Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.
The Levites were counted starting from those who were thirty years old and older. When they counted each person individually, there were thirty-eight thousand of them.
The writer is recording that David conducted a census of the Levites who were ready for service, counting 38,000 men aged thirty and up.
📚 Historical Context
This census took place during King David's later years as he organized the temple service in preparation for Solomon to build the temple. The Levites were the tribe set apart by God to serve in religious duties, including caring for the tabernacle and later the temple. The age of thirty was significant as it represented full maturity and readiness for sacred service.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.