Numbers 3-4 Notes

Numbers 1-2 Supplemental Notes The Levite Divisions Numbers 3 & 4 describe the divisions of the tribe of Levi, according to clan, and their responsibilities in the service of the Tabernacle. The following summarizes the content specific to each division as given in this passage. LEVI (The total number of levites counted at the Lord's command...including every male a month old or more, was 22,000. ~3:39) GERSHON (Gershonites) Clans: Libnites (of Gershon's son, Libni) and Shimeites (of Gershon's son, Shimei) (3:21) Lead by: Eliasaph, son of Lael (3:24) Numbers: 7,500 males one month of age and over (3:22); 2,630 men over the age of 35 who served in the tabernacle. (4:40) Encampment:The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle. (3:23) Responsible for: At the Tent of Meeting the Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes—and everything related to their use. (3:25-26) KOHATH (Kohathites) Clans: Amramites (of Kohath's son, Amram), Izharites (of Kohath's son, Izhar), Hebronites (of Kohath's son, Hebron), and Uzzielites (of Kohath's son, Uzziel) Lead by: Elizaphan, son of Uzziel (3:30) Numbers: 8 ,600 males a month of age and over (3:28 ); 2,750 men over the age of 35 who served in the tabernacle.(4:36) Encampment: The Kohathite clans were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle. (3:29) Responsible for: They were responsible for the care of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use. The chief leader of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest. He was appointed over those who were responsible for the care of the sanctuary. (3:31-32) MERARI (Merarites) Clans: Mahlites (of Merari's son, Mahli) and Mushites (of Merari's son, Mushi) Lead by: Zuriel, son of Abihail (3:35) Numbers: 6,200 males a month of age and over (3:34); 3,200 men over the age of 35 who served in the tabernacle (4:44) Encampment: ...they [the Merarites] were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle (3:35) Responsible for: The Merarites were appointed to take care of the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs and ropes. (3:36-37)