“And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.”
Context:The book of Numbers is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah or the Books of Moses. It records the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In Numbers 4, God gives specific instructions to the Levites regarding their responsibilities in the transportation and care of the tabernacle and its furnishings.
Significance of the Sanctuary:The “sanctuary” referred to in this verse is the tabernacle, which was a portable dwelling place for God’s presence among the Israelites. It consisted of the Holy Place, where the priests performed various rituals, and the Most Holy Place, which housed the Ark of the Covenant. The tabernacle was a central symbol of God’s dwelling among His people.
The Role of Aaron and His Sons:Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the high priest, and his sons served as priests under his authority. They were responsible for covering and preparing the sanctuary and its sacred vessels before the camp would set out on their journey. This highlights the importance of order and proper handling of holy objects.
The Sons of Kohath:Among the Levites, the tribe of Kohath had a specific responsibility for transporting the most holy items of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, the altars, and other furnishings. However, they were strictly prohibited from touching these sacred objects. Only the priests, specifically the descendants of Aaron, were allowed to handle them. The penalty for unauthorized contact with the holy things was death, emphasizing the seriousness of this restriction.
Lessons and Applications:
- Respect for the sacred:This passage teaches us about reverence and respect for things set apart for God. The sons of Kohath were entrusted with a significant task, but they had to exercise extreme caution and maintain their reverence for the holy objects. In our lives, we should also approach God and His sacred things with reverence and awe.
- Order and organization:God is a God of order. The specific instructions given for the transport and handling of the tabernacle items emphasize the importance of doing things in a proper and orderly manner. We should seek to bring order and discipline into our own lives, especially in matters of worship and service to God.
- The role of leaders:Aaron and his sons, as appointed leaders, were responsible for overseeing and coordinating the tasks of the Levites. This highlights the importance of leadership in God’s plan. Leaders have the responsibility to guide and direct others in fulfilling their roles and maintaining the sanctity of God’s worship.
In summary, Numbers 4:15 underscores the importance of reverence, order, and proper handling of sacred things. It reminds us to approach God and His holy objects with respect and to recognize the role of leadership in maintaining the sanctity of worship.
