Numbers 4:1-20 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Count the men in the families of the Kohath family group. (The Kohath family group is a part of Levi’s family group.) Count all the men from 30 to 50 years old who come to serve. These men will work in the Meeting Tent. Their job is to take care of the most holy things in the Meeting Tent. “When the Israelites travel to a new place, Aaron and his sons must go into the Meeting Tent and take down the curtain and cover the Box of the Agreement with it. Then they must cover all of this with covering made from fine leather. Then they must spread the solid blue cloth over the leather and put the poles in the rings on the Holy Box. “Then they must spread a blue cloth over the holy table. Then they must put the plates, spoons, bowls, and the jars for drink offerings on the table. Put the special bread on the table. Then you must put a red cloth over all these things, cover everything with fine leather, and put the poles in the rings of the table. “Then they must cover the lampstand and its lamps with a blue cloth. They must also cover all the things used to keep the lamps burning and all the jars of oil that are used in the lamps. Then wrap everything in fine leather. Then they must put all these things on poles used for carrying them. “They must spread a blue cloth over the golden altar. They must cover that with fine leather. Then they must put the poles for carrying it in the rings on the altar. “Then they must gather together all the special things that are used for worship in the Holy Place. They must gather them together and wrap them in a blue cloth. Then they must cover that with fine leather. They must put these things on a frame for carrying them. “They must clean the ashes out of the bronze altar and spread a purple cloth over it. Then they must gather together all the things that are used for worship at the altar. These are the firepans, forks, shovels, and the bowls. They must put these things on the bronze altar. Then they must spread a covering of fine leather over the altar and put the poles for carrying it in the rings on the altar. “Aaron and his sons must finish covering all the holy things in the Holy Place. Then the men from the Kohath family can go in and begin carrying these things. In this way they will not touch the holy things and die. “Eleazar son of Aaron the priest will be responsible for the Holy Tent. He will be responsible for everything in it, including the holy things. He will be responsible for the oil for the lamp, the sweet-smelling incense, the daily offering, and the anointing oil.” The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Be careful! Don’t let these Kohathite men be destroyed. You must do these things so that the Kohathite men can go near the most holy things and not die. Aaron and his sons must go in and show each Kohathite man what to do and what to carry. If you don’t do this, the Kohathite men might go in and look at the holy things. If they look at these things, even for a moment, they must die.”
God gave specific instructions for the care and transportation of the holy furnishings of the Tabernacle. The sons of Kohath were entrusted with carrying the most sacred items, but only after Aaron and his sons carefully covered them. God emphasized both reverence and obedience because these holy things represented His presence among His people. God is holy, and He calls His people to approach Him with respect, obedience, and care. Each person had a specific role to fulfill, and the work of the Tabernacle required everyone to faithfully carry out the task God assigned to them. Today, God still gives His children different gifts and responsibilities. We honor Him when we faithfully serve in the place He has called us, whether our task is seen by many or known only to Him. Good verse to remember: Those who are trusted with such an important work must show that they are worthy of that trust. (1 Corinthians 4:2 ERV)
Dear Blessed Lord Jesus, thank You and praise You for teaching us through Your Word that You are holy and worthy of our reverence. Help us to be faithful in the responsibilities You have given us and to serve You with obedient and willing hearts. May we honor Your presence in our lives and bring glory to Your name in all we do. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Your Mighty Precious Name Lord Jesus Amen.
