Numbers 3 Study Notes
General
Which list gives the names of Aaron's four sons as recorded in 3:2?
Answer: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar
Aaron had four sons: Nadab was the oldest, followed by Abihu, then Eleazar, then Ithamar (3:2). They were anointed with oil and ordained, meaning formally set apart and installed, for priestly service (3:3). God had called these same four sons to the priesthood at Sinai (Exodus 28:1) and commanded that they be anointed and consecrated (Exodus 28:41). Their mother was Elisheba, the sister of Nahshon, Judah's leader (Exodus 6:23). Gershon and Merari were sons of Levi, not of Aaron, and Phinehas was Aaron's grandson.
- Numbers 3:2-3 (BSB)“These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, then Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. These were Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests.”Lists Aaron's four sons, anointed and ordained as priests.
- Exodus 6:23 (BSB)“And Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.”Records the birth of the same four sons to Aaron and Elisheba.
- Exodus 28:1 (BSB)““Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.”God calls Aaron and these four sons to serve Him as priests.
- Exodus 28:41 (BSB)“After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests.”God commands that Aaron's sons be anointed, ordained, and consecrated for the priesthood.
Theological
Which list correctly names Aaron's sons as given in 3:2?
Answer: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar
Aaron's sons were Nadab the eldest, with Abihu, then Eleazar, then Ithamar after him (3:2), the anointed priests ordained to minister (3:3). The list matches their birth record (Exodus 6:23) and their divine call and consecration at Sinai (Exodus 28:1, 41). Gershon and Merari were Levi's sons, and Phinehas belonged to the next generation.
- Numbers 3:2-3 (BSB)“These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, then Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. These were Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests.”Lists Aaron's four sons, anointed and ordained as priests.
- Exodus 6:23 (BSB)“And Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.”Records the birth of the same four sons to Aaron and Elisheba.
- Exodus 28:1 (BSB)““Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.”God calls Aaron and these four sons to serve Him as priests.
- Exodus 28:41 (BSB)“After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests.”God commands that Aaron's sons be anointed, ordained, and consecrated for the priesthood.
General
According to 3:32, who was the chief over all the Levite leaders?
Answer: Eleazar son of Aaron
Eleazar, Aaron's son, was the chief over the Levite leaders and oversaw those who cared for the sanctuary (3:32). He had oversight of the whole tabernacle and its holy objects (4:16), while his brother Ithamar directed the work of the Gershonites and Merarites (4:28, 33). Elizaphan and Eliasaph led individual clans. Eleazar later became high priest when Aaron died on Mount Hor (20:28).
- Numbers 3:32 (BSB)“The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.”Eleazar son of Aaron is appointed chief over the Levite leaders and overseer of the sanctuary duties.
- Numbers 4:16 (BSB)“Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.””Eleazar is given oversight of the whole tabernacle and its holy objects.
- Numbers 20:28 (BSB)“After Moses had removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.”Eleazar later succeeds his father Aaron as high priest.
- Numbers 4:28 (BSB)“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.”Ithamar, by contrast, directs the work of the Gershonites.
- Numbers 4:33 (BSB)“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.””Ithamar also directs the work of the Merarites.
Theological
Whom does 3:32 name as chief over the Levite leaders?
Answer: Eleazar son of Aaron
Eleazar son of Aaron was chief over the Levite leaders and supervisor of the sanctuary duties (3:32), with charge of the whole sanctuary (4:16), while Ithamar directed the Gershonite and Merarite service (4:28, 33). Elizaphan and Eliasaph were clan heads. Eleazar would succeed Aaron as high priest on Mount Hor (20:28).
- Numbers 3:32 (BSB)“The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.”Eleazar son of Aaron is appointed chief over the Levite leaders and overseer of the sanctuary duties.
- Numbers 4:16 (BSB)“Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.””Eleazar is given oversight of the whole tabernacle and its holy objects.
- Numbers 20:28 (BSB)“After Moses had removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.”Eleazar later succeeds his father Aaron as high priest.
- Numbers 4:28 (BSB)“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.”Ithamar, by contrast, directs the work of the Gershonites.
- Numbers 4:33 (BSB)“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.””Ithamar also directs the work of the Merarites.
General
According to 3:13, when did the LORD set apart Israel's firstborn as His own?
Answer: On the day He struck down Egypt's firstborn
God says every firstborn belongs to Him because on the day He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, He set apart Israel's firstborn, both people and animals, as His own (3:13). At the Passover, Israel's oldest sons were spared, and so they belonged to the God who had spared them. God commanded this at the exodus (Exodus 13:2) and explained that Israel's firstborn sons must be redeemed, or bought back, because of that night (Exodus 13:15). Jesus' parents followed this same law when they presented Him, their firstborn, at the temple (Luke 2:22-23).
- Numbers 3:13 (BSB)“for all the firstborn are Mine. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD.””God grounds His claim on the firstborn in the night He struck down Egypt's firstborn.
- Exodus 13:2 (BSB)““Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.””At the exodus God commands that every firstborn male be consecrated to Him.
- Exodus 13:15 (BSB)“And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’”Explains that because the LORD killed Egypt's firstborn, Israel's firstborn sons must be redeemed.
- Luke 2:22-23 (BSB)“And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”),”Jesus' parents present Him at the temple in keeping with the law that every firstborn male is holy to the Lord.
Theological
On what event does 3:13 ground the LORD's claim on Israel's firstborn?
Answer: On the day He struck down Egypt's firstborn
The LORD's claim on the firstborn rests on the Passover: when He struck down Egypt's firstborn, He consecrated Israel's firstborn, man and beast, to Himself (3:13). The firstborn were spared under the blood and therefore belonged to their Deliverer, as the exodus legislation establishes (Exodus 13:2, 15). The law remained in force when Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus, their firstborn, in the temple (Luke 2:22-23).
- Numbers 3:13 (BSB)“for all the firstborn are Mine. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD.””God grounds His claim on the firstborn in the night He struck down Egypt's firstborn.
- Exodus 13:2 (BSB)““Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.””At the exodus God commands that every firstborn male be consecrated to Him.
- Exodus 13:15 (BSB)“And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’”Explains that because the LORD killed Egypt's firstborn, Israel's firstborn sons must be redeemed.
- Luke 2:22-23 (BSB)“And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”),”Jesus' parents present Him at the temple in keeping with the law that every firstborn male is holy to the Lord.
General
By how many did Israel's firstborn males outnumber the Levites?
Answer: 273
Moses counted 22,000 Levites (3:39) and 22,273 firstborn Israelite males (3:43), both counted from one month old. Since the Levites were taken in place of the firstborn (8:16) and matched one for one, there were 273 firstborn left over with no Levite to stand in for them (3:46). God did not simply overlook the difference. Those extra firstborn had to be redeemed, or bought back, with a payment, as the firstborn law required (18:15-16). The figure 1,365 is the total money collected for them.
- Numbers 3:39 (BSB)“The total number of Levites that Moses and Aaron counted by their clans at the LORD’s command, including all the males a month old or more, was 22,000.”The total of the Levites counted from one month old is 22,000.
- Numbers 3:43 (BSB)“The total number of the firstborn males a month old or more, listed by name, was 22,273.”The total of Israel's firstborn males from one month old is 22,273.
- Numbers 3:46 (BSB)“To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites,”God speaks of the 273 firstborn who outnumber the Levites and must be redeemed.
- Numbers 8:16 (BSB)“For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel.”The Levites were given to God in place of Israel's firstborn, which is why the two groups were compared.
- Numbers 18:15-16 (BSB)“The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs.”Firstborn sons were to be redeemed by payment at one month old.
Theological
What was the excess of Israel's firstborn over the Levites?
Answer: 273
The Levites numbered 22,000 (3:39) and the firstborn males 22,273 (3:43), both from one month old. Because the Levites were taken for the firstborn (8:16) on a one-for-one basis, 273 firstborn remained unmatched (3:46) and required redemption by payment under the firstborn law (18:15-16). The 1,365 figure is the resulting redemption sum.
- Numbers 3:39 (BSB)“The total number of Levites that Moses and Aaron counted by their clans at the LORD’s command, including all the males a month old or more, was 22,000.”The total of the Levites counted from one month old is 22,000.
- Numbers 3:43 (BSB)“The total number of the firstborn males a month old or more, listed by name, was 22,273.”The total of Israel's firstborn males from one month old is 22,273.
- Numbers 3:46 (BSB)“To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites,”God speaks of the 273 firstborn who outnumber the Levites and must be redeemed.
- Numbers 8:16 (BSB)“For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel.”The Levites were given to God in place of Israel's firstborn, which is why the two groups were compared.
- Numbers 18:15-16 (BSB)“The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs.”Firstborn sons were to be redeemed by payment at one month old.
General
True or False: The Merarites looked after the tabernacle's curtains and coverings, while the Gershonites handled its frames and posts.
Answer: False
This is false. The roles are reversed. The Gershonites cared for the fabric parts of the sanctuary: the tent itself, its coverings, the entrance curtain, the courtyard hangings, and the cords (3:25-26; 4:24-26). The Merarites cared for the heavy framework: the frames, bars, posts, bases, pegs, and cords (3:36-37; 4:31-32). That is why the Merarites later received four carts while the Gershonites received two (7:7-8). Every part of God's dwelling had someone assigned to care for it.
- Numbers 3:25-26 (BSB)“The 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, 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.”The Gershonites are responsible for the tent, its coverings, the curtains, and the cords.
- Numbers 3:36-37 (BSB)“The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service for these items, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes.”The Merarites are responsible for the frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and pegs.
- Numbers 4:24-26 (BSB)“This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport: They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with the covering of fine leather over it, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, and the curtains for the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, along with their ropes and all the equipment for their service. The Gershonites will do all that needs to be done with these items.”Confirms that the Gershonites carried the curtains, coverings, and hangings.
- Numbers 4:31-32 (BSB)“This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and bases, and the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use. You shall assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry.”Confirms that the Merarites carried the frames, crossbars, posts, and bases.
- Numbers 7:7-8 (BSB)“He gave the Gershonites two carts and four oxen, as their service required, and he gave the Merarites four carts and eight oxen, as their service required, all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.”Moses gives the Merarites twice as many carts as the Gershonites, fitting their heavier load.
Theological
True or False: The Merarites had charge of the curtains and coverings, and the Gershonites of the frames and posts.
Answer: False
This is false. The assignments are reversed. The Gershonites bore the textile components, the tent, coverings, screens, courtyard hangings, and cords (3:25-26; 4:24-26), while the Merarites bore the structural components, frames, bars, posts, bases, pegs, and ropes (3:36-37; 4:31-32). The allocation of carts, four to Merari and two to Gershon, reflects the difference in load (7:7-8).
- Numbers 3:25-26 (BSB)“The 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, 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.”The Gershonites are responsible for the tent, its coverings, the curtains, and the cords.
- Numbers 3:36-37 (BSB)“The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service for these items, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes.”The Merarites are responsible for the frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and pegs.
- Numbers 4:24-26 (BSB)“This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport: They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with the covering of fine leather over it, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, and the curtains for the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, along with their ropes and all the equipment for their service. The Gershonites will do all that needs to be done with these items.”Confirms that the Gershonites carried the curtains, coverings, and hangings.
- Numbers 4:31-32 (BSB)“This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and bases, and the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use. You shall assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry.”Confirms that the Merarites carried the frames, crossbars, posts, and bases.
- Numbers 7:7-8 (BSB)“He gave the Gershonites two carts and four oxen, as their service required, and he gave the Merarites four carts and eight oxen, as their service required, all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.”Moses gives the Merarites twice as many carts as the Gershonites, fitting their heavier load.
General
Which Levite clan was responsible for the ark, table, lampstand, and altars?
Answer: The Kohathites
The Kohathites were in charge of the most holy furnishings: the ark, table, lampstand, and altars, with the articles used alongside them (3:31). They camped to the south, led by Elizaphan son of Uzziel (3:29-30). They had to carry these objects on their shoulders rather than in carts (7:9), and they were not allowed to touch the holy things directly, or they would die (4:15). Moses and Aaron themselves came from this clan, through Kohath's son Amram, their father (Exodus 6:18, 20).
- Numbers 3:31 (BSB)“Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.”The Kohathites are responsible for the ark, table, lampstand, altars, and sanctuary articles.
- Numbers 4:15 (BSB)“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.”The Kohathites carry the holy objects but must not touch them, or they will die.
- Numbers 7:9 (BSB)“But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible.”The Kohathites received no carts because they carried the holy objects on their shoulders.
- Exodus 6:18 (BSB)“The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years.”Lists Amram among the sons of Kohath.
- Exodus 6:20 (BSB)“And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.”Amram, a son of Kohath, was the father of Aaron and Moses.
Theological
To which Levitical clan did 3:31 assign the ark, table, lampstand, and altars?
Answer: The Kohathites
The Kohathites were charged with the most holy furnishings, the ark, table, lampstand, altars, and associated vessels (3:31), under their leader Elizaphan son of Uzziel (3:30). They bore these on their shoulders rather than by cart (7:9) and were forbidden on pain of death to touch them (4:15). The clan included the Amramites, the house of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:18, 20).
- Numbers 3:31 (BSB)“Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.”The Kohathites are responsible for the ark, table, lampstand, altars, and sanctuary articles.
- Numbers 4:15 (BSB)“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.”The Kohathites carry the holy objects but must not touch them, or they will die.
- Numbers 7:9 (BSB)“But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible.”The Kohathites received no carts because they carried the holy objects on their shoulders.
- Exodus 6:18 (BSB)“The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years.”Lists Amram among the sons of Kohath.
- Exodus 6:20 (BSB)“And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.”Amram, a son of Kohath, was the father of Aaron and Moses.
General
Which arrangement of the camps immediately around the tabernacle matches chapter 3?
Answer: Gershon west, Kohath south, Merari north, priests east
The three Levite clans formed an inner ring around the tabernacle: the Gershonites to the west, at its rear (3:23), the Kohathites on the south (3:29), and the Merarites on the north (3:35). The east side, in front of the entrance where the sun rises, belonged to Moses and Aaron together with the priests (3:38). The priests guarded the doorway, and the Levites surrounded the rest. This inner ring stood between the holy tabernacle and the twelve tribes camped farther out, so that God's anger would not break out against the people (1:53; 18:5).
- Numbers 3:23 (BSB)“The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle,”The Gershonites camp on the west, behind the tabernacle.
- Numbers 3:29 (BSB)“The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle,”The Kohathites camp on the south side of the tabernacle.
- Numbers 3:35 (BSB)“The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.”The Merarites camp on the north side of the tabernacle.
- Numbers 3:38 (BSB)“Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.”Moses, Aaron, and Aaron's sons camp on the east, in front of the Tent of Meeting.
- Numbers 1:53 (BSB)“But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.””The Levites were to camp around the tabernacle so that wrath would not fall on Israel.
- Numbers 18:5 (BSB)“And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again.”Guarding the sanctuary was meant to keep wrath from falling on Israel again.
Theological
Which arrangement of the inner ring of camps does chapter 3 prescribe?
Answer: Gershon west, Kohath south, Merari north, priests east
The Levitical clans encamped as an inner cordon: Gershon to the west (3:23), Kohath to the south (3:29), Merari to the north (3:35), with Moses, Aaron, and the priests stationed on the east before the entrance (3:38). The priests guarded the approach, the Levites the remaining sides, and together they buffered the tribal camps from the holy presence to keep wrath from breaking out on the congregation (1:53; 18:5).
- Numbers 3:23 (BSB)“The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle,”The Gershonites camp on the west, behind the tabernacle.
- Numbers 3:29 (BSB)“The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle,”The Kohathites camp on the south side of the tabernacle.
- Numbers 3:35 (BSB)“The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.”The Merarites camp on the north side of the tabernacle.
- Numbers 3:38 (BSB)“Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.”Moses, Aaron, and Aaron's sons camp on the east, in front of the Tent of Meeting.
- Numbers 1:53 (BSB)“But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.””The Levites were to camp around the tabernacle so that wrath would not fall on Israel.
- Numbers 18:5 (BSB)“And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again.”Guarding the sanctuary was meant to keep wrath from falling on Israel again.
General
True or False: God also took the Levites' livestock in exchange for the Israelites' firstborn livestock.
Answer: True
This is true. God's claim covered the firstborn of animals as well as people (Exodus 13:2; 8:17), so God took the Levites' livestock in place of the Israelites' firstborn livestock (3:41, 45). Normally a firstborn animal was offered to God or redeemed, bought back with a payment (Exodus 13:13). Here the whole herd of the Levites stood in for them, showing how complete God's claim on His redeemed people was.
- Numbers 3:45 (BSB)““Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD.”God takes the Levites for the firstborn and the Levites' livestock for Israel's livestock.
- Exodus 13:2 (BSB)““Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.””God claimed every firstborn male, of people and of animals.
- Exodus 13:13 (BSB)“You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of your sons you must redeem.”Firstborn donkeys and firstborn sons had to be redeemed.
- Numbers 8:17 (BSB)“For every firstborn male in Israel is Mine, both man and beast. I set them apart for Myself on the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt.”Every firstborn in Israel, human and animal, belongs to God since the night in Egypt.
Theological
True or False: The Levites' livestock were taken in exchange for the firstborn of Israel's livestock.
Answer: True
This is true. Because the LORD's claim on the firstborn extended to beasts as well as men (Exodus 13:2; 8:17), the Levites' livestock were accepted in place of Israel's firstborn livestock (3:41, 45), a substitution parallel to the usual sacrifice or redemption of firstborn animals (Exodus 13:13).
- Numbers 3:45 (BSB)““Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD.”God takes the Levites for the firstborn and the Levites' livestock for Israel's livestock.
- Exodus 13:2 (BSB)““Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.””God claimed every firstborn male, of people and of animals.
- Exodus 13:13 (BSB)“You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of your sons you must redeem.”Firstborn donkeys and firstborn sons had to be redeemed.
- Numbers 8:17 (BSB)“For every firstborn male in Israel is Mine, both man and beast. I set them apart for Myself on the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt.”Every firstborn in Israel, human and animal, belongs to God since the night in Egypt.
General
From what age were the Levite males counted in chapter 3?
Answer: From one month old
Every Levite male was counted from the age of one month (3:15). This was different from the other tribes, whose count included only men twenty and older who could fight (1:3), and different from the thirty-to-fifty age range set in chapter 4 for the tabernacle work (4:3). The Levites were counted as infants because they were being matched against Israel's firstborn sons, who were also counted from one month old (3:40). The purpose was not an army but an exchange: Levites for firstborn. The later Levite count used the same standard (26:62).
- Numbers 3:15 (BSB)““Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.””God commands that every Levite male be counted from one month old.
- Numbers 1:3 (BSB)“You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army.”The census of the other tribes counted only men twenty and older who could serve in the army.
- Numbers 4:3 (BSB)“men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.”The Levites' actual work at the tabernacle was limited to men from thirty to fifty years old.
- Numbers 26:62 (BSB)“The registration of the Levites totaled 23,000, every male a month old or more; they were not numbered among the other Israelites, because no inheritance was given to them among the Israelites.”The later census of the Levites uses the same one-month standard.
Theological
What age threshold governs the Levite census in 3:15?
Answer: From one month old
The Levites were numbered from one month old (3:15), unlike the military census of men twenty and older (1:3) and the thirty-to-fifty range of 4:3. The month-old threshold corresponds to the count of Israel's firstborn (3:40), because the purpose was the substitution of Levites for firstborn, not the mustering of an army. The second Levitical census uses the same standard (26:62).
- Numbers 3:15 (BSB)““Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.””God commands that every Levite male be counted from one month old.
- Numbers 1:3 (BSB)“You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army.”The census of the other tribes counted only men twenty and older who could serve in the army.
- Numbers 4:3 (BSB)“men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.”The Levites' actual work at the tabernacle was limited to men from thirty to fifty years old.
- Numbers 26:62 (BSB)“The registration of the Levites totaled 23,000, every male a month old or more; they were not numbered among the other Israelites, because no inheritance was given to them among the Israelites.”The later census of the Levites uses the same one-month standard.
General
According to 3:6-9, what role did God give the Levites in relation to Aaron?
Answer: To help him and care for the tabernacle
God told Moses to bring Levi's tribe forward and hand them over to Aaron as his helpers (3:6). They were to serve Aaron and the whole nation by looking after the tabernacle and all its furnishings (3:7-8), and they were given wholly to Aaron's family (3:9). The Levites did not become priests themselves; they were helpers to the priests. God later calls them His gift to Aaron's family, chosen by God Himself for the work of the tabernacle (8:19; 18:2, 6).
- Numbers 3:6-9 (BSB)““Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. 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. Assign the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they have been given exclusively to him from among the Israelites.”God assigns the tribe of Levi to Aaron and his sons to assist them in the tabernacle service.
- Numbers 8:19 (BSB)“And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites, to perform the service for the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting and to make atonement on their behalf, so that no plague will come against the Israelites when they approach the sanctuary.””God calls the Levites His gift to Aaron and his sons, to serve at the Tent of Meeting for Israel.
- Numbers 18:2 (BSB)“But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony.”The Levites are to join Aaron and help him and his sons before the tabernacle.
- Numbers 18:6 (BSB)“Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting.”God says He Himself chose the Levites as a gift to the priests for the work of the tabernacle.
Theological
What relationship between the Levites and Aaron does 3:6-9 establish?
Answer: To help him and care for the tabernacle
Levi's tribe was presented to Aaron to assist him (3:6), discharging duties for the priests and the congregation in the sanctuary (3:7-8), and wholly given to Aaron's house (3:9). The Levites were ministers to the priesthood, not priests; the LORD describes them as His own gift to Aaron's house, selected by Him for sanctuary service (8:19; 18:2, 6).
- Numbers 3:6-9 (BSB)““Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. 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. Assign the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they have been given exclusively to him from among the Israelites.”God assigns the tribe of Levi to Aaron and his sons to assist them in the tabernacle service.
- Numbers 8:19 (BSB)“And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites, to perform the service for the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting and to make atonement on their behalf, so that no plague will come against the Israelites when they approach the sanctuary.””God calls the Levites His gift to Aaron and his sons, to serve at the Tent of Meeting for Israel.
- Numbers 18:2 (BSB)“But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony.”The Levites are to join Aaron and help him and his sons before the tabernacle.
- Numbers 18:6 (BSB)“Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting.”God says He Himself chose the Levites as a gift to the priests for the work of the tabernacle.
General
According to 3:12, the LORD took the Levites for Himself in place of whom?
Answer: The firstborn sons of Israel
God took the Levites as His own as substitutes for each firstborn son in Israel (3:12). Rather than God claiming the oldest son of every family for Himself, one whole tribe belonged to Him on behalf of all of them. God had claimed those firstborn sons on the day He struck down the firstborn of Egypt and spared Israel's (3:13). The exchange even extended to animals: the Levites' livestock stood in place of the Israelites' firstborn livestock (3:41). God repeats this arrangement when the Levites are dedicated in chapter 8 (8:16, 18). The Levites belonged to God in a special way as substitutes for Israel's firstborn.
- Numbers 3:12 (BSB)““Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me,”God takes the Levites for Himself as substitutes for Israel's firstborn.
- Numbers 3:41 (BSB)“You 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.””The Levites' livestock likewise stand in place of the Israelites' firstborn livestock.
- Numbers 8:16 (BSB)“For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel.”Repeats that the Levites were wholly given to God in place of all Israel's firstborn.
- Numbers 8:18 (BSB)“But I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel.”Confirms the exchange of the Levites for the firstborn.
Theological
For whom were the Levites taken as substitutes, according to 3:12?
Answer: The firstborn sons of Israel
The LORD took the Levites in exchange for every firstborn of Israel (3:12), and the Levites' livestock in exchange for the firstborn livestock (3:41). The claim itself dates from the Passover, when the LORD spared Israel's firstborn and consecrated them to Himself (3:13). The substitution, reaffirmed at the Levites' consecration (8:16, 18), placed an entire tribe in God's service as the representative equivalent of each household's firstborn.
- Numbers 3:12 (BSB)““Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me,”God takes the Levites for Himself as substitutes for Israel's firstborn.
- Numbers 3:41 (BSB)“You 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.””The Levites' livestock likewise stand in place of the Israelites' firstborn livestock.
- Numbers 8:16 (BSB)“For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel.”Repeats that the Levites were wholly given to God in place of all Israel's firstborn.
- Numbers 8:18 (BSB)“But I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel.”Confirms the exchange of the Levites for the firstborn.
General
True or False: Nadab and Abihu left sons behind who carried on their priestly line.
Answer: False
This is false. Nadab and Abihu were killed in the LORD's presence for bringing fire God had not authorized (3:4; Leviticus 10:1-2). Because they were childless, the priestly work during Aaron's lifetime fell to Eleazar and Ithamar alone. Centuries later, the priestly families of David's time still traced their line through these two brothers alone (1 Chronicles 24:2). The chapter repeats this history as a sober reminder that God must be approached as He commands, because He shows Himself holy among those who come close to Him (Leviticus 10:3).
- Numbers 3:4 (BSB)“Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.”Recalls the deaths of Nadab and Abihu and notes that they had no sons, leaving Eleazar and Ithamar to serve.
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (BSB)“Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.”Records how Nadab and Abihu died for offering fire the LORD had not commanded.
- 1 Chronicles 24:2 (BSB)“But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests.”Confirms that Nadab and Abihu died without sons, so the priesthood continued through Eleazar and Ithamar.
- Leviticus 10:3 (BSB)“Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.”God explains that He will show His holiness among those who come near Him.
Theological
True or False: Nadab and Abihu left sons who continued their priestly line.
Answer: False
This is false. Nadab and Abihu perished before the LORD for their unauthorized fire (3:4; Leviticus 10:1-2), and since they were childless, the priesthood passed through Eleazar and Ithamar alone, as the Chronicler confirms (1 Chronicles 24:2). The notice at the head of the Levitical census recalls that access to the holy God is on His terms, not ours (Leviticus 10:3).
- Numbers 3:4 (BSB)“Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.”Recalls the deaths of Nadab and Abihu and notes that they had no sons, leaving Eleazar and Ithamar to serve.
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (BSB)“Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.”Records how Nadab and Abihu died for offering fire the LORD had not commanded.
- 1 Chronicles 24:2 (BSB)“But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests.”Confirms that Nadab and Abihu died without sons, so the priesthood continued through Eleazar and Ithamar.
- Leviticus 10:3 (BSB)“Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent.”God explains that He will show His holiness among those who come near Him.
General
True or False: According to 3:10, any Israelite who was willing could take up the duties of a priest.
Answer: False
This is false. God appointed only Aaron and his descendants to the priesthood, and any outsider who came near to do priestly work was to be executed (3:10). Even the Levites were helpers, not priests. The priesthood was a calling God gave, not a job a person could choose for himself (Hebrews 5:4). Korah later learned this when he tried to claim the priesthood (16:40), and centuries later the priests confronted King Uzziah for trying to burn incense (2 Chronicles 26:18). Hebrews adds that even Christ did not appoint Himself as High Priest but received that office from the Father (Hebrews 5:5).
- Numbers 3:10 (BSB)“So 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.””Aaron and his sons alone are to carry out the priesthood; an outsider who approaches must die.
- Hebrews 5:4 (BSB)“No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.”No one takes the priestly honor for himself; he must be called by God, as Aaron was.
- Numbers 16:40 (BSB)“just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.”After Korah's rebellion, the censers become a warning that no one outside Aaron's line may offer incense.
- 2 Chronicles 26:18 (BSB)“They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.””The priests confront King Uzziah for trying to burn incense, a task reserved for Aaron's descendants.
- Hebrews 5:5 (BSB)“So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.””Even Christ did not take the high priestly honor for Himself but was appointed by the Father.
Theological
True or False: Numbers 3:10 opens the priestly office to any willing Israelite.
Answer: False
This is false. The priesthood was restricted to Aaron's house, and any unauthorized person who approached incurred the death penalty (3:10). Priestly office rests on divine appointment, never self-appointment (Hebrews 5:4), as Korah's rebellion (16:40) and Uzziah's presumption (2 Chronicles 26:18) demonstrate. Hebrews applies the same principle to Christ Himself, who was appointed High Priest by the Father rather than taking the honor for Himself (Hebrews 5:5).
- Numbers 3:10 (BSB)“So 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.””Aaron and his sons alone are to carry out the priesthood; an outsider who approaches must die.
- Hebrews 5:4 (BSB)“No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.”No one takes the priestly honor for himself; he must be called by God, as Aaron was.
- Numbers 16:40 (BSB)“just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.”After Korah's rebellion, the censers become a warning that no one outside Aaron's line may offer incense.
- 2 Chronicles 26:18 (BSB)“They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.””The priests confront King Uzziah for trying to burn incense, a task reserved for Aaron's descendants.
- Hebrews 5:5 (BSB)“So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.””Even Christ did not take the high priestly honor for Himself but was appointed by the Father.
General
What was paid for each of the extra firstborn, and to whom was the money given?
Answer: Five shekels each, paid to Aaron's priestly family
God set the redemption price at five shekels apiece for the 273 extra firstborn, weighed by the sanctuary standard, and the money went to Aaron's family, the priests (3:47-48). Moses collected 1,365 shekels in all and handed it over as God commanded (3:50-51). Five shekels was the standard price for redeeming a firstborn son (18:15-16). To redeem means to buy back by paying a price. This picture of redemption by payment reaches its fullest meaning in Christ: Peter tells believers they were bought back not with silver or gold but with Christ's own costly blood (1 Peter 1:18-19).
- Numbers 3:47-48 (BSB)“you are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs. Give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the excess among the Israelites.””God sets the price at five shekels for each excess firstborn, paid to Aaron and his sons.
- Numbers 3:50-51 (BSB)“He collected the money from the firstborn of the Israelites: 1,365 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons in obedience to the word of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses collects 1,365 shekels and gives the money to Aaron and his sons.
- Numbers 18:15-16 (BSB)“The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs.”The regular price for redeeming a firstborn son is five shekels by the sanctuary standard.
- 1 Peter 1:18-19 (BSB)“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.”Peter reminds believers that they were redeemed not with silver or gold but with the blood of Christ.
Theological
What redemption price was set for each excess firstborn, and who received it (3:47-48)?
Answer: Five shekels each, paid to Aaron's priestly family
The LORD fixed the redemption price at five sanctuary shekels per excess firstborn, payable to Aaron's priestly house (3:47-48); Moses collected 1,365 shekels and delivered them to the priests (3:50-51). The amount matches the standard price to redeem a firstborn son (18:15-16). This pattern of redemption by substitution and payment points forward to the gospel, where believers are ransomed by no perishable metal but by the costly blood of Christ, the spotless Lamb (1 Peter 1:18-19).
- Numbers 3:47-48 (BSB)“you are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs. Give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the excess among the Israelites.””God sets the price at five shekels for each excess firstborn, paid to Aaron and his sons.
- Numbers 3:50-51 (BSB)“He collected the money from the firstborn of the Israelites: 1,365 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons in obedience to the word of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses collects 1,365 shekels and gives the money to Aaron and his sons.
- Numbers 18:15-16 (BSB)“The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs.”The regular price for redeeming a firstborn son is five shekels by the sanctuary standard.
- 1 Peter 1:18-19 (BSB)“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.”Peter reminds believers that they were redeemed not with silver or gold but with the blood of Christ.
General
Which three sons of Levi gave their names to the three main groups of Levites?
Answer: Gershon, Kohath, Merari
Levi had three sons, Gershon, Kohath, Merari (3:17), and every Levite belonged to one of the three clan groups descended from them. The same three names appear in the list of Jacob's family going down to Egypt (Genesis 46:11), in the family records of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:16), and in Chronicles (1 Chronicles 6:1). The other names in the options are grandsons of Levi or later descendants.
- Numbers 3:17 (BSB)“These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.”Names the three sons of Levi from whom the Levite clans descend.
- Genesis 46:11 (BSB)“The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.”Lists the same three sons of Levi among those who went down to Egypt.
- Exodus 6:16 (BSB)“These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.”Records the three sons of Levi in the family records of Moses and Aaron.
- 1 Chronicles 6:1 (BSB)“The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.”The Chronicler lists the same three sons of Levi.
Theological
Who were the three sons of Levi from whom the Levitical clans descend (3:17)?
Answer: Gershon, Kohath, Merari
The Levitical clans descend from Levi's three sons, Gershon, Kohath, Merari (3:17), a genealogy consistently attested (Genesis 46:11; Exodus 6:16; 1 Chronicles 6:1). The other names are Levi's grandsons or later descendants.
- Numbers 3:17 (BSB)“These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.”Names the three sons of Levi from whom the Levite clans descend.
- Genesis 46:11 (BSB)“The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.”Lists the same three sons of Levi among those who went down to Egypt.
- Exodus 6:16 (BSB)“These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.”Records the three sons of Levi in the family records of Moses and Aaron.
- 1 Chronicles 6:1 (BSB)“The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.”The Chronicler lists the same three sons of Levi.