Numbers 7:9

9 But to the Kohathites he gave none, because they were charged with the care of the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulders.

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 Two wagons and four oxen he gave to the Gershonites, according to their service;

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

9 But to the Kohathites he gave none, because they were charged with the care of the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulders.

10 The leaders also presented offerings for the dedication of the altar at the time when it was anointed; the leaders presented their offering before the altar.

11 The Lord said to Moses: They shall present their offerings, one leader each day, for the dedication of the altar.