Numbers 7:9

9 But Moses gave none of these gifts to the Kohathites, because they took care of the holy things. They had to carry the holy things on 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 He gave two wagons and four oxen to the Gershonites for the work they had to do.

8 He gave four wagons and eight oxen to the Merarites for the work they had to do under the direction of Ithamar, son of the priest Aaron.

9 But Moses gave none of these gifts to the Kohathites, because they took care of the holy things. They had to carry the holy things on their own shoulders.

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

11 The LORD said to Moses, "Each day a different leader will bring his gift for the dedication of the altar."