Numbers 3

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 3 of 36

1 And these are the generations of Aaron and Moses, in the day of the speaking of Jehovah with Moses in Mount Sinai.

2 And these are the names of Aaron's sons: Nadab, the first-born; and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

3 These are the names of Aaron's sons, the anointed priests whose hands he consecrated to act as priests.

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Chapter Summary

The sons of Aaron are named. The Levites are given to the priests for the service of the tabernacle. The families, number, and charge of the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites. The first-born are freed by the Levites.

Key Hebrew Words

לֵוִי Levite (tribe) H3878 · TWOT 1093
בְּכוֹר firstborn H1060 · TWOT 244a
כֹּהֵן priest H3548 · TWOT 959a
מִשְׁמֶ֫רֶת charge, duty H4931 · TWOT 2414g
מִשְׁכָּן tabernacle H4908 · TWOT 2387c
פִּדְיוֹן redemption price H6306 · TWOT 1734d

People & Context

Aaron

The priest to whom the Levites are given for the service of the tabernacle, and his sons keep the priesthood.

Moses

Numbers the Levites by their families at Jehovah's command and collects the redemption silver for the firstborn.

Eleazar

Son of Aaron who acts as priest and is set as ruler over the rulers of the Levites, overseeing the sanctuary.

Ithamar

Son of Aaron who, with Eleazar, acts as priest in the presence of their father.

Nadab

Aaron's firstborn who died before Jehovah for offering strange fire and left no sons.

Abihu

Son of Aaron who died with Nadab before Jehovah for bringing strange fire in the wilderness of Sinai.

Timeline

Aaron's Sons and Levite Appointment

The generations of Aaron are listed, noting the deaths of Nadab and Abihu. The tribe of Levi is brought near to serve Aaron the priest, taken by God in place of the firstborn of Israel.

Numbers 3:1-13
Census of Gershonites

The sons of Gershon are numbered from a month old, totaling 7,500. They camp behind the tabernacle westward and care for its tent, coverings, and hangings.

Numbers 3:14-26
Census of Kohathites

The sons of Kohath are numbered, totaling 8,600. They camp on the south side and keep the charge of the ark, table, lampstand, and altars.

Numbers 3:27-32

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