Numbers 7:9

9 Moses did not give any oxen or carts to the Kohathites, because their job was to carry the holy things on their 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 carts and four oxen to the Gershonites, which they needed for their work.

8 Then Moses gave four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, which they needed for their work. Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest, directed the work of all of them.

9 Moses did not give any oxen or carts to the Kohathites, because their job was to carry the holy things on their shoulders.

10 When the oil was poured on the altar, the leaders brought their offerings to it to give it to the Lord's service; they presented them in front of the altar.

11 The Lord told Moses, "Each day one leader must bring his gift to make the altar ready for service to me."