Numbers 3:31

KJV

And their charge [shall be] the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

And their charge {H4931} shall be the ark {H727}, and the table {H7979}, and the candlestick {H4501}, and the altars {H4196}, and the vessels {H3627} of the sanctuary {H6944} wherewith they minister {H8334}, and the hanging {H4539}, and all the service {H5656} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

They were responsible for the ark, the table, the menorah, the altars, the utensils the cohanim use when they serve in the Holy Place, the curtain, and everything involved with the maintenance of these things.

Berean Standard Bible

Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.

American Standard Version

And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the screen, and all the service thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 3:31 meticulously details the solemn and specific duties assigned to the Kohathite family, a prominent clan within the tribe of Levi. Their sacred charge involved the transportation and meticulous care of the most holy and significant furnishings of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness wanderings. This verse enumerates these revered articles—including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Golden Candlestick, the altars, and various sanctuary vessels—underscoring the profound reverence, precise order, and dedicated stewardship essential for items directly associated with the manifest presence of God among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 3:31 is strategically placed within a larger section of the Book of Numbers (chapters 3-4) that meticulously outlines the divine organization and specific responsibilities of the Levites. Following the general census of the other Israelite tribes for military and administrative purposes in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel"), these chapters shift focus to the unique role of the tribe of Levi, consecrated for sacred service to the Lord rather than military engagement. Within the Levitical tribe, three major clans—the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites—are apportioned distinct duties concerning the Tabernacle. While the Gershonites were responsible for the Tabernacle's coverings and curtains, as detailed in [Numbers 3:25-26](/numbers/3-25-26 "Numbers 3:25-26 - Duties of the Gershonites"), and the Merarites for its heavier framework, pillars, and bases (cf. [Numbers 3:36-37](/numbers/3-36-37 "Numbers 3:36-37 - Duties of the Merarites")), Numbers 3:31 specifically delineates the Kohathites' preeminent and most sensitive charge over the Tabernacle's most sacred and holy furnishings. This verse sets the foundational understanding for the more detailed instructions regarding their transport protocols found in [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Detailed Duties of the Levitical Clans").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this divine command is the Israelites' arduous wilderness journey, recently liberated from Egyptian bondage and encamped around the divinely ordained Tabernacle. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, temples and their sacred objects were typically guarded by a dedicated priestly class. However, the Israelite system, as revealed by Yahweh, was uniquely structured to emphasize the absolute holiness of God and the precise, divinely mandated requirements for approaching His presence. The meticulous division of labor among the Levites, with the Kohathites specifically handling the most sacred articles, underscored the gravity of divine service and the severe consequences of irreverence. This was tragically illustrated by the deaths of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord (cf. [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - The Unholy Fire of Nadab and Abihu")). This intricate system ensured that the holy objects, which tangibly represented God's covenant and immanent presence, were treated with the utmost care, ritual purity, and strict adherence to divine decree, reflecting a societal understanding that access to the divine was both an unparalleled privilege and a profound, life-or-death responsibility.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 3:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Numbers and the Pentateuch as a whole. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Holiness and Separation**, highlighting God's transcendent purity and the necessity of a consecrated people and space for His presence. The meticulous regulations for handling the Tabernacle's furnishings underscore that God is set apart, and interaction with Him demands reverence and adherence to His prescribed ways. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Order and Divine Organization**. God is a God of order, and His instructions for the Tabernacle and its service are precise, ensuring that worship is conducted not haphazardly but according to His perfect design (cf. [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")). Thirdly, it speaks to **Sacred Responsibility and Stewardship**. The Kohathites' "charge" was a weighty trust, a perpetual duty to safeguard God's holy things. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, calling God's people to faithful stewardship of all that He entrusts to them, whether physical objects, spiritual gifts, or divine truths. Finally, the verse implicitly points to the theme of **Atonement and Access**, as the very objects handled by the Kohathites (like the Ark and altars) were central to Israel's means of approaching a holy God and receiving forgiveness for sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Charge (Hebrew, _mishmereth'_):** From the root `שָׁמַר` (_shamar_), meaning "to keep, watch, preserve," the term `מִשְׁמֶרֶת` (_mishmereth_) signifies far more than a simple task. It denotes a sacred trust, a strict obligation, and a custodial responsibility. This "charge" implies active guardianship, diligent maintenance, and unwavering faithfulness. For the Kohathites, this was not a mundane assignment but a solemn duty to protect, transport, and preserve the most holy objects of God's dwelling, emphasizing the profound weight and seriousness of their divinely appointed role in maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the purity of Israel's worship.
* **Vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy_):** The Hebrew word `כְּלִי` (_kᵉlîy_) is a broad term referring to "something prepared," encompassing any apparatus, implement, utensil, or vessel. In the context of the sanctuary, these "vessels" were not ordinary items but consecrated instruments, specifically set apart and prepared for divine service. This term highlights the functional and ritual purity required of all items used in the Tabernacle, from the grandest altars to the smallest bowls, underscoring that every tool for worship was to be treated with holiness and purpose.
* **Sanctuary (Hebrew, _qôdesh_):** Derived from the root `קָדַשׁ` (_qadash_), meaning "to be holy" or "set apart," `קֹדֶשׁ` (_qôdesh_) refers to a sacred place or thing, or abstractly, to sanctity itself. When applied to the "vessels of the sanctuary," it emphasizes the inherent holiness of the Tabernacle as the designated space for God's presence. The items within it were not merely functional but were imbued with a consecrated status, requiring a corresponding level of holiness, purity, and reverence from those who handled them. Their function was intrinsically tied to the sacredness of God's dwelling place and His demand for separation from the common and profane.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their charge [shall be] the ark":** The Ark of the Covenant was the preeminent and most sacred object in the Tabernacle, serving as God's earthly throne and the repository of the covenant stipulations (the two tablets of the Ten Commandments). Its presence symbolized God's direct rule, His covenant faithfulness, and His dwelling among His people, making its care and transportation the paramount duty.
* **"and the table":** This refers to the Table of Showbread, located in the Holy Place. Upon it, twelve loaves of unleavened bread, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel, were perpetually displayed. It represented God's constant provision for His people and His desire for ongoing communion with them.
* **"and the candlestick":** The Golden Candlestick, or Menorah, provided the sole source of light within the Holy Place. Its continuous burning symbolized God's illuminating presence, the light of His truth, and Israel's role as a light to the nations.
* **"and the altars":** This plural likely encompasses both the Altar of Burnt Offering, situated in the courtyard (where animal sacrifices for atonement were made), and the Altar of Incense, located in the Holy Place (where fragrant incense was offered, symbolizing the prayers of the saints ascending to God). These altars represented the divinely appointed means of atonement, purification, and communion with God.
* **"and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister":** This broad category includes all the various implements, utensils, bowls, shovels, censers, and other tools used by the priests in the daily service and rituals of the Tabernacle. These items, though perhaps less prominent than the main furnishings, were equally consecrated and absolutely essential for the proper and orderly functioning of divine worship.
* **"and the hanging":** This most commonly refers to the thick, ornate veil (or curtain) that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, which housed the Ark of the Covenant. This formidable barrier symbolized the profound separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, signifying that direct, unmediated access to God's immediate presence was strictly restricted to the High Priest, and then only once a year on the Day of Atonement.
* **"and all the service thereof":** This concluding phrase serves as a comprehensive summary, indicating that the Kohathites were responsible for all aspects related to the handling, transport, and careful maintenance of these enumerated sacred objects. It underscores the totality of their responsibility, ensuring their proper preservation, reverence, and readiness for use in the Tabernacle's ongoing ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 3:31 primarily employs **Enumeration**, a literary device characterized by a detailed list of items or details. This meticulous listing of the Ark, table, candlestick, altars, vessels, and hanging serves to emphasize the precise, comprehensive, and non-negotiable nature of the Kohathites' responsibilities. The detailed inventory underscores the divine order and the immense value placed on each component of the Tabernacle, highlighting that nothing within God's dwelling was insignificant or left to chance. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is deeply inherent in each item enumerated; for instance, the Ark symbolizes God's presence and covenant fidelity, the Table of Showbread His constant provision, and the Candlestick His illuminating truth. The enumeration thus not only defines specific duties but also implicitly reinforces the profound theological significance of the Tabernacle's furnishings as tangible representations of God's character, His covenant relationship with Israel, and the means by which He chose to dwell among His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 3:31 profoundly illustrates the enduring theological themes of divine holiness, sacred responsibility, and meticulous order in worship. The specific assignment of the most holy articles to the Kohathites underscores God's absolute purity and the profound reverence required in His presence. These furnishings were not mere objects but tangible symbols of God's covenant, His unfailing provision, His illuminating truth, and the means of atonement, demanding the utmost care and respect. This meticulous division of labor among the Levites reflects God's desire for an ordered, intentional, and reverent approach to divine service, emphasizing that all aspects of worship must be conducted with precision and a deep awareness of His transcendent majesty. The passage thus teaches that God is a God of order who demands holiness, faithfulness, and diligent stewardship from those who serve Him, particularly in matters pertaining to His immediate presence and the means by which His people draw near to Him.
* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8-9 "Command to Build the Sanctuary According to the Pattern")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "Description of the Earthly Tabernacle and Its Furnishings")
* [1 Chronicles 23:27-32](/1_chronicles/23-27-32 "Duties of the Levites in David's Time")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Tabernacle no longer stands and the Levitical priesthood has been gloriously fulfilled in Christ, the principles embedded in Numbers 3:31 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. We are called to recognize the sacredness of God's presence, which is no longer confined to a tent or temple, but now dwells within His people through the Holy Spirit (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")). This verse challenges us to approach all aspects of our spiritual lives—our personal devotion, corporate worship, the stewardship of our gifts, and our participation in God's ongoing mission—with the same reverence, intentionality, and meticulous care that the Kohathites demonstrated. We are entrusted with the invaluable truths of the Gospel, the privilege of prayer, the responsibility of bearing witness to Christ, and the sacred task of building up His church. Our handling of these "holy things" should reflect a deep appreciation for their divine origin and purpose, fostering a spirit of faithfulness, order, and profound respect for God's holiness in all that we think, say, and do.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "holy things" (e.g., spiritual truths, gifts, relationships, responsibilities) has God entrusted to your care today, and how are you demonstrating reverence and faithfulness in handling them?**
* **How does the meticulous order and reverence required in the Tabernacle service inform your approach to personal worship, prayer, and corporate gatherings?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God's presence in your daily life, recognizing that He dwells within you and among His gathered people by His Spirit?**

### FAQ
**Question: Why were the Kohathites specifically assigned the most sacred objects, and what was the significance of this?**

Answer: The Kohathites, as direct descendants of Levi through Kohath, were chosen for this unique and highly sensitive role due to their specific lineage and the profound holiness associated with the items they were to carry. Their responsibility for the Ark, altars, and other primary furnishings underscored the supreme importance of these objects as tangible symbols of God's presence, His covenant, and the means of atonement. This assignment was a matter of divine election and strict divine decree, emphasizing that access to and handling of the holiest aspects of worship were not arbitrary but strictly governed by God's command. This ensured reverence, maintained ritual purity, and prevented unauthorized or irreverent contact that could lead to severe judgment, as tragically seen in the case of Uzzah who touched the Ark (cf. [2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6-7 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah and the Ark of God")).

**Question: What does "the hanging" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: While the term "hanging" could broadly refer to various curtains, in the context of the most sacred items of the Tabernacle, it most commonly refers to the thick, ornate veil (or curtain) that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place within the Tabernacle structure. This veil served as a formidable physical and symbolic barrier, representing the profound separation between sinful humanity and the absolute holiness of God, whose immediate presence resided above the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place. Under the Old Covenant, only the High Priest was permitted to pass beyond this veil, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (cf. [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Aaron Not to Enter Most Holy Place at All Times")), highlighting the profound inaccessibility of God's immediate presence to the common Israelite.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 3:31, with its detailed enumeration of the Tabernacle's sacred furnishings and the Kohathites' solemn charge over them, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very items the Kohathites meticulously carried—the Ark, the altars, the candlestick, the table, and the veil—were all profound **types** and **shadows** pointing to the reality found in Christ. The Ark, representing God's presence and the covenant, is fulfilled in Christ, who is [God incarnate, dwelling among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and establishing a new covenant. The altars, where atonement and communion with God occurred, foreshadow Christ's singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross, which [takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and provides direct, eternal access to God. The Golden Candlestick, the light of the Holy Place, is fulfilled in Jesus, who declared, "[I am the light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")". The Table of Showbread, symbolizing God's constant provision, points to Christ, the "[Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" who eternally nourishes us spiritually. Most significantly, the thick veil, which restricted access to God's holiest presence, was miraculously [torn in two from top to bottom](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn") at Christ's crucifixion, signifying that His atoning death had opened a new and living way for all believers to [draw near to God with confidence](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access Through Christ's Blood"). Thus, the burdensome "charge" of the Kohathites, though necessary and divinely ordained for its time, was a temporary measure, ultimately rendered obsolete and perfectly fulfilled by the One who is the true sanctuary, the perfect sacrifice, and the High Priest who has entered the heavenly Holy Place [once for all](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ Entered Once for All").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 25:10

¶ And they shall make an ark [of] shittim wood: two cubits and a half [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

Exodus 25:40

And look that thou make [them] after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

Exodus 26:31

¶ And thou shalt make a vail [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:

Exodus 26:33

And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy [place] and the most holy.

Numbers 4:4

This [shall be] the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, [about] the most holy things:

Numbers 4:16

And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest [pertaineth] the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, [and] the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein [is], in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

Exodus 39:33

And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,