34 And Moses and Aaron and the leaders of the congregation numbered the sons of the Ko'hathites, by their families and their fathers' houses, 35 from thirty years old up to fifty years old, every one that could enter the service, for work in the tent of meeting; 36 and their number by families was two thousand seven hundred and fifty. 37 This was the number of the families of the Ko'hathites, all who served in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the Lord by Moses. 38 The number of the sons of Gershon, by their families and their fathers' houses, 39 from thirty years old up to fifty years old, every one that could enter the service for work in the tent of meeting-- 40 their number by their families and their fathers' houses was two thousand six hundred and thirty. 41 This was the number of the families of the sons of Gershon, all who served in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the Lord. 42 The number of the families of the sons of Merar'i, by their families and their fathers' houses, 43 from thirty years old up to fifty years old, every one that could enter the service, for work in the tent of meeting-- 44 their number by families was three thousand two hundred. 45 These are those who were numbered of the families of the sons of Merar'i, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the Lord by Moses. 46 All those who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the leaders of Israel numbered, by their families and their fathers' houses, 47 from thirty years old up to fifty years old, every one that could enter to do the work of service and the work of bearing burdens in the tent of meeting, 48 those who were numbered of them were eight thousand five hundred and eighty. 49 According to the commandment of the Lord through Moses they were appointed, each to his task of serving or carrying; thus they were numbered by him, as the Lord commanded Moses.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 4:34-49
Commentary on Numbers 4:34-49
(Read Numbers 4:34-49)
God so ordered it, that though the Merarites were the fewest in number, yet they should have most able men among them; for whatever service God calls men to, he will furnish them for it, give strength in proportion to the work, and grace sufficient. The least of the tribes had many more able men than the Levites: those who engage in the service of this world, are many more than those devoted to the service of God. May our souls be wholly devoted to his service.