Numbers 7:8 Meaning and Explanation
“And four wagons and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari, according unto their service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses gives four wagons and eight oxen to the Merarites, supervised by Ithamar the priest.
The Context of Numbers 7:8
The Merarites receive double the Gershonites' share, reflecting their heavier workload.
What Does Numbers 7:8 Mean?
The Merarites carried the heaviest items: the wooden frames, bars, pillars, and bases of the tabernacle itself. Their load was heavier than the Gershonites', so they received four wagons and eight oxen. Ithamar, Aaron's son and a high priest, oversaw their work, ensuring priestly authority covered this important function.
The assignment of a priest as overseer underscores the sacred nature of the work, even in its physical, labor-intensive aspects.
Numbers 7:8 in the Original Language
Merari (מְרָרִי), 'Merari' — another son of Levi, whose family managed the structural components of the tabernacle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 7:8
What does Numbers 7:8 mean?
Moses gives four wagons and eight oxen to the Merarites, supervised by Ithamar the priest.
What is the context of Numbers 7:8?
The Merarites receive double the Gershonites' share, reflecting their heavier workload.