The Kohath Levite’s Duties
Numbers 4:1-20
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers, From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.” (Numbers 4:1-3)
While all the Levite men were to be given to God, only those between thirty and fifty years old were to do the actual work in the Tabernacle. The Kohath Levites in particular, had very specific responsibilities for transporting the implements and furniture. However, it was the priest’s responsibility to prepare them for transport.
“This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things: And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering veil, and cover the ark of testimony with it: And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.” (Numbers 4:4-6)
Aaron and the priests were to take the veil down and cover the Ark of the Covenant with it, then cover it in badger skin cover similar to what served as the outer covering of the Tabernacle. Finally that was to be covered with a solid blue cloth, and make sure the carrying poles were in place for the Kohath Levites to carry it. The ark was thus protected from dust, rain, and prying eyes.
“And upon the table of showbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon: And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.” (Numbers 4:7-8)
The priests were to cover the table of Showbread with a blue cloth then place the dishes and utensils on the cloth with the showbread to prevent scratching. Over that was placed a scarlet cloth and it was to be protected with a badger skin cover so as to prevent damage or contamination. The carrying poles were also to be installed by the priests.
“And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it: And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.” (Numbers 4:9-10)
The golden Candlestick and all the accessories for it were to be wrapped in a blue cloth and covered with a badger skin outer covering. The entire package was then to be attached to a pole for carrying.
“And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof: And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar: And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon: And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basins, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.” (Numbers 4:11-14)
The Altar of Incense was to be covered with a blue cloth and covered with badger skins with the poles installed. The other implements for use inside the tabernacle were to be wrapped in a blue cloth and covered with a badger skin covering before being attached to a pole for carrying. These would include basins for carrying the blood into the Holy of Holies and various other containers.
The ashes were to be emptied out of the brazen altar, and it was to be covered with a purple cloth. The brass implements for use with the brazen altar were then place on the cloth and it was all covered with a badger skin covering. And the poles were installed.
“And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.” (Numbers 4:15)
The Kohath Levites were not allowed to even come into the tabernacle to carry the various items of worship until they were completely wrapped up, and they were nto to touch anything but the carrying staves or they would die. The first record of breaking that command occurred in I Samuel 5-6 when the Philistines captured the Ark and returned it to Israel. Many Philistines died, and the people of Bethshemish were worried the Philistines might have removed something, and opened it to look, resulting in more than fifty thousand deaths. Uzzah was killed in II Samuel 6 for touching the Ark in an effort to prevent it from falling.
The Kohath Levites illustrate the relationship of the Jewish religion to the Gospel, that they were to carry it throughout the world, but never able to see or touch it. I Peter 1:10-12 describes their situation. “Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.”
“And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.” (Numbers 4:16)
Aaron was the High Priest, but Eleazar was the one responsible for overseeing the day to day worship and care of the tabernacle. He was essentially the pastor or chief priest, answerable to the High Priest. Again we see the illustration of the modern church.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites: But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden: But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.” (Numbers 4:17-20)
The Kohath Levites were not to be isolated from the other Levites despite their special duties, reminding us again that those with a special ministry are not to segregate themselves from the other people. God reiterated the warning that the Kohath Levites were not to touch or even see the holy things they were to carry, but to allow the priests to designate each one’s burden.
It is important to note that God’s commands are always restated to ensure that there is no question as to what he said. Any interpretation of scripture that contradicts other scripture or is not found repeatedly can safely be assumed to be incorrect. It can only be interpreted in light of other scripture, as II Peter 1;20-21 states. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
The Gershonites’ Responsibilities.
Numbers 4:21-28
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families; From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.
This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens: And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.” (Numbers 4:21-26)
Like the Kohathites, only those between thirty and fifty years of age were to be assigned to care for and move the cloth parts of the tabernacle. Because they specialized in caring for the fabric parts they would become very skilled in folding and packing these items in an efficient manner.
“At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens. This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.” (Numbers 4:27-28)
While Eleazar was in charge of the overall Tabernacle, and especially the items of worship, Ithamar was to oversee the erection and maintenance of the tent and courtyard. The priests were to assign each of the Gershonites their place and responsibilities as needed.
Duties Of The Sons Of Merari
Numbers 4:29-33
“As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families, by the house of their fathers; From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof, And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden. This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.” (Numbers 4:29-33)
At least two and perhaps four men would be required to handle each of the boards for the Tabernacle, with several to handle the bars that held them in place. An individual would be unable to carry more than two of the support sockets securely and the brass tent pegs and ropes would need to be carefully packed but by careful organization would make loading and unloading fairly efficient. Each man was assigned responsibility for certain parts by name.
“And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their fathers, From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation: And those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty. These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.” (Numbers 4:34-37)
The Kohathites had only a few items to deal with, but they would have to carry them the entire time. As well as moving their own stuff. Two thousand seven hundred and fifty of them could rotate their burdens and help carry each others stuff so it would not be and excessive burden on anyone. Paul emphasized a similar concept in giving in II Corinthians 8:12-14. “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:”
“And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers, From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation, Even those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty. These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD.
And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation, Even those that were numbered of them after their families, were three thousand and two hundred. These be those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.” (Numbers 4:38-45)
The coverings and curtains for the Tabernacle were huge pieces of cloth and would require many men to load them onto the wagons. With two thousand six hundred thirty men, the Gershonites could easily hand all the weight of all the different coverings with no one required to handle more than one piece before returning to their own stuff. Once loaded on the wagons only a few drivers were needed. The sons of Merari could assign teams to move each individual board or pole to load them, and even though there was a large number of parts, no one would need to make repeated trips. Those who were free when erecting the tabernacle could level the ground or drive stakes while others unloaded.
“All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the chief of Israel numbered, after their families, and after the house of their fathers, From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation, Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore. According to the commandment of the LORD they were numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as the LORD commanded Moses.” (Numbers 4:46-49)
With such a large and carefully organized work force, even a complex structure such as the Tabernacle could be struck or erected in a half hour or so. This was critical if they were to move and keep the daily sacrifices God had specified.
Numbers 4:1-20
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers, From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.” (Numbers 4:1-3)
While all the Levite men were to be given to God, only those between thirty and fifty years old were to do the actual work in the Tabernacle. The Kohath Levites in particular, had very specific responsibilities for transporting the implements and furniture. However, it was the priest’s responsibility to prepare them for transport.
“This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things: And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering veil, and cover the ark of testimony with it: And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.” (Numbers 4:4-6)
Aaron and the priests were to take the veil down and cover the Ark of the Covenant with it, then cover it in badger skin cover similar to what served as the outer covering of the Tabernacle. Finally that was to be covered with a solid blue cloth, and make sure the carrying poles were in place for the Kohath Levites to carry it. The ark was thus protected from dust, rain, and prying eyes.
“And upon the table of showbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon: And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.” (Numbers 4:7-8)
The priests were to cover the table of Showbread with a blue cloth then place the dishes and utensils on the cloth with the showbread to prevent scratching. Over that was placed a scarlet cloth and it was to be protected with a badger skin cover so as to prevent damage or contamination. The carrying poles were also to be installed by the priests.
“And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it: And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.” (Numbers 4:9-10)
The golden Candlestick and all the accessories for it were to be wrapped in a blue cloth and covered with a badger skin outer covering. The entire package was then to be attached to a pole for carrying.
“And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof: And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar: And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon: And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basins, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.” (Numbers 4:11-14)
The Altar of Incense was to be covered with a blue cloth and covered with badger skins with the poles installed. The other implements for use inside the tabernacle were to be wrapped in a blue cloth and covered with a badger skin covering before being attached to a pole for carrying. These would include basins for carrying the blood into the Holy of Holies and various other containers.
The ashes were to be emptied out of the brazen altar, and it was to be covered with a purple cloth. The brass implements for use with the brazen altar were then place on the cloth and it was all covered with a badger skin covering. And the poles were installed.
“And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.” (Numbers 4:15)
The Kohath Levites were not allowed to even come into the tabernacle to carry the various items of worship until they were completely wrapped up, and they were nto to touch anything but the carrying staves or they would die. The first record of breaking that command occurred in I Samuel 5-6 when the Philistines captured the Ark and returned it to Israel. Many Philistines died, and the people of Bethshemish were worried the Philistines might have removed something, and opened it to look, resulting in more than fifty thousand deaths. Uzzah was killed in II Samuel 6 for touching the Ark in an effort to prevent it from falling.
The Kohath Levites illustrate the relationship of the Jewish religion to the Gospel, that they were to carry it throughout the world, but never able to see or touch it. I Peter 1:10-12 describes their situation. “Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.”
“And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.” (Numbers 4:16)
Aaron was the High Priest, but Eleazar was the one responsible for overseeing the day to day worship and care of the tabernacle. He was essentially the pastor or chief priest, answerable to the High Priest. Again we see the illustration of the modern church.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites: But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden: But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.” (Numbers 4:17-20)
The Kohath Levites were not to be isolated from the other Levites despite their special duties, reminding us again that those with a special ministry are not to segregate themselves from the other people. God reiterated the warning that the Kohath Levites were not to touch or even see the holy things they were to carry, but to allow the priests to designate each one’s burden.
It is important to note that God’s commands are always restated to ensure that there is no question as to what he said. Any interpretation of scripture that contradicts other scripture or is not found repeatedly can safely be assumed to be incorrect. It can only be interpreted in light of other scripture, as II Peter 1;20-21 states. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
The Gershonites’ Responsibilities.
Numbers 4:21-28
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families; From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.
This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens: And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.” (Numbers 4:21-26)
Like the Kohathites, only those between thirty and fifty years of age were to be assigned to care for and move the cloth parts of the tabernacle. Because they specialized in caring for the fabric parts they would become very skilled in folding and packing these items in an efficient manner.
“At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens. This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.” (Numbers 4:27-28)
While Eleazar was in charge of the overall Tabernacle, and especially the items of worship, Ithamar was to oversee the erection and maintenance of the tent and courtyard. The priests were to assign each of the Gershonites their place and responsibilities as needed.
Duties Of The Sons Of Merari
Numbers 4:29-33
“As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families, by the house of their fathers; From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof, And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden. This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.” (Numbers 4:29-33)
At least two and perhaps four men would be required to handle each of the boards for the Tabernacle, with several to handle the bars that held them in place. An individual would be unable to carry more than two of the support sockets securely and the brass tent pegs and ropes would need to be carefully packed but by careful organization would make loading and unloading fairly efficient. Each man was assigned responsibility for certain parts by name.
“And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their fathers, From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation: And those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty. These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.” (Numbers 4:34-37)
The Kohathites had only a few items to deal with, but they would have to carry them the entire time. As well as moving their own stuff. Two thousand seven hundred and fifty of them could rotate their burdens and help carry each others stuff so it would not be and excessive burden on anyone. Paul emphasized a similar concept in giving in II Corinthians 8:12-14. “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:”
“And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers, From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation, Even those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty. These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD.
And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation, Even those that were numbered of them after their families, were three thousand and two hundred. These be those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.” (Numbers 4:38-45)
The coverings and curtains for the Tabernacle were huge pieces of cloth and would require many men to load them onto the wagons. With two thousand six hundred thirty men, the Gershonites could easily hand all the weight of all the different coverings with no one required to handle more than one piece before returning to their own stuff. Once loaded on the wagons only a few drivers were needed. The sons of Merari could assign teams to move each individual board or pole to load them, and even though there was a large number of parts, no one would need to make repeated trips. Those who were free when erecting the tabernacle could level the ground or drive stakes while others unloaded.
“All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the chief of Israel numbered, after their families, and after the house of their fathers, From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation, Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore. According to the commandment of the LORD they were numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as the LORD commanded Moses.” (Numbers 4:46-49)
With such a large and carefully organized work force, even a complex structure such as the Tabernacle could be struck or erected in a half hour or so. This was critical if they were to move and keep the daily sacrifices God had specified.
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