Numbers 4

In Numbers 4, God instructs Moses and Aaron on the duties of the Levites, specifically assigning the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites tasks related to the Tabernacle. This chapter outlines the specific responsibilities of these Levitical families in relation to the transport and care of the sacred objects. Each group is given distinct roles, and strict instructions are provided to ensure that the holy items are handled with the utmost care and reverence.

Numbers 4:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying:
2 “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the children of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ house,
3 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the tabernacle of meeting.

God commands Moses and Aaron to take a census of the Kohathites, one of the Levitical families. Only those between the ages of thirty and fifty are eligible for service. This age range indicates a time of maturity and physical strength, suitable for the heavy responsibilities associated with transporting and maintaining the sacred objects of the Tabernacle. The specificity of the age range underscores the importance of being physically and mentally prepared for the holy work.

Numbers 4:4-6 (NKJV)
4 This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of meeting, relating to the most holy things:
5 When the camp prepares to journey, Aaron and his sons shall come, and they shall take down the covering veil and cover the ark of the Testimony with it.
6 Then they shall put on it a covering of badger skins, and spread over that a cloth entirely of blue, and they shall insert its poles.

The Kohathites are given the duty of handling the most sacred objects, including the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron and his sons, as priests, are responsible for covering the Ark before the Kohathites transport it, ensuring that no one touches or sees the holy object. The layers of coverings serve as protection and also symbolize the sanctity and separation of these objects from the common people. This process highlights the importance of reverence for God’s presence.

Numbers 4:7-9 (NKJV)
7 On the table of showbread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the pans, the bowls, and the pitchers for pouring; and the showbread shall be on it.
8 They shall spread over them a scarlet cloth, and cover the same with a covering of badger skins; and they shall insert its poles.
9 And they shall take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand of the light, with its lamps, its wick-trimmers, its trays, and all its oil vessels, by which they service it.

The table of showbread and the lampstand are also to be covered before being transported by the Kohathites. Each piece is treated with care and wrapped in specific colored cloths, emphasizing the symbolic nature of color in representing holiness and royalty. The blue and scarlet cloths suggest heavenly authority and divine purpose, while the badger skins provide physical protection during the journey. Every detail in handling these items reflects the care required in maintaining the holy presence of God.

Numbers 4:10-12 (NKJV)
10 Then they shall put it with all its utensils in a covering of badger skins, and put it on a carrying beam.
11 Over the golden altar they shall spread a blue cloth, and cover it with a covering of badger skins; and they shall insert its poles.
12 Then they shall take all the utensils of service with which they minister in the sanctuary, put them in a blue cloth, cover them with a covering of badger skins, and put them on a carrying beam.

These verses continue to detail the careful wrapping of sacred objects, including the golden altar and the utensils used in the sanctuary. The coverings and the use of poles for transportation prevent direct contact with the holy items, reinforcing the idea that God's sacredness must be treated with the utmost care. The instructions show how every item, no matter how small, is consecrated for holy service and must be handled with reverence.

Numbers 4:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Also they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth over it.
14 They shall put on it all its implements with which they minister there—the firepans, the forks, the shovels, the basins, and all the utensils of the altar—and they shall spread on it a covering of badger skins, and insert its poles.
15 And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is set to go, then the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them; but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These are the things in the tabernacle of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to carry.

The altar is to be cleansed of ashes and then covered with purple cloth, signifying royalty and God's majesty. After Aaron and his sons cover the altar and other holy items, the Kohathites are permitted to carry them. However, they are strictly forbidden from touching any of these sacred objects. This command emphasizes the seriousness of God's holiness, where disobedience could result in death. The Kohathites are entrusted with the most sacred responsibilities, but they must always approach them with reverence and caution.

Numbers 4:16-18 (NKJV)
16 “The appointed duty of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest is the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the daily grain offering, the anointing oil, the oversight of all the tabernacle, of all that is in it, with the sanctuary and its furnishings.”
17 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying:
18 “Do not cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites.

Eleazar, son of Aaron, is given the oversight of important elements in the Tabernacle, such as the oil for the lamp, incense, and offerings. This role signifies the continuity of priestly duties among Aaron’s descendants. God then instructs Moses and Aaron not to endanger the lives of the Kohathites by allowing them to mishandle their sacred duties. This warning serves as a protection for the Kohathites, ensuring that they remain careful and do not suffer consequences for violating God's commands regarding the holy items.

Numbers 4:19-20 (NKJV)
19 But do this in regard to them, that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint each of them to his service and his task.
20 But they shall not go in to watch while the holy things are being covered, lest they die.”

Moses and Aaron are instructed to assign the Kohathites their specific tasks to prevent them from coming into contact with the most holy items inappropriately. This regulation further protects the Kohathites from being exposed to the divine presence in a way that could bring about their death. By ensuring that the priests are the only ones to handle the sacred objects directly, God provides a safeguard for all involved in the Tabernacle service, preserving life and maintaining reverence for His holiness.

Numbers 4:21-23 (NKJV)
21 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
22 “Also take a census of the sons of Gershon, by their fathers’ house, by their families.
23 From thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, you shall number them, all who enter to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of meeting.

Just like the Kohathites, the Gershonites are to be counted, and only those between the ages of thirty and fifty years are eligible for service. This age range ensures that those tasked with working in the Tabernacle are both physically capable and mature enough to handle the responsibilities. The Gershonites will have a different set of duties from the Kohathites, but their service is equally important in maintaining the sacred functions of the Tabernacle. This census ensures that there are enough people to fulfill these responsibilities.

Numbers 4:24-26 (NKJV)
24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and carrying:
25 They shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tabernacle of meeting with its covering, the covering of badger skins that is on it, the screen for the door of the tabernacle of meeting,
26 the screen for the door of the gate of the court, the hangings of the court which are around the tabernacle and altar, and their cords, all the furnishings for their service and all that is made for these things; so shall they serve.

The Gershonites are given specific duties related to the transport of the curtains, coverings, and screens of the Tabernacle. Their responsibility involves carrying the fabric elements that form the outer structure of the Tabernacle. These items are critical to the sanctity of the Tabernacle, as they separate the holy spaces from the common areas. Their service ensures that the Tabernacle remains properly set up during the Israelites’ journey, maintaining the space for worship and communion with God.

Numbers 4:27-28 (NKJV)
27 Aaron and his sons shall assign all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, all their tasks and all their service; and you shall appoint to them all their tasks as their duty.
28 This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of meeting. And their duties shall be under the authority of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

Aaron and his sons are responsible for overseeing the duties of the Gershonites, assigning them their tasks and making sure everything is performed according to God’s instructions. Ithamar, another of Aaron’s sons, is specifically mentioned as having authority over their duties. This structure ensures a well-organized division of labor, with the Gershonites serving under priestly supervision, keeping everything in line with the sacred requirements of the Tabernacle.

Numbers 4:29-30 (NKJV)
29 “As for the sons of Merari, you shall number them by their families and by their fathers’ house.
30 From thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, you shall number them, everyone who enters the service to do the work of the tabernacle of meeting.

Just like the Kohathites and Gershonites, the Merarites are also included in the census, with the same age range of thirty to fifty. This standard emphasizes the expectation of physical capability and maturity necessary for their duties. Each family of the Levites has its role, and the Merarites’ responsibilities, as outlined in the next verses, will involve more structural aspects of the Tabernacle.

Numbers 4:31-33 (NKJV)
31 And this is what they must carry as all their service for the tabernacle of meeting: the boards of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars, its sockets,
32 and the pillars around the court with their sockets, pegs, and cords, with all their furnishings and all their service; and you shall assign to each man by name the items he must carry.
33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, as all their service for the tabernacle of meeting, under the authority of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

The Merarites are tasked with carrying the structural elements of the Tabernacle, including the boards, pillars, and sockets that support the entire structure. Their work is essential for the Tabernacle’s stability and overall function. Like the other Levite families, their tasks are specifically assigned under the supervision of Ithamar, ensuring that everyone knows exactly what they are responsible for. This detailed division of labor prevents confusion and ensures the proper care of God's dwelling place among the Israelites.

Numbers 4:34-37 (NKJV)
34 And Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families and by their fathers’ house,
35 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the service for work in the tabernacle of meeting;
36 and those who were numbered by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty.
37 These were the ones who were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all who might serve in the tabernacle of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

The census of the Kohathites reveals that 2,750 men were eligible for service in the Tabernacle. Moses, Aaron, and the leaders follow God's command carefully, ensuring that only those between thirty and fifty years of age are counted. This group is significant as they are tasked with transporting the most sacred items of the Tabernacle, reflecting the need for a sufficient number of individuals to handle this holy duty.

Numbers 4:38-41 (NKJV)
38 And those who were numbered of the sons of Gershon, by their families and by their fathers’ house,
39 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the service for work in the tabernacle of meeting—
40 those who were numbered by their families, by their fathers’ house, were two thousand six hundred and thirty.
41 These are the ones who were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, of all who might serve in the tabernacle of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the Lord.

The census of the Gershonites shows that 2,630 men were counted for service. This group is slightly smaller than the Kohathites, but still substantial. Their duties involve handling the fabrics and coverings of the Tabernacle, which are essential for maintaining the holiness of the structure. The census ensures that enough workers are available to fulfill their responsibilities during the journey.

Numbers 4:42-45 (NKJV)
42 Those of the families of the sons of Merari who were numbered, by their families, by their fathers’ house,
43 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the service for work in the tabernacle of meeting—
44 those who were numbered by their families were three thousand two hundred.
45 These are the ones who 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.

The Merarites’ census records 3,200 men eligible for service, making them the largest group among the Levites. Their larger number likely reflects the heavier physical labor required in handling the structural elements of the Tabernacle. This family is entrusted with assembling and disassembling the Tabernacle’s physical frame, an essential task for ensuring the stability of the structure during Israel’s travels.

Numbers 4:46-49 (NKJV)
46 All who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel numbered, by their families and by their fathers’ houses,
47 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who came to do the work of service and the work of bearing burdens in the tabernacle of meeting—
48 those who were numbered were eight thousand five hundred and eighty.
49 According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, each according to his service and according to his task; thus were they numbered by him, as the Lord commanded Moses.

The total number of Levites counted for service in the Tabernacle was 8,580. Each man had a specific role assigned to him based on his family’s responsibilities, and these duties were given by the command of God through Moses. The careful organization and census of the Levites ensured that the Tabernacle would be properly cared for and transported, reflecting the importance of order and reverence in serving God.