Numbers 10:21

Translations

Modern

Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.

Traditional

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

Literal

And the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things; and the tabernacle was to be prepared for their arrival.

Latin

Profectique sunt et Caathitæ portantes sanctuarium. Tamdiu tabernaculum portabatur, donec venirent ad erectionis locum.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.

Notes

Numbers 10:13–28

The order of march described here is different from 2:3–34. There, all three Levitical clans carried the tabernacle and its furnishings in the center of the camp. They marched between the groups led by Judah and Reuben, and the groups led by Ephraim and Dan.

In this passage, the arrangement is more detailed. The Gershonites and Merarites carried the structural parts of the tabernacle between Judah and Reuben. The Kohathites carried the most sacred furniture between Reuben and Ephraim.

This arrangement was practical. It gave the Gershonites and Merarites time to set up the tabernacle before the Kohathites arrived with the sacred objects. This plan also provided protection for the holy items.

In addition, this pattern spread the Levites among the tribes. Their presence among the people may have strengthened spiritual influence throughout the camp (compare Matthew 13:33; 16:6, 11–12; 1 Corinthians 5:6–7).

Numbers 10:11–36

Leaving Sinai was a key moment in Israel's history. The Israelites now had the law and God would test them on how they obeyed it. The departure from Sinai marked the start of the march toward Canaan, although it became a long journey (compare Deuteronomy 1:6–8, 19). This passage summarizes the daily routines during the journey.

Related verses

Numbers 10:17
Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, transporting it.
Numbers 7:9
But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible.
Numbers 4:4–16
This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things.
Numbers 3:27–32
From Kohath came the clans of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites; these were the clans of the Kohathites.
Numbers 2:17
In the middle of the camps, the Tent of Meeting is to travel with the camp of the Levites. They are to set out in the order they encamped, each in his own place under his standard.
1 Chronicles 15:2
Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.”
Numbers 4:20
But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die.”
Numbers 1:51
Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.
1 Chronicles 15:12–15
And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it.

People

Kohath: Son of Levi; Levite clan ancestor

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Genealogy God, Names of Kohath, Kohathites Midian, Midianite Numbers, Book of

Topics

Church: Sanctuary Israel: March out of the Wilderness Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Order of Marching During The Tribes of Israel: Divided Into Four Divisions While in the Wilderness

Numbers 10:21

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