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 Levites to Take Responsibilities of the Firstborn

Numbers 3:40-51

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.  And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.” (Numbers 3:40-41)

Exodus 13:2 commanded “Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.” Every firstborn that was male was to be given to God.  Animals acceptable for sacrifices were to be sacrificed, and unclean animals were to be redeemed or killed.  Children were to be redeemed.  God offered to accept the males of Levi as substitutes for firstborn of other tribes.

“And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel.  And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.” (Numbers 3:42-43)

The census of Levi had counted twenty two thousand total males above at month old.  When they counted just the firstborn males in the other twelve tribes, they counted twenty two thousand two hundred and seventy three.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD. 


And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites; Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)  And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.” (Numbers 3:44-48) 

Not only the Levites themselves, but their cattle were to be given to God as substitutes for the cattle of Israel.  Because the number of the first born was greater than the total number of Levite men, the extra two hundred seventy three were to be redeemed for five shekels apiece,   Since a shekel was about 0.35 oz., the redemption price was about 1.75 oz. or roughly $56 when silver is $32/oz.   The cash was to be given to Levi to make up the difference.

“And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites: Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary: And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.” (Numbers 3:49-51)

The Levites were to spend their lives serving God.  As substitutes for the firstborn of the other tribes, they relieved the firstborn males of the other tribes to continue in their family business and stay in their home.  The cattle provided a source for the daily sacrifices and national sacrifices so there would be no need to find donors for national sacrifices.  The money would recompense the Levites for taking that responsibility.

Responsibilities of the Levites

Numbers 3:14-39

“And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.  And Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he was commanded. 


And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.  
And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families; Libni, and Shimei.  And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel.  And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.” (Numbers 3:14-20)

Moses had taken a census of all the men old enough to go to war, but the tribe of Levi was excluded.   In the process God had directed  where each tribe was to camp and the position they were to take when traveling to expedite setting up camp.  The Levites were chosen as priests and caretakers of the Tabernacle.  Each family was assigned responsibility for a particular part of the Tabernacle.

“Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.  Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them were seven thousand and five hundred. 


The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.  And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael. 


And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.  And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.” (Numbers 3:21-26) 

Unlike the main census which only counted the men twenty years old or older, every male Levite over a month old was counted.  The descendants of Gershon were responsible for the fabric parts of the Tabernacle, from the various coverings and door coverings to the ropes and the fencing around the courtyard.   This was in addition to moving their own personal belongings. With seven thousand five hundred to share the load, it should not have been an excessive burden.

When they set up camp, the Gershonites were to camp behind the Tabernacle on the west side.  This would keep the covering from being unloaded in a place that interfered with setting up, while preventing parts being misplaced.    Numbers 7 tells us that they were given two wagons to haul the coverings.  Eliasaph was appointed as foreman to oversee their work.

“And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.  In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary. 


The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward.  And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.


 And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.” (Numbers 3:27-31)

The Kohath Levites were assigned responsibility for the various pieces of furniture and implements of service in the Tabernacle, including the Brazen Altar and the Altar of Incense, the Laver, the Table of Showbread, the golden candlestick, and the Ark of the Covenant, along with all the necessary utensils for each one.

The Kohath Levites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle and would follow immediately after the priests when marching.  They were to physically carry the different implements and were given no wagons to move them.  Only they were allowed to carry them.  Elizaphan was appointed to direct the movement and care of those items.

“And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.” (Numbers 3:32) 

To avoid confusion, Eleazar, Aaron’s son was designated to oversee the various groups in moving and erecting the Tabernacle.

“Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari.  And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred. 


And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.  And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto, And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.” (Numbers 3:33-37)

Merari”s descendants were designate responsibility for the framework for the Tabernacle, including the poles, stakes, and ropes for setting up the the courtyard and the various bases for the different parts.  Numbers seven tells us they had four wagons to transport the various pieces.  They would follow the family of Kohath in marching and were led by Zuriel.

“But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.” (Numbers 3:38)

The priests would lead the Levites in march, camping on the east side of the tabernacle, just in front of the gate, making them readily available to any seeking to offer sacrifices or needing help.  Anyone stepping into that position who wasn’t born to it was to be executed.  The picture here is of those who attempt to bypass God’s plan being judged.  In John 10:1, Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.”

“All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.” (Numbers 3:39)

There were a total of twenty two thousand Levite, making Levi the smallest of the tribes, especially since they counted all the Levites over a month old while all the other tribes initially counted only those over twenty years old.

The Tribe Of Levi To Substitute For The Firstborn

Numbers 3:1-13

“These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai. 


And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.  These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.” (Numbers 3:1-3)

The word generation used here obviously refers to those generated by or descended from Moses and Aaron.  Unfortunately the failure to understand this meaning created a lot of controversy in interpreting the passages in Matthew 24:26-34, Mark 13, and Luke 12, relating to the second coming of Christ.  Moses’ sons were not given any special calling, but Aaron’s sons were selected to be priests.

“And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.” (Numbers 3:4) 

Of the four sons of Aaron chosen to be priests, two were killed for offering strange fire before the altar. Leviticus 8 and 9 describes the dedication of the Tabernacle and priests.  God kindled the fire that consumed the original sacrifices.  Leviticus 9:24-10:3describes the destruction of Nadab and Abihu. “And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.  And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.  And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.  Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace."  

Instead of using the fire God had started, Nadab and Abihu used fire from some other source.  No substitute for the fire of God was acceptable.  I am concerned that the substitution of psychological gimmicks for spiritual power, or human doctrine for the Word of God may is using false fire in our day.   Eleazar and Ithamar were able to continue their priesthood.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.  And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle.  And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle. 


And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.  And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.” (Numbers 3:5-10) 

Not only Aaron’s sons, but the entire tribe of Levi was chosen to minister to God.  Aaron and his sons were to oversee the service of the other Levites, in caring for the tabernacle and in teaching the other tribes.  In this regard, the priest’s job was much like that of the pastor or bishops responsibility for overseeing the church.  Anyone who performed the duties who was not a member of the right family was to be executed.  The New Testament requirements for pastors and deacons in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 exclude unsaved or unspiritual men from the ministry in the same way.  Far too often human standards are substituted for God’s.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine; Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the LORD.” (Numbers 3:11-13)

In Exodus 13:11-15, God had commanded, “And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee, That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD'S.  And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.  And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage: And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem."

Now God makes it clear that he is claiming the tribe of Levi as a substitute for the firstborn sons.  The other tribes are to give their redemption money to the tribe of Levi as a payment for taking their place.  The responsibility to God would be met because someone else too their place, fulfilling the requirements of justice.  Again we have an illustration of Christ fulfilling the requirements of the law for us, so we don’t have to.  Romans 8:1-4 refers to this .  “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

The Order Of March

Numbers 2:1-34

From time to time, hurricanes, floods, wild fires or other events force the evacuation of a community or town.  A great deal of planning and preparation is required to prevent traffic jams and mass confusion, even in comparatively small areas.  Imagine trying to evacuate city the size of  Phoenix, Arizona and set them up in a camp within a twelve hour period.  The logistics of such a move would require tremendous organization, yet Israel made frequent moves for a period of forty years.  God provided a plan which enabled them to make such moves as often as necessary.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch. 


And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.  And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred. 


And those that do pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar.  And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred. 


Then the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon shall be captain of the children of Zebulun.  And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred. 


All that were numbered in the camp of Judah were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth.” (Numbers 2:1-9)

When they moved, the pillar of cloud and fire designated where the Tabernacle was to be placed.  When they camped, Judah was to set their camp to the east of where the tabernacle was to be placed with the tribe of Issachar just to their south and Zebulon farther south yet.  When they traveled, Judah was to lead off with Issachar and Zebulon falling in behind them in order.  The three tribes would comprise roughly one quarter of the population.  They were to camp at some distance from the Tabernacle.

“On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.  And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred. 


And those which pitch by him shall be the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.  And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred. 


Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.  And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty. 


All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben were an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank.” (Numbers 2:10-15) 

The tribe of Reuben was to define the location for the tribes of Simeon and Gad on the south side of the Tabernacle location, and to follow Zebulon when they moved out.  Again the combination of tribes was roughly a quarter of the total population.  They would form almost a separate camp.

“Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.” (Numbers 2:17)

When traveling, the Levites and the Tabernacle were to follow the camps of Judah and Reuben, moving into their place north of Reuben’s camp and west of Judah’s when the stopped, erecting the Tabernacle in the middle of their camp.

“On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud. And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty thousand and five hundred. 


And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.  And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred. 


Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni.  And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred. 


All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank.” (Numbers 2:18-24)

Ephraim would anchor the three tribes located to the west of the Tabernacle and would follow immediately behind the Levites when they moved. They were accompanied by Manasseh and Benjamin. This was the largest group and comprised slightly over a quarter of the people.

“The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.  And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred. 


And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.  And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and one thousand and five hundred. 


Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.  And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred. 


All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards.” (Numbers 2:25-31)

The final group, led by Dan and including Asher and Napthali were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle and bring up the rear when moving.  The order of march ensured minimal delays and confusion as everyone knew exactly where they were to go and there was no need fro passing through other groups campsite to get where one was to go.  Without such organization, movement of such a large number of people would have been nearly impossible.

“These are those which were numbered of the children of Israel by the house of their fathers: all those that were numbered of the camps throughout their hosts were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.  But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses. 


And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses: so they pitched by their standards, and so they set forward, every one after their families, according to the house of their fathers.” (Numbers 2:32-34)

Duties of the Levites

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.

The Thirteenth Tribe

 Numbers 1:47-54

“But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them.  For the LORD had spoken unto Moses, saying, Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel: But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.  And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.” (Numbers 1:47-51) 

The twelve tribes listed as being counted did not include the tribe of Levi.  Jacob, (Israel) had promised Joseph that he would get an additional portion because of his deliverance for his family, in Genesis 48:21-22.  “And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.  Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.”

The tribe of Levi was never given a separate country, just property in each of the other tribes.  References to the twelve tribes refer to the twelve tribes who owned their own state or country.  Outsiders would not recognize the Levites as a separate tribe.  As the priests, having a separate country would have enabled the tribe of Levi to seize power over the other tribes.  By not giving them a power base to take over, God limited their influence.  Because only Levites could be priests, the other tribes could not take control of the religion for their own purposes, providing a measure of stability and protection from corruption.

The tribe of Levi was to be focused on helping the other tribes to worship God, rather than on conquest or business affairs.  As such they were not included as part of the military force.

“And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts.  But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.  And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.” (Numbers 1:52-54)

Following the census, each tribe was grouped around their own standard, beginning to coalesce into what would become essentially twelve states.  Each tribe  would have a particular area in relation to the tabernacle.  The Levites were to camp around the tabernacle, making them readily available to the people so they were not tempted to bypass God’s instructions and bring judgment on Israel.

Like the Christian today, the Levites were not members of the country they lived in, and were to continually be ready to assist others in their efforts to know and worship God.  Rather than producing everything for themselves, they were to depend on God to provide their needs, although they were free to work their own fields and businesses when not needed at the Tabernacle.  They had to give up the freedom to live where they wanted and do as they pleased in order to fulfill their calling.

Sadly, many Christians today, even pastors and missionaries are not willing to make such a commitment.  They become like Eli’s sons, in I Samuel 2:12-17, demanding what they want rather than what God provides.  “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.  And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh, unto all the Israelites that came thither.  Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.  And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.  Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.”

It is that attitude which has turned many away from the church and Christianity in our day, just as it did in Eli’s day.  The attitude is Satanic in origin.