And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came.

NUMBERS 10:21KJV
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Numbers 10:21 (KJV)

What does Numbers 10:21 mean?

Numbers 10:21 describes how the Kohathites, a specific group from the tribe of Levi, were responsible for carrying the most sacred parts of the sanctuary as the Israelites traveled. The verse also notes that other Levites would set up the main structure of the tabernacle before the Kohathites arrived with these holy objects.

This verse is part of instructions about how the Israelites moved their camp in the wilderness. Moses is organizing the Levites, assigning each clan a particular duty for transporting and assembling the tabernacle. The Kohathites had the special task of carrying the sanctuary’s most holy items, while other Levite groups handled the larger tent and its framework, making sure everything was ready when the Kohathites arrived.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 10:21

  • קְהָתִי (Qehathi, "Kohathites"): This word identifies the specific Levite clan tasked with carrying the sanctuary’s holiest objects, highlighting their unique and important role.
  • מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan, "tabernacle"): This word refers to the portable dwelling place for God’s presence among the Israelites, emphasizing the care and order involved in moving it.
  • מִקְדָּשׁ (miqdash, "sanctuary"): This word points to the most sacred parts of the tabernacle, showing that the Kohathites were entrusted with items of special holiness.

Why Numbers 10:21 matters

  • Numbers 10:21 clarifies that the movement of the tabernacle was carefully organized, with different Levite families having distinct responsibilities, preventing confusion or disorder.
  • The verse highlights the special trust given to the Kohathites, showing the seriousness with which the Israelites treated the sanctuary’s holiest objects.
  • This detail connects to the broader theme of reverence and order in Israel’s worship, showing that even in travel, the sacred things were handled with great care and respect.

Where else these words appear

“Kohathites” Hebrew H6956 · used in 15 verses

  • Numbers 3:27 And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
  • Numbers 4:37 These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:54 Now these are their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.

“sanctuary” Hebrew H4720 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
  • Psalms 68:35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
  • Ezekiel 28:18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.

“tabernacle” Hebrew H4908 · used in 129 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Exodus 40:17 And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.
  • Numbers 16:9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?

“forward” Hebrew H5265 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Numbers 10:25 And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
  • Numbers 33:32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.