Numbers 4:21-28

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Duties of the Sons of Gershon

21 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 22 “Also take a census of the sons of Gershon, by their fathers’ house, by their families. 23 From thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, you shall number them, all who enter to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of meeting. 24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and carrying: 25 They shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tabernacle of meeting with its covering, the covering of badger skins that is on it, the screen for the door of the tabernacle of meeting, 26 the screen for the door of the gate of the court, the hangings of the court which are around the tabernacle and altar, and their cords, all the furnishings for their service and all that is made for these things: so shall they serve.

27 “Aaron and his sons shall assign all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, all their tasks and all their service. And you shall appoint to them all their tasks as their duty. 28 This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of meeting. And their duties shall be under the authority of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Nu 4:21–28.

Key Points:

• The meticulous care in handling the sacred objects of the tabernacle underscores the reverence due to God's holiness.

• The role of the Kohathites in transporting the tabernacle's most holy items illustrates the seriousness of approaching God's presence.

• The protective measures, such as covering sacred items and the prohibition against touching or seeing them, highlight the sanctity and the fear of the Lord.

• The narrative invites reflection on our approach to God's holiness in the New Covenant through Christ.