Worthy.Bible » Parallel » Numbers » Chapter 4 » Verse 1-49

Numbers 4:1-49 King James Version (KJV)

1 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

2 Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers,

3 From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

4 This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things:

5 And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it:

6 And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.

7 And upon the table of showbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:

8 And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.

9 And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:

10 And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.

11 And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof:

12 And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar:

13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

14 And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basins, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.

15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

16 And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

17 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron saying,

18 Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites:

19 But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:

20 But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.

21 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

22 Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families;

23 From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens:

25 And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

26 And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.

27 At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens.

28 This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

29 As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families, by the house of their fathers;

30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.

31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,

32 And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden.

33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

34 And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their fathers,

35 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation:

36 And those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty.

37 These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

38 And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers,

39 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation,

40 Even those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty.

41 These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD.

42 And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers,

43 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation,

44 Even those that were numbered of them after their families, were three thousand and two hundred.

45 These be those that 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.

46 All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the chief of Israel numbered, after their families, and after the house of their fathers,

47 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation.

48 Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore,

49 According to the commandment of the LORD they were numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as the LORD commanded Moses.


Numbers 4:1-49 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

1 And the LORD H3068 spake H1696 unto Moses H4872 and unto Aaron, H175 saying, H559

2 Take H5375 the sum H7218 of the sons H1121 of Kohath H6955 from among H8432 the sons H1121 of Levi, H3878 after their families, H4940 by the house H1004 of their fathers, H1

3 From thirty H7970 years H8141 old H1121 and upward H4605 even until fifty H2572 years H8141 old, H1121 all that enter H935 into the host, H6635 to do H6213 the work H4399 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation. H4150

4 This shall be the service H5656 of the sons H1121 of Kohath H6955 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation, H4150 about the most H6944 holy things: H6944

5 And when the camp H4264 setteth forward, H5265 Aaron H175 shall come, H935 and his sons, H1121 and they shall take down H3381 the covering H4539 vail, H6532 and cover H3680 the ark H727 of testimony H5715 with it:

6 And shall put H5414 thereon the covering H3681 of badgers' H8476 skins, H5785 and shall spread H6566 over H4605 it a cloth H899 wholly H3632 of blue, H8504 and shall put H7760 in the staves H905 thereof.

7 And upon the table H7979 of shewbread H6440 they shall spread H6566 a cloth H899 of blue, H8504 and put H5414 thereon the dishes, H7086 and the spoons, H3709 and the bowls, H4518 and covers H7184 to cover withal: H5262 and the continual H8548 bread H3899 shall be thereon:

8 And they shall spread H6566 upon them a cloth H899 of scarlet, H8438 H8144 and cover H3680 the same with a covering H4372 of badgers' H8476 skins, H5785 and shall put H7760 in the staves H905 thereof.

9 And they shall take H3947 a cloth H899 of blue, H8504 and cover H3680 the candlestick H4501 of the light, H3974 and his lamps, H5216 and his tongs, H4457 and his snuffdishes, H4289 and all the oil H8081 vessels H3627 thereof, wherewith they minister H8334 unto it:

10 And they shall put H5414 it and all the vessels H3627 thereof within a covering H4372 of badgers' H8476 skins, H5785 and shall put H5414 it upon a bar. H4132

11 And upon the golden H2091 altar H4196 they shall spread H6566 a cloth H899 of blue, H8504 and cover H3680 it with a covering H4372 of badgers' H8476 skins, H5785 and shall put H7760 to the staves H905 thereof:

12 And they shall take H3947 all the instruments H3627 of ministry, H8335 wherewith they minister H8334 in the sanctuary, H6944 and put H5414 them in a cloth H899 of blue, H8504 and cover H3680 them with a covering H4372 of badgers' H8476 skins, H5785 and shall put H5414 them on a bar: H4132

13 And they shall take away the ashes H1878 from the altar, H4196 and spread H6566 a purple H713 cloth H899 thereon:

14 And they shall put H5414 upon it all the vessels H3627 thereof, wherewith they minister H8334 about it, even the censers, H4289 the fleshhooks, H4207 and the shovels, H3257 and the basons, H4219 all the vessels H3627 of the altar; H4196 and they shall spread H6566 upon it a covering H3681 of badgers' H8476 skins, H5785 and put H7760 to the staves H905 of it.

15 And when Aaron H175 and his sons H1121 have made an end H3615 of covering H3680 the sanctuary, H6944 and all the vessels H3627 of the sanctuary, H6944 as the camp H4264 is to set forward; H5265 after H310 that, the sons H1121 of Kohath H6955 shall come H935 to bear H5375 it: but they shall not touch H5060 any holy thing, H6944 lest they die. H4191 These things are the burden H4853 of the sons H1121 of Kohath H6955 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation. H4150

16 And to the office H6486 of Eleazar H499 the son H1121 of Aaron H175 the priest H3548 pertaineth the oil H8081 for the light, H3974 and the sweet H5561 incense, H7004 and the daily H8548 meat offering, H4503 and the anointing H4888 oil, H8081 and the oversight H6486 of all the tabernacle, H4908 and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, H6944 and in the vessels H3627 thereof.

17 And the LORD H3068 spake H1696 unto Moses H4872 and unto Aaron, H175 saying, H559

18 Cut ye not off H3772 the tribe H7626 of the families H4940 of the Kohathites H6956 from among H8432 the Levites: H3881

19 But thus do H6213 unto them, that they may live, H2421 and not die, H4191 when they approach H5066 unto the most H6944 holy things: H6944 Aaron H175 and his sons H1121 shall go in, H935 and appoint H7760 them every H376 one H376 to his service H5656 and to his burden: H4853

20 But they shall not go in H935 to see H7200 when the holy things H6944 are covered, H1104 lest they die. H4191

21 And the LORD H3068 spake H1696 unto Moses, H4872 saying, H559

22 Take H5375 also the sum H7218 of the sons H1121 of Gershon, H1648 throughout the houses H1004 of their fathers, H1 by their families; H4940

23 From thirty H7970 years H8141 old H1121 and upward H4605 until fifty H2572 years H8141 old H1121 shalt thou number H6485 them; all that enter in H935 to perform H6633 the service, H6635 to do H5647 the work H5656 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation. H4150

24 This is the service H5656 of the families H4940 of the Gershonites, H1649 to serve, H5647 and for burdens: H4853

25 And they shall bear H5375 the curtains H3407 of the tabernacle, H4908 and the tabernacle H168 of the congregation, H4150 his covering, H4372 and the covering H4372 of the badgers' H8476 skins that is above H4605 upon it, and the hanging H4539 for the door H6607 of the tabernacle H168 of the congregation, H4150

26 And the hangings H7050 of the court, H2691 and the hanging H4539 for the door H6607 of the gate H8179 of the court, H2691 which is by the tabernacle H4908 and by the altar H4196 round about, H5439 and their cords, H4340 and all the instruments H3627 of their service, H5656 and all that is made H6213 for them: so shall they serve. H5647

27 At the appointment H6310 of Aaron H175 and his sons H1121 shall be all the service H5656 of the sons H1121 of the Gershonites, H1649 in all their burdens, H4853 and in all their service: H5656 and ye shall appoint H6485 unto them in charge H4931 all their burdens. H4853

28 This is the service H5656 of the families H4940 of the sons H1121 of Gershon H1649 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation: H4150 and their charge H4931 shall be under the hand H3027 of Ithamar H385 the son H1121 of Aaron H175 the priest. H3548

29 As for the sons H1121 of Merari, H4847 thou shalt number H6485 them after their families, H4940 by the house H1004 of their fathers; H1

30 From thirty H7970 years H8141 old H1121 and upward H4605 even unto fifty H2572 years H8141 old H1121 shalt thou number H6485 them, every one that entereth H935 into the service, H6635 to do H5647 the work H5656 of the tabernacle H168 of the congregation. H4150

31 And this is the charge H4931 of their burden, H4853 according to all their service H5656 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation; H4150 the boards H7175 of the tabernacle, H4908 and the bars H1280 thereof, and the pillars H5982 thereof, and sockets H134 thereof,

32 And the pillars H5982 of the court H2691 round about, H5439 and their sockets, H134 and their pins, H3489 and their cords, H4340 with all their instruments, H3627 and with all their service: H5656 and by name H8034 ye shall reckon H6485 the instruments H3627 of the charge H4931 of their burden. H4853

33 This is the service H5656 of the families H4940 of the sons H1121 of Merari, H4847 according to all their service, H5656 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation, H4150 under the hand H3027 of Ithamar H385 the son H1121 of Aaron H175 the priest. H3548

34 And Moses H4872 and Aaron H175 and the chief H5387 of the congregation H5712 numbered H6485 the sons H1121 of the Kohathites H6956 after their families, H4940 and after the house H1004 of their fathers, H1

35 From thirty H7970 years H8141 old H1121 and upward H4605 even unto fifty H2572 years H8141 old, H1121 every one that entereth H935 into the service, H6635 for the work H5656 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation: H4150

36 And those that were numbered H6485 of them by their families H4940 were two thousand H505 seven H7651 hundred H3967 and fifty. H2572

37 These were they that were numbered H6485 of the families H4940 of the Kohathites, H6956 all that might do service H5647 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation, H4150 which Moses H4872 and Aaron H175 did number H6485 according to the commandment H6310 of the LORD H3068 by the hand H3027 of Moses. H4872

38 And those that were numbered H6485 of the sons H1121 of Gershon, H1648 throughout their families, H4940 and by the house H1004 of their fathers, H1

39 From thirty H7970 years H8141 old H1121 and upward H4605 even unto fifty H2572 years H8141 old, H1121 every one that entereth H935 into the service, H6635 for the work H5656 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation, H4150

40 Even those that were numbered H6485 of them, throughout their families, H4940 by the house H1004 of their fathers, H1 were two thousand H505 and six H8337 hundred H3967 and thirty. H7970

41 These are they that were numbered H6485 of the families H4940 of the sons H1121 of Gershon, H1648 of all that might do service H5647 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation, H4150 whom Moses H4872 and Aaron H175 did number H6485 according to the commandment H6310 of the LORD. H3068

42 And those that were numbered H6485 of the families H4940 of the sons H1121 of Merari, H4847 throughout their families, H4940 by the house H1004 of their fathers, H1

43 From thirty H7970 years H8141 old H1121 and upward H4605 even unto fifty H2572 years H8141 old, H1121 every one that entereth H935 into the service, H6635 for the work H5656 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation, H4150

44 Even those that were numbered H6485 of them after their families, H4940 were three H7969 thousand H505 and two hundred. H3967

45 These be those that were numbered H6485 of the families H4940 of the sons H1121 of Merari, H4847 whom Moses H4872 and Aaron H175 numbered H6485 according to the word H6310 of the LORD H3068 by the hand H3027 of Moses. H4872

46 All those that were numbered H6485 of the Levites, H3881 whom Moses H4872 and Aaron H175 and the chief H5387 of Israel H3478 numbered, H6485 after their families, H4940 and after the house H1004 of their fathers, H1

47 From thirty H7970 years H8141 old H1121 and upward H4605 even unto fifty H2572 years H8141 old, H1121 every one that came H935 to do H5647 the service of the ministry, H5656 and the service H5656 of the burden H4853 in the tabernacle H168 of the congregation, H4150

48 Even those that were numbered H6485 of them, were eight H8083 thousand H505 and five H2568 hundred H3967 and fourscore. H8084

49 According to the commandment H6310 of the LORD H3068 they were numbered H6485 by the hand H3027 of Moses, H4872 every H376 one H376 according to his service, H5656 and according to his burden: H4853 thus were they numbered H6485 of him, as the LORD H3068 commanded H6680 Moses. H4872


Numbers 4:1-49 American Standard (ASV)

1 And Jehovah spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

2 Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers' houses,

3 from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter upon the service, to do the work in the tent of meeting.

4 This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting, `about' the most holy things:

5 when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall go in, and his sons, and they shall take down the veil of the screen, and cover the ark of the testimony with it,

6 and shall put thereon a covering of sealskin, and shall spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.

7 And upon the table of showbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls and the cups wherewith to pour out; and the continual bread shall be thereon:

8 and they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in the staves thereof.

9 And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and its lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:

10 and they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of sealskin, and shall put it upon the frame.

11 And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in the staves thereof:

12 and they shall take all the vessels of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of sealskin, and shall put them on the frame.

13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

14 and they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, the firepans, the flesh-hooks, and the shovels, and the basins, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of sealskin, and put in the staves thereof.

15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp is set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting.

16 And the charge of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the continual meal-offering, and the anointing oil, the charge of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, the sanctuary, and the furniture thereof.

17 And Jehovah spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

18 Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites;

19 but thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden;

20 but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.

21 And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,

22 Take the sum of the sons of Gershon also, by their fathers' houses, by their families;

23 from thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to wait upon the service, to do the work in the tent of meeting.

24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in bearing burdens:

25 they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tent of meeting, its covering, and the covering of sealskin that is above upon it, and the screen for the door of the tent of meeting,

26 and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and whatsoever shall be done with them: therein shall they serve.

27 At the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burden, and in all their service; and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burden.

28 This is the service of the families of the sons of the Gershonites in the tent of meeting: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

29 As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them by their families, by their fathers' houses;

30 from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth upon the service, to do the work of the tent of meeting.

31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tent of meeting: the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof,

32 and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall appoint the instruments of the charge of their burden.

33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the tent of meeting, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

34 And Moses and Aaron and the princes of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by their fathers' houses,

35 from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered upon the service, for work in the tent of meeting:

36 and those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty.

37 These are they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that did serve in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Jehovah by Moses.

38 And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, their families, and by their fathers' houses,

39 from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered upon the service, for work in the tent of meeting,

40 even those that were numbered of them, by their families, by their fathers' houses, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty.

41 These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, all that did serve in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Jehovah.

42 And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, by their families, by their fathers' houses,

43 from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered upon the service, for work in the tent of meeting,

44 even those that were numbered of them by their families, were three thousand and two hundred.

45 These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Jehovah by Moses.

46 All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the princes of Israel numbered, by their families, and by their fathers' houses,

47 from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered in to do the work of service, and the work of bearing burdens in the tent of meeting,

48 even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore.

49 According to the commandment of Jehovah they were numbered by Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as Jehovah commanded Moses.


Numbers 4:1-49 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, and unto Aaron, saying,

2 `Take up the sum of the sons of Kohath from the midst of the sons of Levi, by their families, by the house of their fathers;

3 from a son of thirty years and upward, even till a son of fifty years, every one going in to the host, to do work in the tent of meeting.

4 `This `is' the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting, the holy of holies:

5 that Aaron and his sons have come in, in the journeying of the camp, and have taken down the vail of the hanging, and have covered with it the ark of the testimony;

6 and have put on it a covering of badger skin, and have spread a garment completely of blue above, and have placed its staves.

7 `And on the table of the presence they spread a garment of blue, and have put on it the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and the cups of the libation, and the bread of continuity is on it,

8 and they have spread over them a garment of scarlet, and have covered it with a covering of badger skin, and have placed its staves,

9 and have taken a garment of blue, and have covered the candlestick of the lamp, and its lights, and its snuffers, and its snuff-dishes, and all its oil vessels wherewith they minister to it;

10 and they have put it and all its vessels unto a covering of badger skin, and have put `it' on the bar.

11 `And on the golden altar they spread a garment of blue, and have covered it with a covering of badger skin, and have placed its staves;

12 and have taken all the vessels of ministry wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and have put `them' unto a garment of blue, and have covered them with a covering of badger skin, and have put `them' on the bar,

13 and have removed the ashes of the altar, and have spread over it a garment of purple;

14 and have put on it all its vessels wherewith they minister about it, the censers, the hooks, and the shovels, and the bowls, all the vessels of the altar, and have spread on it a covering of badger skin, and have placed its staves:

15 `And Aaron hath finished -- his sons also -- covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, in the journeying of the camp, and afterwards do the sons of Kohath come in to bear `it', and they do not come unto the holy thing, that they have died; these `things are' the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting.

16 `And the oversight of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, `is' the oil of the lamp, and the spice-perfume, and the present of continuity, and the anointing oil, the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that `is' in it, in the sanctuary, and in its vessels.'

17 And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

18 `Ye do not cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathite from the midst of the Levites;

19 but this do to them, and they have lived, and do not die in their drawing nigh the holy of holies: -- Aaron and his sons go in, and have set them, each man to his service, and unto his burden,

20 and they go not in to see when the holy thing is swallowed, that they have died.'

21 And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying,

22 `Take up the sum of the sons of Gershon also by the house of their fathers, by their families;

23 from a son of thirty years and upward, till a son of fifty years thou dost number them, every one who is going in to serve the host, to do the service in the tent of meeting.

24 `This `is' the service of the families of the Gershonite, to serve -- and for burden,

25 and they have borne the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tent of meeting, its covering, and the covering of the badger `skin' which `is' on it above, and the vail at the opening of the tent of meeting,

26 and the hangings of the court, and the vail at the opening of the gate of the court which `is' by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the vessels of their service, and all that is made for them -- and they have served.

27 `By the command of Aaron and his sons is all the service of the sons of the Gershonite in all their burden, and in all their service; and ye have laid a charge on them concerning the charge of all their burden.

28 This `is' the service of the families of the sons of the Gershonite in the tent of meeting; and their charge `is' under the hand of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.

29 `The sons of Merari, by their families, by the house of their fathers, thou dost number them;

30 from a son of thirty years and upward even unto a son of fifty years thou dost number them, every one who is going in to the host, to do the service of the tent of meeting.

31 `And this `is' the charge of their burden, of all their service in the tent of meeting; the boards of the tabernacle, and its bars, and its pillars, and its sockets,

32 and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, of all their vessels, and of all their service; and by name ye do number the vessels of the charge of their burden.

33 `This `is' the service of the families of the sons of Merari, for all their service, in the tent of meeting, by the hand of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.'

34 And Moses numbereth -- Aaron also, and the princes of the company -- the sons of the Kohathite, by their families, and by the house of their fathers,

35 from a son of thirty years and upward even unto a son of fifty years, every one who is going in to the host, for service in the tent of meeting,

36 and their numbered ones, by their families, are two thousand seven hundred and fifty.

37 These `are' those numbered of the families of the Kohathite, every one who is serving in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered, by the command of Jehovah, by the hand of Moses.

38 And those numbered of the sons of Gershon, by their families, and by the house of their fathers,

39 from a son of thirty years and upward even unto a son of fifty years, every one who is going in to the host, for service in the tent of meeting,

40 even their numbered ones, by their families, by the house of their fathers, are two thousand and six hundred and thirty.

41 These `are' those numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, every one who is serving in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered by the command of Jehovah.

42 And those numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, by their families, by the house of their fathers,

43 from a son of thirty years and upward even unto a son of fifty years, every one who is going in to the host, for service in the tent of meeting,

44 even their numbered ones, by their families, are three thousand and two hundred.

45 These `are' those numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered, by the command of Jehovah, by the hand of Moses.

46 All those numbered, whom Moses numbered -- Aaron also, and the princes of Israel -- of the Levites, by their families, and by the house of their fathers,

47 from a son of thirty years and upward even unto a son of fifty years, every one who is going in to do the work of the service, even the service of burden in the tent of meeting,

48 even their numbered ones are eight thousand and five hundred and eighty;

49 by the command of Jehovah hath `one' numbered them, by the hand of Moses, each man by his service, and by his burden, with his numbered ones, as Jehovah hath commanded Moses.


Numbers 4:1-49 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

1 And Jehovah spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

2 Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, according to their fathers' houses,

3 from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, all that enter into the service, to do the work in the tent of meeting.

4 This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting: it is most holy.

5 And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron and his sons shall go in, and they shall take down the veil of separation and cover the ark of testimony with it;

6 and shall put thereon a covering of badgers' skin, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put its staves [to it].

7 And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue; and put thereon the dishes, and the cups, and the bowls, and goblets of the drink-offering; and the continual bread shall be thereon.

8 And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skin, and shall put its staves [to it].

9 And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and its lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff-trays, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they perform its service;

10 and they shall put it and all the utensils thereof within a covering of badgers' skin, and shall put it upon a pole.

11 And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skin, and shall put its staves [to it].

12 And they shall take all the instruments of service, wherewith they serve in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skin, and shall put them upon a pole.

13 And they shall cleanse the altar of the ashes, and spread a purple cloth thereon;

14 and they shall put upon it all the utensils thereof, wherewith they perform service about it: the firepans, the forks, and the shovels, and the bowls, -- all the utensils of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skin, and put its staves [to it].

15 And when Aaron and his sons have ended covering the sanctuary, and all the utensils of the sanctuary, when the camp setteth forward, then afterwards the sons of Kohath shall come to carry it; but they shall not touch the holy things, lest they die. This is what the sons of Kohath have to carry in the tent of meeting.

16 And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall have the oversight of the oil for the light, and the fragrant incense, and the continual oblation, and the anointing oil, -- the oversight of the whole tabernacle, and of all that is therein, over the sanctuary, and over its furniture.

17 And Jehovah spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

18 Ye shall not cut off the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites,

19 but this shall ye do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they draw near unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden;

20 but they shall not go in and see for a moment the holy things, lest they die.

21 And Jehovah spoke to Moses, saying,

22 Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, according to their fathers' houses, after their families.

23 From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old shalt thou number them; every one that cometh to labour in the work, to perform the service in the tent of meeting.

24 This shall be the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving, and in carrying:

25 they shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tent of meeting, its covering, and the covering of badgers' skin that is above upon it, and the curtain of the entrance to the tent of meeting,

26 and the hangings of the court, and the curtain of the entrance, of the gate of the court, which surroundeth the tabernacle and the altar, and the cords thereof, and all the instruments of their service; and all that is to be done for these things shall they perform.

27 At the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their carrying, and in all their service; and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their carrying.

28 This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tent of meeting, and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

29 The sons of Merari: after their families, according to their fathers' houses shalt thou number them;

30 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the labour, to perform the service of the tent of meeting.

31 And this shall be the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tent of meeting: the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and bases thereof,

32 and the pillars of the court round about, and their bases, and their pegs, and their cords, all their instruments, according to all their service; and by name ye shall number to them the materials which are their charge to carry.

33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service in the tent of meeting, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

34 And Moses and Aaron and the princes of the assembly numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and according to their fathers' houses,

35 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, every one that entered into the labour, for service in the tent of meeting.

36 And those that were numbered of them according to their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty.

37 These are they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, every one that served in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Jehovah through Moses.

38 And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, after their families, and according to their fathers' houses,

39 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, every one that entered into the labour, for service in the tent of meeting,

40 even those that were numbered of them, after their families, according to their fathers' houses, were two thousand six hundred and thirty.

41 These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, all that served in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Jehovah.

42 And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, after their families, according to their fathers' houses,

43 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, every one that entered into the labour, for service in the tent of meeting,

44 even those that were numbered of them according to their families, were three thousand two hundred.

45 These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Jehovah through Moses.

46 All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the princes of Israel numbered, after their families and according to their fathers' houses,

47 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, every one that came to serve [in] the work of the service, and [in] the work of carrying, in the tent of meeting,

48 even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand five hundred and eighty.

49 According to the commandment of Jehovah they were numbered by Moses, every one for his service, and for his burden, and numbered by him, as Jehovah had commanded Moses.


Numbers 4:1-49 World English Bible (WEB)

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

2 "Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their families, by their fathers' houses,

3 from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all who enter into the service, to do the work in the Tent of Meeting.

4 This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the Tent of Meeting, the most holy things.

5 When the camp moves forward, Aaron shall go in, and his sons, and they shall take down the veil of the screen, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it,

6 and shall put a covering of sealskin on it, and shall spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in its poles.

7 On the table of show bread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the spoons, the bowls, and the cups with which to pour out; and the continual bread shall be on it.

8 They shall spread on them a scarlet cloth, and cover the same with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.

9 They shall take a blue cloth, and cover the lampstand of the light, and its lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff dishes, and all its oil vessels, with which they minister to it.

10 They shall put it and all its vessels within a covering of sealskin, and shall put it on the frame.

11 On the golden altar they shall spread a blue cloth, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.

12 They shall take all the vessels of ministry, with which they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a blue cloth, and cover them with a covering of sealskin, and shall put them on the frame.

13 They shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth on it.

14 They shall put on it all its vessels, with which they minister about it, the fire pans, the flesh hooks, the shovels, and the basins; all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread on it a covering of sealskin, and put in its poles.

15 "When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary, and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp moves forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to carry it: but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the Tent of Meeting.

16 "The charge of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the continual meal offering, and the anointing oil, the charge of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it, the sanctuary, and its furnishings."

17 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

18 "Don't cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites;

19 but thus do to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them everyone to his service and to his burden;

20 but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die."

21 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

22 "Take a census of the sons of Gershon also, by their fathers' houses, by their families;

23 from thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shall you number them; all who enter in to wait on the service, to do the work in the Tent of Meeting.

24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in bearing burdens:

25 they shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle, and the Tent of Meeting, its covering, and the covering of sealskin that is above on it, and the screen for the door of the Tent of Meeting,

26 and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and around the altar, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and whatever shall be done with them. Therein shall they serve.

27 At the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burden, and in all their service; and you shall appoint to them in charge all their burden.

28 This is the service of the families of the sons of the Gershonites in the Tent of Meeting: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

29 "As for the sons of Merari, you shall number them by their families, by their fathers' houses;

30 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old shall you number them, everyone who enters on the service, to do the work of the Tent of Meeting.

31 This is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the Tent of Meeting: the tabernacle's boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets,

32 and the pillars of the court around it, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name you shall appoint the instruments of the charge of their burden.

33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the Tent of Meeting, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest."

34 Moses and Aaron and the princes of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by their fathers' houses,

35 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service, for work in the Tent of Meeting.

36 Those who were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred fifty.

37 These are those who were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all who served in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Yahweh by Moses.

38 Those who were numbered of the sons of Gershon, their families, and by their fathers' houses,

39 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service, for work in the Tent of Meeting,

40 even those who were numbered of them, by their families, by their fathers' houses, were two thousand six hundred thirty.

41 These are those who were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, all who served in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Yahweh.

42 Those who were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, by their families, by their fathers' houses,

43 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service, for work in the Tent of Meeting,

44 even those who were numbered of them by their families, were three thousand two hundred.

45 These are those who were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Yahweh by Moses.

46 All those who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the princes of Israel numbered, by their families, and by their fathers' houses,

47 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered in to do the work of service, and the work of bearing burdens in the Tent of Meeting,

48 even those who were numbered of them, were eight thousand five hundred eighty.

49 According to the commandment of Yahweh they were numbered by Moses, everyone according to his service, and according to his burden. Thus were they numbered by him, as Yahweh commanded Moses.


Numbers 4:1-49 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

1 And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,

2 Let the sons of Kohath, from among the sons of Levi, be numbered by their families, in the order of their fathers' houses;

3 All those from thirty to fifty years old who are able to do the work of the Tent of meeting.

4 And this is to be the work of the sons of Kohath in connection with the most holy things.

5 When all the people go forward, Aaron is to go in with his sons, and take down the veil of the curtain, covering the ark of witness with it;

6 And putting over it the leather cover and over that a blue cloth; and putting its rods in place.

7 And on the table of the holy bread they are to put a blue cloth, and on it all the vessels, the spoons and the basins and the cups; and the holy bread with them;

8 And over them they are to put a red cloth, covering it with a leather cover, and putting its rods in their places.

9 And they are to take a blue cloth, covering with it the light-support with its lights and its instruments and its trays and all the oil vessels which are used for it:

10 All these they are to put in a leather cover, and put it on the frame.

11 On the gold altar they are to put a blue cloth, covering it with a leather cover; and they are to put its rods in their places.

12 All the vessels which are used in the holy place they are to put in a blue cloth, covering them with a leather cover, and put them on the frame.

13 And they are to take away the burned waste from the altar, and put a purple cloth on it;

14 Placing on the cloth all its vessels, the fire-baskets, the meat-hooks, the spades, and the basins; all the vessels of the altar; they are to put a leather cover over all these, and put its rods in their places.

15 And after the holy place and all its vessels have been covered up by Aaron and his sons, when the tents of the people go forward, the sons of Kohath are to come and take it up; but the holy things may not be touched by them for fear of death.

16 And Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, is to be responsible for the oil for the light, and the sweet perfumes for burning, and the regular meal offering, and the holy oil; the House and the holy place and everything in it will be in his care.

17 And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,

18 Do not let the family of the Kohathites be cut off from among the Levites;

19 But do this to them, so that life and not death may be theirs when they come near the most holy things; let Aaron and his sons go in and give to every one his work and that which he is to take up;

20 But they themselves are not to go in to see the holy place, even for a minute, for fear of death.

21 And the Lord said to Moses,

22 Let the sons of Gershon be numbered by families, in the order of their fathers' houses;

23 All those from thirty to fifty years old who are able to do the work of the Tent of meeting.

24 This is to be the work of the Gershonites, the things they are to do and take up.

25 They are to take up the curtains of the House, and the Tent of meeting with its cover and the leather cover over it, and the hangings for the door of the Tent of meeting;

26 And the hangings for the open space round the House and the altar, and the curtain for its doorway, with the cords and all the things used for them; whatever is necessary for these, they are to do.

27 From the mouth of Aaron and his sons the Gershonites will have word about all the things they are to do and take up; you are to give them their orders.

28 This is the work of the family of the Gershonites in the Tent of meeting, and they will be under the direction of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest.

29 The sons of Merari are to be numbered by families, in the order of their fathers' houses;

30 Every one from thirty to fifty years old who is able to do the work of the Tent of meeting.

31 And this is their part in the work of the Tent of meeting: the transport of the boards and the rods of the Tent, with the pillars and their bases;

32 And the pillars of the open space outside it, with their bases and their nails and cords and all the instruments used, and everything which has to be done there; all the instruments for which they are responsible are to be numbered by name.

33 This is the work which the sons of Merari are to do in connection with the Tent of meeting, under the direction of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest.

34 So Moses and Aaron and the chiefs of the people took in hand the numbering of the sons of the Kohathites, by families, in the order of their fathers' houses;

35 Numbering all those from thirty to fifty years old who were able to do the work in the Tent of meeting;

36 And the number of all these was two thousand, seven hundred and fifty.

37 This is the number of those of the Kohathites who did the work in the Tent of meeting, as they were numbered by Moses and Aaron at the order of the Lord.

38 And those of the sons of Gershon who were numbered by families,

39 All those from thirty to fifty years old who were able to do the work in the Tent of meeting,

40 Who were numbered by families in the order of their fathers' houses, were two thousand, six hundred and thirty.

41 This is the number of the sons of Gershon who did the work in the Tent of meeting, as they were numbered by Moses and Aaron at the order of the Lord.

42 And those of the sons of Merari who were numbered by families, in the order of their fathers' houses,

43 All those from thirty to fifty years old who did the work in the Tent of meeting,

44 Who were numbered by families, were three thousand, two hundred.

45 This is the number of the sons of Merari, numbered by Moses and Aaron at the order of the Lord.

46 And all the Levites who were numbered by Moses and Aaron and the chiefs of the people, by families, in the order of their fathers' houses,

47 Those from thirty to fifty years old who were able to do the work of the Tent of meeting and of its transport,

48 Came to eight thousand, five hundred and eighty.

49 At the order of the Lord they were numbered by Moses, every one in relation to his work and to his part in the transport; so they were numbered by Moses at the order of the Lord.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on Numbers 4

Commentary on Numbers 4 Matthew Henry Commentary


Chapter 4

In the former chapter an account was taken of the whole tribe of Levi, in this we have an account of those of that tribe who were in the prime of their time for service, betwixt thirty and fifty years old.

  • I. The serviceable men of the Kohathites are ordered to be numbered, and their charges are given them (v. 2-20).
  • II. Of the Gershonites (v. 24-28).
  • III. Of the Merarites (v. 29-33).
  • IV. The numbers of each, and the sum total at last, are recorded (v. 34, etc.).

Num 4:1-20

We have here a second muster of the tribe of Levi. As that tribe was taken out of all Israel to be God's peculiar, so the middle-aged men of that tribe were taken from among the rest to be actually employed in the service of the tabernacle. Now observe,

  • I. Who were to be taken into this number. All the males from thirty years old to fifty. Of the other tribes, those that were numbered to go forth to war were from twenty years old and upward, but of the Levites only from thirty to fifty; for the service of God requires the best of our strength, and the prime of our time, which cannot be better spent than to the honour of him who is the first and best. And a man may make a good soldier much sooner than a good minister. Now,
    • 1. They were not to be employed till they were thirty years old, because till then they were in danger of retaining something childish and youthful and had not gravity enough to do the service, and wear the honour, of a Levite. They were entered as probationers at twenty-five years old, (ch. 8:24), and in David's time, when there was more work to be done, at twenty (1 Chr. 23:24, and so Ezra 3:8); but they must be five years learning and waiting, and so fitting themselves for service; nay, in David's time they were ten years in preparation, from twenty to thirty. John Baptist began his public ministry, and Christ his, at thirty years old. This is not in the letter of it obligatory on gospel ministers now, as if they must either not begin their work till thirty years old or must leave off at fifty; but it gives us two good rules:-
      • (1.) That ministers must not be novices, 1 Tim. 3:6. It is a work that requires ripeness of judgment and great steadiness, and therefore those are very unfit for it who are but babes in knowledge and have not put away childish things.
      • (2.) That they must learn before they teach, serve before they rule, and must first be proved, 1 Tim. 3:10.
    • 2. They were discharged at fifty years old from the toilsome part of the service, particularly that of carrying the tabernacle; for that is the special service to which they are here ordained, and which there was most occasion for while they were in the wilderness. When they began to enter upon old age, they were dismissed,
      • (1.) In favour to them, that they might no be over-toiled when their strength began to decay. Twenty years' good service was thought pretty well for one man.
      • (2.) In honour to the work, that it might not be done by those who, through the infirmities of age, were slow and heavy. The service of God should be done when we are in the most lively active frame. Those do not consider this who put off their repentance to old age, and so leave the best work to be done in the worst time.
  • II. How their work is described. They are said to enter into the host, or warfare, to do the work in the tabernacle. The ministry is a good work (1 Tim. 3:1): ministers are not ordained to the honour only, but to the labour, not only to have the wages, but to do the work. It is also a good warfare, 1 Tim. 1:18. Those that enter into the ministry must look upon themselves as entered into the host, and approve themselves good soldiers, 2 Tim. 2:3. Now, as to the sons of Kohath in particular, here is,
    • 1. Their service appointed them, in the removes of the tabernacle. Afterwards, when the tabernacle was fixed, they had other work assigned them; but this was the work of the day, which was to be done in its day. Observe, Wherever the camp of Israel went, the tabernacle of the Lord went with them, and care must be taken for the carriage of it. Note, Wherever we go, we must see to it that we take our religion along with us, and not forget that or any part of it. Now the Koliathites were to carry all the holy things of the tabernacle. They were charged with those things before (ch. 3:31), but here they have more particular instructions given them.
      • (1.) Aaron, and his sons the priests, must pack up the things which the Kohathites were to carry, as here directed, v. 5, etc. God had before appointed that none should come into the most holy place, but only Aaron once a year with a cloud of incense (Lev. 16:2); and yet, the necessity of their unsettled state requiring it, that law is here dispensed with; for every time they removed Aaron and his sons went in to take down the ark, and make it up for carriage; for (as the learned bishop Patrick suggests) the shechinah, or display of the divine majesty, which was over the mercy-seat, removed for the present in the pillar of cloud, which was taken up, and then the ark was not dangerous to be approached.
      • (2.) All the holy things must be covered, the ark and table with three coverings, all the rest with two. Even the ashes of the altar, in which the holy fire was carefully preserved and raked up, must have a purple cloth spread over them, v. 13. Even the brazen altar, though in the court of the sanctuary it stood open to the view of all, yet was covered in the carriage of it. All these coverings were designed,
        • [1.] For safety, that these holy things might not be ruffled with the wind, sullied with the rain, nor tarnished with the sun, but that they might be preserved in their beauty; for on all the glory shall be a defence. The coverings of badgers' skins, being thick and strong, would keep out wet; and, while we are in our passage through the wilderness of this world, it concerns us to be fenced for all weathers, Isa. 4:5, 6.
        • [2.] For decency and ornament. Most of these things had a cloth of blue, or purple, or scarlet, spread outmost; and the ark was covered with a cloth wholly of blue (v. 6), an emblem (say some) of the azure skies, which are spread like a curtain between us and the Majesty on high, Job 26:9. Those that are faithful to God should endeavour likewise to appear beautiful before men, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.
        • [3.] For concealment. It signified the darkness of that dispensation. That which is now brought to light by the gospel, and revealed to babes, was then hidden from the wise and prudent. They saw only the coverings, not the holy things themselves (Heb. 10:1); but now Christ has destroyed the face of the covering, Isa. 25:7.
      • (3.) When all the holy things were covered, then the Kohathites were to carry them on their shoulders. These things that had staves were carried by their staves (v. 6, 8, 11, 14); those that had not were carried upon a bar, or bier, or bearing barrow, v. 10, 12. See how the tokens of God's presence in this world are movable things; but we look for a kingdom that cannot be moved.
    • 2. Eleazar, now the eldest son of Aaron, is appointed overseer of the Kohathites in this service (v. 16); he must take care that nothing was forgotten, left behind, or displaced. As a priest he had more honour than the Levites, but then he had more care; and that care was a heavier burden, no doubt, upon his heart, than all the burdens that were laid upon their shoulders. It is much easier to do the work of the tabernacle than to discharge the trusts of it, to obey than to rule.
    • 3. Great care must be taken to preserve the lives of these Levites, by preventing their unseasonable irreverent approach to the most holy things: Cut you not off the Kohathites, v. 18. Note, Those who do not what they can to keep others from sin do what they can to cut them off.
      • [1.] The Kohathites must not see the holy things till the priests had covered them, v. 20. Even those that bore the vessels of the Lord saw not what they bore, so much were even those in the dark concerning the gospel whose office it was to expound the law. And,
      • [2.] When the holy things were covered, they might not touch them, at least not the ark, called here the holy thing, upon pain of death, v. 15. Uzza was struck dead for the breach of this law. Thus were the Lord's ministers themselves then kept in fear, and that was a dispensation of terror, as well as darkness; but now, through Christ, the case is altered; we have seen with our eyes, and our hands have handles, the word of life (1 Jn. 1:1), and we are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace.

Num 4:21-33

We have here the charge of the other two families of the Levites, which, though not so honourable as the first, yet was necessary, and was to be done regularly.

  • 1. The Gershonites were charged with all the drapery of the tabernacle, the curtains, and hangings, and the coverings of badgers' skins, v. 22-26. These they were to take down when the cloud removed, and the ark and the rest of the holy things were carried away, to pack up and bring with them, and then to set up again, where the cloud rested. Aaron and his sons allotted to them their respective charge: "You shall take care of such a curtain, and you of such a hanging, that every one may know his work, and there may be no confusion,' v. 27. Ithamar particularly was to take the oversight of them, v. 28.
  • 2. The Merarites were charged with the heavy carriage, the boards and bars, the pillars and sockets, the pins and cords, and these were delivered to them by name, v. 31, 32. An inventory was given them of every particular, that it might be forthcoming, and nothing to seek, when the tabernacle was to be set up again. Though these seemed of less importance than the other things pertaining to the sanctuary, yet there was this care taken of them, to teach us with the greatest exactness to preserve pure and entire all divine institutions, and to take care that nothing be lost. It also intimates the care God takes of his church, and every member of it; the good Shepherd calls his own sheep by name, Jn. 10:3. Here were thousands of men employed about these services, though a much less number would have served for the bearing of those burdens; but it was requisite that the tabernacle should be taken down, and set up, with great expedition, and many hands would make quick work, especially when every one knew his work. They had tents of their own to take care of, and to take along with them, but the young men under thirty, and the old men above fifty, might serve for them; nor is there any mention of them, for God's house must always be preferred before our own. Their care was preposterous who built and ceiled their own houses while God's house lay waste, Hag. 1:4, 9. The death of the saints is represented as the taking down of the tabernacle (2 Co. 5:1), and the putting of it off, 2 Pt. 1:14. The immortal soul, like the most holy things, is first covered and taken away, carried by angels, unseen, under the inspection of the Lord Jesus, our Eleazar. Care is also taken of the body-the skin and flesh, which are as the curtains, the bones and sinews which are as the bars and pillars; none of these shall be lost; commandment is given concerning the bones, a covenant made with the dust; these are in safe custody, and shall all be produced in the great day, when this tabernacle shall be set up again, and these vile bodies made like the glorious body of Jesus Christ.

Num 4:34-49

We have here a particular account of the numbers of the three families of the Levites respectively, that is, of the effective men, between thirty years old and fifty. Observe,

  • 1. The Kohathites were, in all, 8600 from a month old and upwards; but of these there were but 2750 serviceable men, not a third part. The Gershonites, in all, 7500, and of them but 2630 serviceable men, little more than a third part. Note, Of the many that add to the numbers of the church, there are comparatively but few that contribute to the service of it. So it has been, and so it is; many have a place in the tabernacle that do but little of the work of the tabernacle, Phil. 2:20, 21.
  • 2. That the Merarites were but 6200 in all, and yet of these there were 3200 serviceable men, that is, more than half. The greatest burden lay upon that family, the boards, and pillars, and sockets; and God so ordered it that, though they were the fewest in number, yet they should have the most able men among them; for whatever service God calls men to he will furnish them for it, and give strength in proportion to the work, grace sufficient.
  • 3. The whole number of the able men of the tribe of Levi who entered into God's host to war his warfare was but 8580, whereas the able men of the other tribes that entered into the host of Israel to war their warfare were many more. The least of the tribes had almost four times as many able men as the Levites, and some of them more than eight times as many; for those that are engaged in the service of this world, and war after the flesh, are many more than those that are devoted to the service of God, and fight the good fight of faith.