Numbers 3:27-32·~1 min

The Kohathites

The Kohathite clans are named and counted, then placed on the south side under Elizaphan. They care for the ark, table, lampstand, altars, and related sanctuary articles, under Eleazar's oversight.

F²⁷rom Kohath came the clans of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites; these were the clans of the Kohathites. ²⁸The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. ²⁹The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle, ³⁰and the leader of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan son of Uzziel. ³¹Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain— all the service for these items. ³²The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.

Section summaryThe Kohathite clans are counted, placed south of the tabernacle, and charged with the sanctuary's central furnishings. Their service reaches closest to the holy objects, and Eleazar stands over those who bear that responsibility.

Role in the chapterThis section moves closer to the sanctuary's center. It gives the clan with the most sensitive objects a defined place, duty, and oversight.