Definition: And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Numbers 10:17. It’s a really important story about how the Israelites prepared for their next major event – the Passover festival! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, they were cleaning and preparing the Tabernacle. “Numbers 10:17” is the exact wording of the verse. It's telling us exactly what happened. “Took down” – This refers to dismantling or removing something. Think of it like taking down a building or a piece of furniture. “The tabernacle was taken down…” - The Tabernacle was a special, portable house for God’s people, built in Jerusalem. It was incredibly important because it housed the divine presence and was a place of worship. “…and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward…” – This is where it gets interesting. The story tells us that two families – Gershon and Merari – were chosen to carry the Tabernacle. They weren't just cleaning; they were leading the process. So, what was happening? They were responsible for taking the Tabernacle out of Jerusalem and moving it to a different location. This is important because it shows that the Israelites were preparing for a significant event – Passover! It’s like they were getting ready for a big celebration or a special moment in their history. Why was this important? The Tabernacle symbolized God's presence with his people. It was a reminder of His power and holiness. By taking it out of Jerusalem and moving it, they were symbolically removing any potential problem or offense and focusing on the divine. In short, the verse tells us that the Israelites were diligently preparing for Passover by carefully transporting the sacred Tabernacle. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Give you a little more context about why this was important in Jewish history?