If we talk about Numbers 4 in detail,
Numbers Chapter 4: The duties of the sons of Kohath, Gershon, and Merari related to the transportation of the tabernacle.
Chapter 4 of Numbers specifically explains the roles played by the three families of the tribe of Levi, the Kohath, Gershon, and Merari descendants, in relation to the movement of the tabernacle. This chapter specifies the structure of the tabernacle and detailed duties for each component, so that the tabernacle can be systematically dismantled and reassembled when moved.
1. Mission of the Kohathites (4:1-20)
The Kohathites were responsible for carrying the most sacred items of the sanctuary.
- Age Range : Men 30 to 50 years old
- responsibility :
- Ark of the Covenant : Carried by the Kohathites after Aaron and his sons had covered all the items in the sanctuary.
- Utensils of the sanctuary : Includes golden altar of incense, table, lampstand, accessories, laver, altar of incense, holy oil, etc. These were to be wrapped with veils and coverings.
- Method of transportation : Kohath descendants cannot directly touch the item, and if they do, it may result in death. When Aaron and his sons finished preparing, the Kohathites carried it on their shoulders.
2. Mission of the Gershonites (4:21-28)
The Gershonites were responsible for carrying the covering and curtains of the tabernacle.
- Age Range : Men 30 to 50 years old
- responsibility :
- The covering and curtain of the tabernacle : Includes the curtain, the covering of the tabernacle, the curtain of the outer court, and the curtain of the court gate.
- Transportation tools : These are transported using carts and oxen.
- Responsible Person : Ithamar oversees the transportation of the Gershonites.
3. Mission of the sons of Merari (4:29-33)
The Merari descendants were responsible for carrying the structural parts of the tabernacle.
- Age Range : Men 30 to 50 years old
- responsibility :
- Structural parts of the tabernacle : including boards, bands, pillars, supports, stakes, ropes, etc.
- Transport tools : Merari descendants also used carts and oxen to transport.
- Responsible Person : Ithamar supervises the transportation of the descendants of Merari.
4. Total settlement (4:34-49)
Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the Israelites numbered the males of each family. The last part of the chapter summarizes the population numbers of the three families.
- Kohath descendants : 2,750
- Gershonites : 2,630
- Descendants of Merari : 3,200
- Total : 8,580 people
summary
Chapter 4 of Numbers gives clear duties related to the movement of the tabernacle to the three families of the tribe of Levi, the Kohath, Gershon, and Merari descendants, so that they can move the tabernacle safely and in an orderly manner through their respective responsibilities. This was an important measure to protect the tabernacle and maintain God's holiness as the Israelites moved through the wilderness.