Numbers 4
CHAPTER 4
Numbers 4:1-49 . OF THE LEVITES' SERVICE.
2, 3. sons of Kohath, from thirty years old and upward--This age was specifically fixed 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 it was the period of life at which John the Baptist and Christ entered on their respective ministries.
even unto fifty--The term prescribed for active duty was a period of twenty years, at the end of which they were exempted from the physical labors of the office, though still expected to attend in the tabernacle ( Numbers 8:26 ).
all that enter into the host--so called from their ranks, and their special duty as guards of the tabernacle. The Hebrew word, however, signifies also a station of office; and hence the passage may be rendered, "All that enter into the sacerdotal office" ( Numbers 4:23 ).
4-15. This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, &c.--They 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 till the holy things were thus ready for carriage, that the Kohathites were allowed to approach.
5. covering veil--the inner veil, which separated the holy from the most holy place.
6. covering of badgers' 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. 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 coverings made for receiving them, to preserve them from the touch of the carriers as well as from the influence of the weather. It is worthy of notice that the coverings did not consist of canvas or coarse tarpaulin, but of a kind which united beauty with decency.
7. continual showbread--Though the people were in the wilderness fed upon manna, the sacred loaves were constantly made of corn, which was probably raised in small quantities from the verdant patches of the desert.
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.
12. instruments of ministry--the official dress of the priests ( Exodus 31:10 ).
13. shall take away the ashes from the altar, &c.--The necessity of removing ashes from the altar plainly implies that sacrifices were offered in the wilderness (compare Exodus 18:12 , 24:4 ), though that rebellious race seems 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.
15. the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it, but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die--The mode of transport was upon the shoulders of the Levites wheeled vehicles were employed ( 2 Samuel 6:3 , 1 Chronicles 15:12 ). And it was allowed to touch the covering, but not the things covered, on the penalty of death, which was inflicted more than once ( 1 Samuel 6:19 , 2 Samuel 6:6 2 Samuel 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.
16. to the office of Eleazar . . . pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, &c.--He was charged with the special duty of superintending the squadron who were employed in the carrying 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 his command ( Exodus 29:38 ).