What Did The Kohathites Do?
The Kohathites were descendants of Kohath, who was one of the three sons of Levi, the third son of Jacob. According to the biblical account, when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, God commanded Moses to assign specific duties to each of the Levite clans. The Kohathites were given the responsibility of carrying the most sacred items of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Menorah, and the Altar of Incense.
The Ark of the Covenant, in particular, held immense significance for the Israelites as it was believed to be the dwelling place of God's presence. It contained the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, Aaron's staff, and a jar of manna. The Kohathites were entrusted with the task of carefully wrapping and covering the Ark with a veil and animal skins before it was transported. This was done to ensure its protection and to prevent anyone from seeing it, as it was considered too holy for human eyes.
The Kohathites were not only responsible for the transportation of these sacred objects but also for their maintenance and care. They were required to disassemble and reassemble the Tabernacle whenever the Israelites moved from one location to another during their wilderness journey. This involved carefully packing each item, ensuring its safety, and then setting it up again at the new site.
Their role was not limited to the wilderness period alone. When King David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, the Kohathites were involved in the grand procession, playing musical instruments and singing praises to God. They were also responsible for the upkeep of the Temple during the reigns of David and Solomon.
The Kohathites were not involved in the actual sacrificial rituals performed by the priests, who were from the Aaronic line. However, their role in the transportation and care of the sacred objects was crucial for the smooth functioning of the religious practices. They were considered a holy and set-apart group, dedicated to the service of God.
In summary, the Kohathites were a Levite clan entrusted with the important task of transporting, maintaining, and caring for the sacred objects used in worship at the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their role ensured the proper functioning of religious ceremonies and the preservation of the Israelites' connection with God. Their dedication and commitment to their duties played a significant role in the religious life of the ancient Israelite community.
