Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Numbers 10:17
And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.
17. The verbs in this and the following verse, and in 21 f., 25, are perfects with Vav. This use, to describe consecutive actions in the past, though not unexampled in late literature, is rare. And it is probable that the writer intended them to be frequentative. The order of the host in the first march was that which was observed throughout the journeys.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
A more precise determination of the method of executing the order given in Num 2:17. The appointed place of the tabernacle, in the midst of the host, was represented during the march by the ark, the holy vessels, etc. carried by the Kohathites. The actual structure of the tabernacle was borne in advance by the Gershonites and Merarites, immediately behind the camp of Judah; so as to be set up ready against the arrival of the sacred utensils borne by the Kohathites. Compare Num. 2; 4,
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
And the tabernacle was taken down,…. By the Levites, as Aben Ezra, and which appears to be their work, from Nu 1:51; this began to be done by them as soon as the cloud was perceived to move upwards, and the camp of Judah was preparing to march; and after Aaron and his sons had taken the holy vessels out of the holy and most holy place, and had packed up and covered them as directed, Nu 4:5; this was an emblem of the taking down of the Jewish church state, the abolition of the service of the sanctuary, as well as of the changeable condition of the Gospel church in the wilderness, which is not always in one and the same place, but is moved from place to place, and that by the ministers of the word, signified by the Levites, who are sent and carry the Gospel here and there:
and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle; the former, the hangings and vail, and the latter the boards, pillars, sockets, &c. each of them having wagons for their assistance: these followed immediately after the camp of Judah.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(17) And the tabernacle was taken down . . . The order of precedence as regards the twelve tribes which were encamped on the four sides of the Tabernacle is clearly laid down in Numbers 2, where it is ordered that the camp of the Lervites should set forward in the midst of the camps (Num. 10:17). The precise position which the three bodies of Levites were to occupy in the marches is defined in this chapter. The Gershonites, who had the charge of the curtains and hangings of the Tabernacle and the court (Num. 4:25-26), with their two wagons, and the Merarites, who had the charge of the heavier and more bulky materials (Num. 4:31-32), with their four wagons, were to set forward after the first or eastern camp, which was composed of the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulon, in order that they might have time to erect the Tabernacle before the arrival of the Kohathites, bearing the sanctuary (or sacred things). Next in order after the Gershonites and Merarites followed the southern camp, consisting of the three tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad. Then followed the Kohathites in the centre of the procession, bearing the sanctuary. After them marched the three tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, who formed the western camp, and as the rereward, the three tribes of Dan, Asher, and Naphtali, which formed the northern camp. This arrangement serves to throw light upon Psa. 80:2 : Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come and save us.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
17-21. Bearing the tabernacle By inspecting the plan of the camp (Num 2:5, cut) it will be seen that the bearers of the various parts of the tabernacle wheeled into the column after the entire eastern division of the camp had moved. The bearers of the sanctuary, or the most holy things, (Num 4:4, note,) waited after the removal of the tabernacle till the entire southern side of the camp was in line, when they also marched. This arrangement afforded ample protection to the body of Levites, and gave the bearers of the tabernacle the opportunity to set it up in time for the reception of its furniture against the Kohathites came, that is, by the time when they should arrive. For the place of the ark on the march see Num 10:33, note. This fixed order, rigidly adhered to, was necessary not only for military reasons, but to prevent the host from becoming a confused mob.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The Levites Who Bore The Dwellingplace ( Num 10:17 )
Num 10:17
‘And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, who bore the tabernacle, set forward.’
Behind the leading troops set forward the sons of Gershon and Merari, the Levites who bore the Dwellingplace itself and all that was required for its erection. Once the cloud ceased moving they would immediately erect the Dwellingplace ready to receive the Sanctuary furniture.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Come Thou with Us
Num 10:17-36
The invitation of Moses to Hobab is one that we may all give to our friends: We are journeying to the place of which the Lord hath spoken. We should always be on the alert for those who are not formally united to the Church, and we can always promise that we can do them good. Only good awaits those who travel with their backs to Egypt and their faces toward the Heavenly City. God has prepared for those who love Him such good things as it is beyond words to declare. See 1Co 2:9.
And how much we may benefit by such companionships! Hobab was probably Moses brother-in-law, and Jethro having returned to Midian, he was all the more needed to lead Israel to the best routes and the most suitable halting-places, where shade and water could be found. Such a guide would be invaluable. Ministers are such! For Hobabs reward see Jdg 1:16; Jdg 4:11. Who would not follow where the Ark of the Covenant leads, and rest where the cloud broods? Joh 10:4.
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
the tabernacle: Num 1:51, Heb 9:11, Heb 12:28, 2Pe 1:14
the sons: Num 3:25, Num 3:26, Num 3:36, Num 3:37, Num 4:24-33, Num 7:6-8
Reciprocal: Exo 25:28 – the table Num 2:17 – tabernacle Num 3:8 – General Num 10:21 – the other did 1Ch 6:47 – Merari 1Ch 23:24 – the sons of Levi
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
10:17 And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing {g} the tabernacle.
(g) With all the belongings of it.