Num 4:4-20 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Num 4:4-20: 4:4-20 The duties of the Kohathites (see 3:27-32 ) are listed first because they performed a special service related to the most sacred objects (perhaps because Aaron and the priests came from this clan; 1 Chr 6:2-3 ). The tasks of carrying, setting up, and disassembling these sacred coverings and furnishings were extremely important. All the things entrusted to Kohath’s descendants— the Ark of the Covenant , the table of the Bread of the Presence , the lampstand (Hebrew menorah ), the gold incense altar , and the altar for sacrifices —held tremendous value. These objects are first described in Exod 25–30 , but Numbers shows how they were integrated into Hebrew life. The Kohathites carried these items on poles or in frames, and they were not to touch them or enter the sanctuary to look at them on penalty of death.

a4:4-20►

b3:27-32►

c1 Chr 6:2-3►

dExod 25–30►

f1 Sam 6:19-20►

g2 Sam 6:6-7►

‏ Numbers 4:4-20

Summary for Num 4:4-20: 4:4-20 ^a The duties of the Kohathites (see 3:27-32 ^b) are listed first because they performed a special service related to the most sacred objects (perhaps because Aaron and the priests came from this clan; 1 Chr 6:2-3 ^c). The tasks of carrying, setting up, and disassembling these sacred coverings and furnishings were extremely important. All the things entrusted to Kohath’s descendants—the Ark of the Covenant, the table of the Bread of the Presence, the lampstand (Hebrew menorah), the gold incense altar, and the altar for sacrifices—held tremendous value. These objects are first described in Exod 25–30 ^d, but Numbers shows how they were integrated into Hebrew life. The Kohathites carried these items on poles or in frames, and they were not to touch them or enter the sanctuary to look at them on penalty of death.
4:15 ^e Aaron and his surviving sons Eleazar and Ithamar had to cover the sanctuary and all the sacred articles completely before the camp was ready to move, with the groups of non-Levitical tribes marching before and behind the Levites who carried the Tabernacle. The royalty of these objects is seen in the symbolic colors of the coverings, and their sacredness underlies the stern warning that even though the Kohathites were the designated handlers, they must not touch the sacred objects, or they would die. Such respect marked the holiness of Israel’s Lord. The dangers of disregarding these instructions are apparent in 1 Sam 6:19-20 ^f and 2 Sam 6:6-7 ^g.