“This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and it focuses on the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt. In this verse, the specific focus is on the sons of Kohath, who were one of the Levitical families responsible for the service in the tabernacle.
The Sons of Kohath:The Kohathites were descendants of Kohath, who was the second son of Levi, the son of Jacob. The Levites were set apart as a special tribe dedicated to the service of God in the tabernacle. Among the Levites, the Kohathites were given the responsibility of caring for and transporting the most holy things of the tabernacle.
Service in the Tabernacle:The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that served as a place of worship and the dwelling of God’s presence among the Israelites during their journey. The sons of Kohath had the significant task of handling and transporting the most holy objects within the tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Menorah, and the Altar of Incense.
Sanctity of the Most Holy Things:The phrase “about the most holy things” emphasizes the sacred nature of the objects that the sons of Kohath were entrusted with. These objects symbolised the presence of God and were treated with utmost reverence. The Kohathites had to handle them carefully and ensure that they were properly covered and protected during transport.
Lessons for Believers today:
- Responsibility and Sacredness:The sons of Kohath were given a specific task and entrusted with the sacred objects of the tabernacle. As believers, we are also called to serve God and carry out our responsibilities with a sense of reverence and sacredness. Whatever role or task we have in the Kingdom of God, we should approach it with dedication and honour.
- Handling God’s Word:In a broader sense, the most holy things in the tabernacle can be seen as a representation of God’s Word. As Christians, we have the privilege and responsibility of handling and proclaiming the truths of Scripture. Just as the Kohathites handled the sacred objects with care, we should handle the Word of God with reverence, studying it diligently, and sharing it faithfully.
- Protecting God’s Presence:The sons of Kohath were responsible for ensuring the protection and safe transport of the most holy objects. Likewise, we are called to protect and honour God’s presence in our lives and in the community of believers. We should strive to create an environment that is conducive to experiencing and encountering God’s presence, both individually and corporately.
In summary, Numbers 4:4 reminds us of the responsibilities of the sons of Kohath in handling the most holy things in the tabernacle. It teaches us the importance of approaching our service to God with reverence and sacredness, handling His Word with care, and protecting His presence in our lives.
