Numbers 7:9

9 But he did not give [any] to the Kohathites, since their responsibility was service related to the holy objects^[a] carried on their shoulders.^[b]

Numbers 7:9 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 7:9

But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none
Being all disposed of to the sons of Gershon and Merari: the reason of which follows,

because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them [was that]
they should bear upon their shoulders;
as the ark with the mercy seat, and cherubim, the shewbread table, the candlestick, and the two altars; though in later times we find the ark was sometimes not only carried by the priests, but upon a cart, ( Joshua 3:17 ) ( 4:10 ) ( 2 Samuel 6:3 ) .

Numbers 7:9 In-Context

7 He gave the Gershonites two carts and four oxen corresponding to their service,

8 and gave the Merarites four carts and eight oxen corresponding to their service, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.

9 But he did not give [any] to the Kohathites, since their responsibility was service related to the holy objects carried on their shoulders.

10 The leaders also presented the dedication gift for the altar when it was anointed. The leaders presented their offerings in front of the altar.

11 The Lord told Moses, "Each day have one leader present his offering for the dedication of the altar."

Footnotes

• [a]. Nm 4:4-16
• [b]. Nm 3:28-31; 4:4-20