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.
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 vail, 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.
And upon the table of shewbread 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.
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.
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 basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers’ skins, and put to the staves of it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 delves into the specific duties assigned to the Levites, particularly concerning the transportation of the tabernacle and its sacred objects. This chapter provides a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous organization and reverence that characterized Israel's worship in the wilderness. Understanding these details offers valuable insights into God's holiness and the importance of approaching Him with respect and obedience. This chapter also highlights the importance of teamwork, as the Levites were divided into three clans, each with specific responsibilities. The division of labor ensured that no one was overburdened and that the work was carried out efficiently.
The Kohathites: Guardians of the Holiest Things (Numbers 4:1-20)
The Kohathites held the most sacred responsibility: transporting the ark of the testimony, the table of the Presence, the lampstand, the altars (gold and bronze), and the sacred utensils. These were not tasks to be taken lightly. Only Levites between the ages of thirty and fifty were eligible for this service (Numbers 4:3). This age range likely represented a period of mature strength and experience, necessary for handling such important and demanding duties.
The text emphasizes the extraordinary care required in handling these holy objects. The priests, specifically, were responsible for carefully covering each item with layers of protective materials, including leather and cloth (Numbers 4:5-15). Poles were inserted through rings on the ark and the table, enabling the Kohathites to carry them without direct contact. This meticulous process underscored the holiness of these objects and the need to protect them from defilement. Direct contact was forbidden, carrying the penalty of death (Numbers 4:15). This was not an arbitrary rule but a reflection of God's holiness and the potential danger of approaching Him without proper reverence.
Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, was assigned oversight of the Kohathites' work (Numbers 4:16). His role was crucial in ensuring that everything was done according to God's specific commands, preventing the Kohathites from incurring God's wrath. This highlights the importance of leadership and accountability in serving God.
The Gershonites: Overseers of the Tabernacle Fabrics (Numbers 4:21-28)
The Gershonites were responsible for the cloth and leather components of the tabernacle. This included the curtains, the covering, the screen for the entrance to the tabernacle, the hangings of the courtyard, and all the related equipment (Numbers 4:25-26). Their task involved taking down, transporting, and setting up these essential elements of the tabernacle structure. Ithamar, another son of Aaron, supervised the Gershonites (Numbers 4:28).
The Merarites: Carriers of the Tabernacle's Framework (Numbers 4:29-33)
The Merarites were the "heavy haulers" of the Levites, tasked with transporting the wooden and metal parts of the tabernacle's framework – the sockets, frames, bars, pillars, and bases (Numbers 4:29-32). These were the structural elements upon which the cloth and leather coverings were hung. Like the Gershonites, the Merarites also operated under the supervision of Ithamar (Numbers 4:33).
The Census and the Division of Labor (Numbers 4:34-49)
A census was conducted to determine the number of Levites between thirty and fifty years old who were qualified for service. The results were significant: 2,750 Kohathites, 2,630 Gershonites, and 3,200 Merarites – a total of 8,580 Levites ready to serve (Numbers 4:34-45, 48). This abundance of manpower allowed for a distribution of the workload, ensuring that no individual was overburdened. The text explicitly states that each man's assignment was "as the LORD commanded Moses" (Numbers 4:49), emphasizing the divine origin and importance of this organizational structure.
Lessons for Today
Numbers 4 provides several valuable lessons for believers today:
- The Importance of Reverence: The meticulous handling of the sacred objects underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect. While we now have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, we should never take His holiness lightly.
- The Value of Order and Organization: The detailed division of labor among the Levites highlights the value of order and organization in serving God. When we use our gifts and talents in a coordinated manner, we can accomplish more for His kingdom.
- The Significance of Teamwork: The cooperative spirit among the Levite clans demonstrates the importance of teamwork in the church. When we work together in unity, we can effectively meet the needs of the body of Christ.
- The Burden of Leadership: The role of Eleazar and Ithamar emphasizes the responsibility of leadership in ensuring that God's work is done according to His will. Leaders are called to guide and equip others to serve faithfully.
- God's Provision: The large number of qualified Levites suggests God's provision for the needs of His people. He always provides the resources and manpower necessary to accomplish His purposes.
Just as the Levites were entrusted with the care and transportation of the tabernacle, we are entrusted with the responsibility of carrying the message of the Gospel to the world. May we approach this task with the same reverence, diligence, and teamwork that characterized the Levites' service.
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.
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 vail, 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.
And upon the table of shewbread 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.
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.
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 basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers’ skins, and put to the staves of it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 delves into the specific duties assigned to the Levites, particularly concerning the transportation of the tabernacle and its sacred objects. This chapter provides a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous organization and reverence that characterized Israel's worship in the wilderness. Understanding these details offers valuable insights into God's holiness and the importance of approaching Him with respect and obedience. This chapter also highlights the importance of teamwork, as the Levites were divided into three clans, each with specific responsibilities. The division of labor ensured that no one was overburdened and that the work was carried out efficiently.
The Kohathites: Guardians of the Holiest Things (Numbers 4:1-20)
The Kohathites held the most sacred responsibility: transporting the ark of the testimony, the table of the Presence, the lampstand, the altars (gold and bronze), and the sacred utensils. These were not tasks to be taken lightly. Only Levites between the ages of thirty and fifty were eligible for this service (Numbers 4:3). This age range likely represented a period of mature strength and experience, necessary for handling such important and demanding duties.
The text emphasizes the extraordinary care required in handling these holy objects. The priests, specifically, were responsible for carefully covering each item with layers of protective materials, including leather and cloth (Numbers 4:5-15). Poles were inserted through rings on the ark and the table, enabling the Kohathites to carry them without direct contact. This meticulous process underscored the holiness of these objects and the need to protect them from defilement. Direct contact was forbidden, carrying the penalty of death (Numbers 4:15). This was not an arbitrary rule but a reflection of God's holiness and the potential danger of approaching Him without proper reverence.
Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, was assigned oversight of the Kohathites' work (Numbers 4:16). His role was crucial in ensuring that everything was done according to God's specific commands, preventing the Kohathites from incurring God's wrath. This highlights the importance of leadership and accountability in serving God.
The Gershonites: Overseers of the Tabernacle Fabrics (Numbers 4:21-28)
The Gershonites were responsible for the cloth and leather components of the tabernacle. This included the curtains, the covering, the screen for the entrance to the tabernacle, the hangings of the courtyard, and all the related equipment (Numbers 4:25-26). Their task involved taking down, transporting, and setting up these essential elements of the tabernacle structure. Ithamar, another son of Aaron, supervised the Gershonites (Numbers 4:28).
The Merarites: Carriers of the Tabernacle's Framework (Numbers 4:29-33)
The Merarites were the "heavy haulers" of the Levites, tasked with transporting the wooden and metal parts of the tabernacle's framework – the sockets, frames, bars, pillars, and bases (Numbers 4:29-32). These were the structural elements upon which the cloth and leather coverings were hung. Like the Gershonites, the Merarites also operated under the supervision of Ithamar (Numbers 4:33).
The Census and the Division of Labor (Numbers 4:34-49)
A census was conducted to determine the number of Levites between thirty and fifty years old who were qualified for service. The results were significant: 2,750 Kohathites, 2,630 Gershonites, and 3,200 Merarites – a total of 8,580 Levites ready to serve (Numbers 4:34-45, 48). This abundance of manpower allowed for a distribution of the workload, ensuring that no individual was overburdened. The text explicitly states that each man's assignment was "as the LORD commanded Moses" (Numbers 4:49), emphasizing the divine origin and importance of this organizational structure.
Lessons for Today
Numbers 4 provides several valuable lessons for believers today:
- The Importance of Reverence: The meticulous handling of the sacred objects underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect. While we now have direct access to God through Jesus Christ, we should never take His holiness lightly.
- The Value of Order and Organization: The detailed division of labor among the Levites highlights the value of order and organization in serving God. When we use our gifts and talents in a coordinated manner, we can accomplish more for His kingdom.
- The Significance of Teamwork: The cooperative spirit among the Levite clans demonstrates the importance of teamwork in the church. When we work together in unity, we can effectively meet the needs of the body of Christ.
- The Burden of Leadership: The role of Eleazar and Ithamar emphasizes the responsibility of leadership in ensuring that God's work is done according to His will. Leaders are called to guide and equip others to serve faithfully.
- God's Provision: The large number of qualified Levites suggests God's provision for the needs of His people. He always provides the resources and manpower necessary to accomplish His purposes.
Just as the Levites were entrusted with the care and transportation of the tabernacle, we are entrusted with the responsibility of carrying the message of the Gospel to the world. May we approach this task with the same reverence, diligence, and teamwork that characterized the Levites' service.