Numbers 3:31
And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.
Original Language Analysis
וּמִשְׁמַרְתָּ֗ם
And their charge
H4931
וּמִשְׁמַרְתָּ֗ם
And their charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
1 of 13
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
וְהַשֻּׁלְחָן֙
and the table
H7979
וְהַשֻּׁלְחָן֙
and the table
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
3 of 13
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
וּכְלֵ֣י
and the vessels
H3627
וּכְלֵ֣י
and the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
6 of 13
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ
of the sanctuary
H6944
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ
of the sanctuary
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
7 of 13
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְשָֽׁרְת֖וּ
wherewith they minister
H8334
יְשָֽׁרְת֖וּ
wherewith they minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
9 of 13
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
Historical Context
The items entrusted to Kohathite care were the tabernacle's most sacred objects, those that dwelt in the Holy Place and Holy of Holies. The Kohathites could not touch or look upon these items directly (Numbers 4:15, 20) but transported them after priests had covered them, demonstrating extreme caution around holy things.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Kohathites' sacred but dangerous charge illustrate that greater privilege comes with greater responsibility and risk?
- What does the prohibition against touching or looking at uncovered holy things teach us about respecting God's holiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Kohathites' specific charge over the ark, table, candlestick, altars, and holy vessels represents the most sacred responsibility among the Levites. These were the objects that directly facilitated Israel's approach to God and God's manifestation among His people. The assignment of these most holy items to one clan demonstrates that even among those consecrated for service, God establishes varying levels of responsibility and corresponding holiness requirements.