Compare the Gershonites' responsibilities with those of the Kohathites in Numbers 4. Setting the Scene • Numbers 4 lays out a divine job description for the three Levitical clans—Kohath, Gershon, and Merari. • Verses 4-15 describe the Kohathites; verses 24-28 describe the Gershonites. • Both groups serve from ages 30-50 (v. 3, 23, 30) and both transport sanctuary items whenever Israel moves camp. Gershonite Duties (Numbers 4:24-28) • “This is the service of the Gershonite clans… in carrying burdens” (v. 24). • They transport the soft, fabric components of the tabernacle: – Tent curtains (v. 25; cf. Exodus 26:1-13) – Tent of meeting covering of goats’ hair (v. 25; cf. Exodus 26:7-14) – Covering of rams’ skins dyed red and the outer covering of fine leather (v. 25) – Curtain for the entrance to the tent (v. 25) – Hangings of the courtyard, curtain for the courtyard gate, ropes, and all equipment for their service (v. 26) • Oversight: “Under the direction of Aaron’s son Ithamar” (v. 28). • Method: Loaded on two carts and four oxen assigned to Gershon (Numbers 7:7). Kohathite Duties (Numbers 4:4-15) • “The most holy things” (v. 4). • Items carried: – Ark of the Covenant (v. 5; Exodus 25:10-22) – Table of the Bread of the Presence with utensils and the bread (v. 7; Exodus 25:23-30) – Lampstand with lamps, tongs, trays, and oil jars (v. 9; Exodus 25:31-39) – Gold altar of incense and its accessories (v. 11; Exodus 30:1-10) – Bronze altar and all its utensils (v. 14; Exodus 27:1-8) • Priests first wrap each article in specific coverings; only then may Kohathites shoulder-carry them on poles (vv. 5-15). • Oversight: “Eleazar son of Aaron the priest” (v. 16). • Warning: “They must not touch the holy objects, or they will die” (v. 15; cf. 2 Samuel 6:6-7). Side-by-Side Comparison • Nature of cargo – Gershonites: fabric, hangings, outer coverings—visible yet less sacred items. – Kohathites: core furnishings—sanctified, most holy objects. • Transport method – Gershonites: carts and oxen (Numbers 7:7). – Kohathites: on their shoulders by poles; no carts (Numbers 7:9). • Priestly preparation – Gershonites receive already-folded, ready-to-load fabrics. – Kohathites cannot even look until priests finish covering each piece (4:20). • Supervising priest – Ithamar for Gershon and Merari; Eleazar for Kohath. • Level of risk – Gershonites: routine but essential service. – Kohathites: direct exposure to holiness; disobedience brings death (4:15). Why These Distinctions Matter • Order protects life. The Lord assigns tasks to prevent careless approach to His holiness (Leviticus 10:1-3). • Diversity within one tribe mirrors diversity within Christ’s body—different gifts, same purpose (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Faithful obedience in “less visible” roles (Gershon) is as necessary as high-profile stewardship (Kohath) for the tabernacle to travel intact. • Reverence for holy things foreshadows our call to treat God’s presence with fear and awe (Hebrews 12:28-29). Living It Out Today • Respect God-given boundaries; He assigns tasks wisely for our protection and His glory. • Value every ministry role—whether carrying curtains or the ark, each contribution upholds corporate worship. • Approach God’s holiness through the mediation He provides—fulfilled perfectly in Christ, our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). |
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