Numbers 3:29

29 The Kohathite clans camped on the south side of The Dwelling,

Numbers 3:29 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 3:29

The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of
the tabernacle southward.
] Or to the right, which was the more honourable place, excepting the east or front, which was reserved for Moses and Aaron, and his sons, and who were one of these families; and is the reason why this honour was conferred upon them, as well as they had the more honourable charge, having the holy places and holy things committed to their care; and one from among them was appointed over all the Levites, and the chief of them, as they had also, when they came into the land of Canaan, almost as many cities of refuge as both their other brethren had: their situation about the tabernacle was between that and the camp of Reuben, and this accounts for it, how Korah who was of one of the families of the Kohathites, became so intimately acquainted with, and joined in a conspiracy with Dathan and Abiram, who were of the tribe of Reuben, ( Numbers 16:1 ) .

Numbers 3:29 In-Context

27 Kohath was ancestor to the clans of the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites. These were known as the Kohathite clans.
28 All the males who were one month and older numbered 8,600. The Kohathites were in charge of the Sanctuary.
29 The Kohathite clans camped on the south side of The Dwelling,
30 led by Elizaphan son of Uzziel.
31 They were in charge of caring for the Chest, the Table, the Lampstand, the Altars, the articles of the Sanctuary used in worship, and the screen - everything having to do with these things.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.