Bible Commentaries
Numbers 4

Verse 1

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

No JFB commentary on this verse.

Verses 2-3

Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers,

Sons of Kohath ... from thirty years old and upward. This age was specifically fixed on (see the note at Numbers 8:24) as the full maturity of bodily energy to perform the laborious duties assigned them in the wilderness, as well as of mental activity to assist in the management of the sacred services. And hence, it was the period of life at which the Baptist and Christ entered on their respective ministries.

Even until fifty. The term prescribed for active duty was a period of twenty years, at the end of which they were exempted from the physical labours of the office, though still expected to attend in the tabernacle (Numbers 8:26).

All that enter into the host - so called from their number, the order and discipline maintained through their ranks, and them special duty as guards of the tabernacle. [ Tsaabaa' (H6635), rendered host, however, signifies also a station or office; and hence, the passage may be rendered, 'All that enter into the sacerdotal office' (Numbers 4:23.)]

Verses 4-15

This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things:

This shall be the service ... The Kohathites are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest, were admitted on such necessary occasions into the holy place. This was an exception to the general rule, which prohibited the entrance of any but the high priest. But when the cloud removed from the tabernacle, the sanctuary might be entered by the common priests, as to them was reserved the exclusive privilege of packing the sacred utensils; and it was not until the holy things were thus ready for carriage that the Kohathites were allowed to approach.

Verse 5. Covering veil - the inner veil, which separated the holy from the most holy place (see the note at Exodus 36:3).

Verse 6. Covering of badgers' skins - (see the note at Exodus 25:5.) The covering, however, referred to was not that of the tabernacle, but one made for the special purpose of protecting the ark.

Put in the staves. These golden staves were now taken out (see the note at Exodus 25:15, compared with 1 Kings 8:8). The Hebrew word rendered "put in" signifies also 'dispose,' and probably refers here to their insertion through the openings in the covering made for receiving them, to preserve them from the touch of the carriers as well as from the influences of the weather. It is worthy of notice, that the coverings did not consist of canvass or coarse tarpauling, but of a kind which united beauty with decency.

Verse 7. Continual bread. Though the people were in the wilderness fed upon manna, the sacred loaves were constantly made of grain, which was probably raised in small quantities from the verdant patches of the desert.

Verse 10. A bar - or bier, formed of two poles fastened by two cross pieces, and borne by two men, after the fashion of a sedan chair.

Verse 12. Instruments of ministry - the official dress of the priests (Exodus 31:10).

Verse 13. Shall take away the ashes ... The necessity of removing ashes from the altar plainly implies that sacrifices were offered in the wilderness (cf. Exodus 18:12; Exodus 24:4), though that rebellious race seem frequently to have neglected the duty (Amos 5:25). No mention is made of the sacred fire; but as, by divine command, it was to be kept constantly burning, it must have been transferred to some pan or brazier under the covering, and borne by the appointed carriers.

Verse 15. Bear it: but they shall not touch. The mode of transport was upon the shoulders of the Levites see the note at Numbers 7:9), although afterward wheeled vehicles were employed (2 Samuel 6:3; 1 Chronicles 15:12). And it was allowable to touch the covering, but not the things covered, on the penalty of death, which was more than once inflicted (1 Samuel 6:19; 2 Samuel 6:6-7). This stern denunciation was designed to inspire a sentiment of deep and habitual reverence in the minds of those who were officially engaged about holy things.

Verse 16

And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

To the office of Eleazar ... He was charged with the special duty of superintending the squadron who were employed in the carriage of the sacred furniture; besides, to his personal care were committed the materials requisite for the daily service, and which it was necessary he should have easily at command (Exodus 29:38).

Verses 17-20

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

Cut ye not off ... - a solemn admonition to Moses and Aaron to beware, lest, by any negligence on their part, disorder and improprieties should creep in, and to take the greatest care that all the parts of this important service be apportioned to the proper parties, lest the Kohathites should be disqualified for their high and honourable duties. The guilt of their death would be incurred by the superintending priests, if they failed to give proper directions, or allowed any irreverent familiarity with sacred things.

Verses 21-23

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

No JFB commentary on these verses.

Verses 24-28

This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens:

This is the service ... They were appointed to carry "the curtains of the tabernacle" - i:e., the goats' hair covering of the tent-the ten curious curtains and embroidered hangings at the entrance, with their red morocco covering, etc.

Verse 28. Their charge shall be ... The Levites were subject to the official command of the priests generally in doing the ordinary work of the tabernacle. But during the journeyings Eleazar, who was next in succession to his father, took the special charge of the Kohathites, while his brother Ithamar had the superintendence of the Gershonites and Merarites.

Verses 29-33

As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families, by the house of their fathers;

As for the sons of Merari. They carried the coarser and heavier appurtenances, which, however; were so important and necessary that an inventory was kept of them-not only on account of their number and variety, but of their comparative commonness and smallness, which might have led to their being lost or missing through carelessness, inadvertency, or neglect. It was a useful lesson, showing that God disregards nothing pertaining to His service, and that even in the least and most trivial matters He requires the duty of faithful obedience.

Verses 34-49

And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their fathers,

Moses and Aaron ... This enumeration was made on a different principle from that which is recorded in the preceding chapter. That was confined to the males from a month old and upwards, while this was extended to all capable of service in the three classes of the Levitical tribe. In considering their relative numbers the wisdom of Divine Providence appears in arranging that, whereas in the Kohathites and Gershonites, whose burdens were few and easier, there were but about a third part of them which were fit for service; the Merarites, whose burdens were more and heavier, had above one half of them fit for this work (Poole). The small population of this tribe, so inferior to that of the other tribes, is attempted to be explained (see the note at Numbers 3:39).