Numbers 7:9

9 But to the sons of Caath he gave no wagons or oxen: because they serve in the sanctuary and carry their burdens upon their own 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 sons of Gerson, according to their necessity.

8 The other four wagons, and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari, according to their offices and service, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

9 But to the sons of Caath he gave no wagons or oxen: because they serve in the sanctuary and carry their burdens upon their own shoulders.

10 And the princes offered for the dedication of the altar on the day when it was anointed, their oblation before the altar.

11 And the Lord said to Moses: Let each of the princes one day after another offer their gifts for the dedication of the altar.