Numbers Chapter 4
The Tabernacle was meant to be a temporary and mobile place of worship. To move all that made up the Tabernacle required a great many hands to properly prepare, pack and carry to the next destination. The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari were given specific purpose and instructions for taking care of the Tabernacle. In this chapter there was a census taken of each of these 3 families to find out the number of able-bodied men between the ages of 30 and 50 to do this work.
It is generally known that the sons of a man were listed in birth order. In the assigning of responsibilities of the Tabernacle the family of Kohath was given the more important role of taking care of the things that were most holy in the Tabernacle. Of course, there are many other examples in scripture where we find that God calls or elevates a middle or younger sibling to serve Him. A couple of examples would be Moses who was younger than Aaron and Joseph who was younger than Reuben.
Let's Reflect
1. Before the sons of Kohath could prepare the Tabernacle furnishings for transport there were things that Aaron and the priests needed to do first. What specifically did they do to the ark of the testimony (ark of the covenant) prior to the sons of Kohath doing their part?
2. The holy furnishings were transported to the next location by what means?
3. Every piece was carefully covered. The sons of Kohath were not to touch these holy items, so they were covered to protect them (Kohathites). Protect them from what?
4. We find in verse 20 that they were not to even see the holy items or what would happen?
5. What important task was given to Eleazar the son of Aaron?
6. What was the main task given to the family of Gershon?
7. What was the main task given to the family of Merari?
8. What was the total census of men from these 3 Levite families as seen in verse 48 who were instructed with the great task of taking care of God’s Tabernacle?
