Compare the Merarites' duties with other Levite clans in Numbers 3. What differences exist? Setting the Scene Numbers 3 introduces the Levites as God’s chosen tribe to serve the tabernacle, divided into three major clans—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Verse 20 lists the sons of Merari (“Mahli and Mushi”), anchoring their identity before detailing their calling. Quick Family Snapshot • Gershon (Libni & Shimei) – Numbers 3:18 • Kohath (Amram, Izhar, Hebron, Uzziel) – Numbers 3:19 • Merari (Mahli & Mushi) – Numbers 3:20 Camp Placement • Gershon camped to the west (Numbers 3:23) • Kohath camped to the south (Numbers 3:29) • Merari camped to the north (Numbers 3:35) Head Counts • Gershon: 7,500 males one month and older (Numbers 3:22) • Kohath: 8,600 males (Numbers 3:28) • Merari: 6,200 males (Numbers 3:34) Duties Assigned by the LORD Gershon (Numbers 3:25-26) • Tabernacle and tent coverings • Curtain at the tent entrance • Courtyard curtains and entrance screen • Ropes connected with those fabric elements Kohath (Numbers 3:31) • The ark of the covenant • The table of the Bread of the Presence • The lampstand and the altars • Sanctuary utensils and the veil inside • All ministry related to these holy objects Merari (Numbers 3:36-37) • Frames (boards) of the tabernacle • Crossbars, posts, bases, and all structural hardware • Posts, bases, pegs, and ropes of the surrounding courtyard Key Differences • Type of Material – Gershon: soft materials (cloth, curtains). – Kohath: sacred furniture and vessels. – Merari: heavy structural pieces (wooden frames, metal bases). • Degree of Holiness Contact – Kohath handled the most sanctified objects (ark, altars) under Eleazar’s supervision (Numbers 3:32). – Gershon and Merari did not touch items inside the veil; their work was essential but less direct with the holy furniture. • Transport Logistics (explained further in Numbers 4) – Kohath had to carry objects on shoulders after priests covered them (Numbers 4:15). – Gershon and Merari were given carts and oxen (Numbers 7:6-8): two carts for Gershon, four for Merari, matching the heavier load of boards and bases. Supporting Passages • Numbers 4:24-28 – reiterates Gershon’s role with fabrics. • Numbers 4:31-32 – lists Merari’s detailed inventory of structural pieces. • Numbers 10:17, 21 – shows the movement order: Gershon and Merari set out first with the tabernacle parts, paving the way for Kohath to arrive with the holy vessels once the framework was ready. • 1 Corinthians 12:18-22 echoes the principle that every part of the body has a God-appointed task, none expendable. Lessons in God-Ordered Service • Specialized service stems from divine assignment, not human preference. • Unity requires distinct roles: curtains collapse without frames, and holy furniture has no place without both. • Faithfulness in “supporting” tasks (Merari) ranks with faithfulness in visibly sacred tasks (Kohath); all obey the same command. By laying out clear, differing responsibilities, Numbers 3 underscores God’s precise design for worship—every clan, every person, every task fitting perfectly into His dwelling among His people. |
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