Duties of the clans

Numbers Chapter 4

The Lord had Moses and Aaron take a census of the Kohathite division of the Levite tribes, of men aged 30 to 50 qualified to work in the Tabernacle. These men were designated to handle the most sacred objects. When the camp packed up to move, Aaron and his sons took down the inner curtains and covered the Ark with them, then they covered it with goatskin leather, then a dark blue cloth, and put the carrying poles in place. The other details about covering the holy items can be found in verses 7 through 14. then when all the items have been packed, the Kohathites would come and carry the things to the next destination. But they must not touch the items or they will die.

Eleazar, son of Aaron, was responsible for the entire supervision of the entire Tabernacle and everything in it. Then the Lord said that the Kohathite clans must not be destroyed, he wanted them to live and not die when they approached the sacred objects. So he had Aaron and his sons always go with the Kohathites and assign duties to them or load each person. Otherwise they must not approach the sanctuary and look at the sacred objects for even a moment or they would die.

Then the Lord had a census taken of the Gershonite division of the Levi tribe, of all men 30 to 50 eligible to serve in the Tabernacle. Their duties were to carry the curtains of the Tabernacle and the courtyard walls and all altar accessories. Aaron and his sons would direct the Gershonites in moving or doing other work and the Gershonites would be directly responsible to Ithamar, son of Aaron.

Then the Lord had a census taken of the Merarite division of the Levites and counted all ment 30 to 50 eligible to serve in the Tabernacle. Their duties would be to carry the loads of the frames of the Tabernacle, pillars, posts, bases, cords etc. These duties of the Merarites were directly responsible to Ithamar, son of Aaron.

The exact count of the Kohathite tribes, the Gershonite tribes, the Merarite tribes can be found in verses 34 through 49.

BIBLE NOTES show that the responsibility for the Levites was literally deadly serious. They could be struck dead if they failed to follow every detail. Worshiping our God must not be taken lightly.
The lines of authority and accountability were communicated to all by God.
How does this chapter relate to us today? It shows again the communication that is needed for us - between us and God. God puts his trust in you, and you in him. The line is not blurred, it is clear as could be. God does not mince words, he is direct and truthful and he expects the same from his people even today. Take a close look at your relationship with your God and work on it constantly. Remember the fact that God loves you and wants you to succeed in all ways. He is on your side!

Yours in Christ,
Mary