Bible Commentaries
Numbers 4

Verses 1-49

Continuing the instructions concerning the Levites, we have a minute account of their work in connection with the movement and marching of the people. The family of Kohath were made responsible for carrying the holy furniture. This furniture they were not allowed to see or touch. Aaron and his sons first entered the Holy Place and covered each sacred piece, affixing the staves which were to rest on the shoulders of the Levites. On the march these were in charge of Eleazar, who also carried the anointing oil and the sweet incense.

The duty of carrying the curtains and the tents which constituted the Tabernacle itself devolved on the Gershonites.

The boards and bars and pillars and all other things which formed the foundations on which the sacred hangings rested were committed to the care of the Merarites.

All this is technical, and yet it cannot be studied without realizing how it emphasized the importance of the relation of the people to Jehovah. The sacred symbols of that relationship were to be as carefully guarded on the forward march as when they stood in proper order at the center of the encamped people.