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31 Their responsibility was the ark, the table, the menorah, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which the priests minister, the veil, and everything pertaining to their maintenance.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. 3:31 The Kohathites had to carry these sacred objects on their shoulders; cf. 7:9. For a description of the ark, see Ex 25:10–22; the table, Ex 25:23–30; the menorah, Ex 25:31–40; the altars, Ex 27:1–8; 30:1–10.

31 They were responsible for the care of the ark,(A) the table,(B) the lampstand,(C) the altars,(D) the articles(E) of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain,(F) and everything related to their use.(G)

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This is the task of the Kohathites in the tent of meeting: the most sacred objects. In breaking camp, Aaron and his sons shall go in and take down the screening curtain[a] and cover the ark of the covenant with it. Over these they shall put a cover of yellow-orange skin, and on top of this spread an all-violet cloth and put the poles in place. On the table of the Presence they shall spread a violet cloth and put on it the plates and cups, as well as the bowls and pitchers for libations; the established bread offering shall remain on the table. Over these they shall spread a scarlet cloth and cover it with a covering of yellow-orange skin, and put the poles in place. They shall use a violet cloth to cover the menorah of the light with its lamps, tongs, and trays, as well as the various containers of oil from which it is supplied. 10 The menorah with all its utensils they shall then put in a covering of yellow-orange skin, and place on a litter. 11 Over the golden altar[b] they shall spread a violet cloth, and cover this also with a covering of yellow-orange skin, and put the poles in place. 12 Taking the utensils of the sanctuary service, they shall put them all in violet cloth and cover them with a covering of yellow-orange skin. They shall then place them on a litter. 13 After cleansing the altar[c] of its ashes, they shall spread a purple cloth over it. 14 On this they shall put all the utensils with which it is served: the fire pans, forks,[d] shovels, basins, and all the utensils of the altar. They shall then spread a covering of yellow-orange skin over this, and put the poles in place.

15 Only after Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sacred objects and all their utensils on breaking camp, can the Kohathites enter to carry them. But they shall not touch the sacred objects; if they do they will die.(A) These, then, are the objects in the tent of meeting that the Kohathites shall carry.

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Footnotes

  1. 4:5 The screening curtain: the veil between the inner and the outer rooms of the sanctuary. Cf. Ex 26:31–33.
  2. 4:11 The golden altar: the altar of incense. Cf. Ex 30:1–6.
  3. 4:13 The altar: the bronze altar for animal sacrifices. Cf. Ex 27:1–8.
  4. 4:14 Forks: used in turning over the sacrificed animal on the fire of the altar. Basins: to receive the sacrificial blood; cf. Zec 9:15.

“This is the work(A) of the Kohathites(B) at the tent of meeting: the care of the most holy things.(C) When the camp is to move,(D) Aaron and his sons are to go in and take down the shielding curtain(E) and put it over the ark of the covenant law.(F) Then they are to cover the curtain with a durable leather,[a](G) spread a cloth of solid blue over that and put the poles(H) in place.

“Over the table of the Presence(I) they are to spread a blue cloth and put on it the plates, dishes and bowls, and the jars for drink offerings;(J) the bread that is continually there(K) is to remain on it. They are to spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover that with the durable leather and put the poles(L) in place.

“They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand that is for light, together with its lamps, its wick trimmers and trays,(M) and all its jars for the olive oil used to supply it. 10 Then they are to wrap it and all its accessories in a covering of the durable leather and put it on a carrying frame.(N)

11 “Over the gold altar(O) they are to spread a blue cloth and cover that with the durable leather and put the poles(P) in place.

12 “They are to take all the articles(Q) used for ministering in the sanctuary, wrap them in a blue cloth, cover that with the durable leather and put them on a carrying frame.(R)

13 “They are to remove the ashes(S) from the bronze altar(T) and spread a purple cloth over it. 14 Then they are to place on it all the utensils(U) used for ministering at the altar, including the firepans,(V) meat forks,(W) shovels(X) and sprinkling bowls.(Y) Over it they are to spread a covering of the durable leather and put the poles(Z) in place.

15 “After Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy furnishings and all the holy articles, and when the camp is ready to move,(AA) only then are the Kohathites(AB) to come and do the carrying.(AC) But they must not touch the holy things(AD) or they will die.(AE) The Kohathites are to carry those things that are in the tent of meeting.

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Footnotes

  1. Numbers 4:6 Possibly the hides of large aquatic mammals; also in verses 8, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 25