most common and laborious offices. It was their business to take down, put up, and carry the tabernacle and its utensils; for it was the object of their peculiar care. In a word, they were the servants of the priests.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:8
5–10. The appointment of the Levites as an inferior, though sacred, body of priests’ servants.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:8
THE LEVITES TO AARON, Numbers 3:5-11.In the performance of the prescribed ritual there were many duties of a semi-sacerdotal nature, and some that were even menial.
Sermons on Numbers 3:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Regeneration & Self-Denial by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of churches abandoning biblical terminology and relying on church growth methodologies. He emphasizes the need for truth that goes b |
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(Secret of Paul's Authority) 2. Paul Kept His Conscience Clean by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a godly cobbler who refused to compromise his work for the sake of making more money. The cobbler's assistant suggests using old le |
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Rise and Shine 1999 Conference-38 Raising the Level of Public Ministry by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving one's best in preparing the message. He shares an example of a well-known radio preacher who spends 10 hours a day f |
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The Book of Daniel by G.H. Lang | F.F. Bruce commends G.H. Lang's work on the Old Testament Apocalypse, emphasizing its relevance in times of crisis and upheaval. Lang focuses on the spiritual and prophetic lessons |
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Separation From the Ungodly World by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the necessity of separation from the ungodly world, urging believers to recognize their distinct identity as God's chosen people. He highlights that whi |
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Early Lessons for Christ's Disciples by Raymond Golsworthy | Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the lessons from Mark 1:16-45, focusing on the events that followed Christ's call to His first disciples. The sermon highlights seven vital spiritual |
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Experiences Concerning Things Relating to God's Everlasting Kingdom by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches about the importance of true separation from the spirit, ways, and worships of the world in order to be true worshippers of God. He emphasizes the necessit |