Numbers 4

Commentary

In Numbers chapter 4, God instructs Moses to take a census of the Levites, who are the descendants of Levi, the third son of Jacob. The Levites are to be counted from the age of thirty to fifty, and are to be divided into four divisions: Gershon, Kohath, Merari, and Moses. Each division is to be responsible for the care of the tabernacle and its furnishings. The Gershonites are to be responsible for the curtains, coverings, and hangings of the tabernacle, as well as the cords and all the equipment used in its service. The Kohathites are to be responsible for the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary, and all the furnishings used in its service. The Merarites are to be responsible for the frames of the tabernacle, its bars, pillars, and bases, as well as all the equipment used in its service. The chapter ends with a reminder that the Levites are to be exempt from the census of the other tribes, as they are to be dedicated to the service of the tabernacle. This chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of the Levites and their role in the service of the tabernacle. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of the tabernacle and its furnishings, and the need for the Levites to take care of them.