Numbers 4:1-33
Q.1. Where were the sons of Kohath to serve? What provision was made to keep them from death caused by touching the holy things? – (Num.4:1-15)
Aaron and his sons were the only ones allowed to touch the sacred things and directly oversee the sacrifices and offerings. God assigned the Kohathites to dismantle the Tabernacle and carry all the sacred objects whenever the Israelites set out from their appointed campsite. Special coverings of porpoise skins and cloth of pure blue and scarlet distinguished the sacred objects, and the poles for carrying them were inserted in these. The Kohathites were not involved until all this was completed – so that they will not touch the holy objects and die (Num.4:15).
Q.2. Who was in charge of the dismantling and assembling of the Tabernacle? Why was this role crucial? – (Num.4:16-20)
Aaron and his son Eleazar were in charge of the proceedings. They directed the Kohathites in their duties. Handling the sacred objects was restricted to those especially appointed and consecrated for the tasks. The Lord gave strong warnings against carelessness, to prevent the Kohathites from being cut off from among the Levites – 19 But do this to them that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy objects: Aaron and his sons shall go in and assign each of them to his work and to his load; 20 but they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die (Num.4:19-20).
Q.3. What role did the families of Gershom and Merari play in transporting the Tabernacle? How often did they function in their role? – (Num.4:21-33)
Both the priestly sons of the Gershonites and the sons of Merari were under the direction of Aaron’s son Ithamar. Fulfilling a sacred role, they functioned between the ages of thirty and fifty (Num.4:23 & 30). They had clear roles, in dismantling and carrying the remainder of the Tabernacle and its surrounds. The demands of their roles varied greatly, as determined by God – 17 Whenever the cloud was lifted from over the tent, afterward the sons of Israel would then set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the sons of Israel would camp … 22 Whether it was two days or a month or a year that the cloud lingered over the tabernacle, staying above it, the sons of Israel remained camped and did not set out; but when it was lifted, they did set out. 23 At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out; they kept the Lord’s charge, according to the command of the Lord through Moses (Num.9:17, 22-23 c.f. Num.4:24-28, 31-33).