Numbers 4:18

Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites:

Cut ye not off {H3772} the tribe {H7626} of the families {H4940} of the Kohathites {H6956} from among {H8432} the Levites {H3881}:

"Do not cut off the clan of K'hat from among the L'vi'im;

“Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be cut off from among the Levites.

Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites;

Commentary

Numbers 4:18 issues a direct and emphatic command from God to Moses and Aaron concerning the Kohathites, one of the three primary families within the tribe of Levi. This verse underscores the critical importance of ensuring the preservation and proper functioning of this specific Levitical family in their sacred duties, preventing their destruction or disqualification due to mishandling of holy things.

Context

This verse is found within Numbers chapter 4, which meticulously details the specific responsibilities of the Levite families—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—in disassembling, transporting, and reassembling the Tabernacle during Israel's arduous wilderness journey. The Kohathites were entrusted with the most sensitive and sacred task: carrying the holy vessels of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altars. Their role was paramount, yet inherently dangerous if the divine protocols were not meticulously followed. The warning in verse 18 directly follows the instructions in Numbers 4:15, which explicitly stated that touching the holy things directly (uncovered) would result in death.

Key Themes

  • Divine Preservation and Protection: God explicitly commands Moses and Aaron to take measures to protect the Kohathites. This highlights God’s deep desire to preserve those who serve Him, provided they adhere strictly to His prescribed ways. It demonstrates His care for His appointed servants and their lineage.
  • Holiness and Reverence: The stringent instructions surrounding the handling of the Tabernacle's holy objects underscore the absolute holiness of God and the profound reverence due to Him. Any carelessness, presumption, or deviation from the divine protocol could lead to severe consequences, as tragically seen with Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:7 when he touched the Ark.
  • Order and Responsibility: The detailed regulations for the Levites' sanctuary service demonstrate God's demand for order, precision, and accountability in worship and ministry. Every task, regardless of its perceived significance, had its prescribed method, emphasizing the serious responsibility of carrying out divine commands.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Cut ye not off" translates the Hebrew verb karath (כָּרַת), which carries a strong meaning of "to cut off," "to destroy," "to exterminate," or "to eliminate." In this specific context, it serves as a powerful warning against any action or inaction that would lead to the demise, decimation, or spiritual disqualification of the Kohathites. It speaks to the inherent danger in their sacred duties if not performed precisely as God commanded, which could result in their physical death or their removal from their indispensable service to the Tabernacle.

Practical Application

Numbers 4:18 offers enduring lessons for believers today concerning spiritual service and reverence:

  • Reverence in Service: Just as the Kohathites were commanded to approach God's holy things with extreme caution and respect, believers are called to serve God with profound reverence and awe, acknowledging His supreme holiness. This entails taking our spiritual responsibilities seriously and not treating sacred matters lightly. Hebrews 12:28 reminds us to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
  • Obedience to Divine Instruction: The emphasis on following God's precise instructions highlights the enduring importance of obedience. God's commands are always for our ultimate good and His glory, and deviation can lead to undesirable outcomes or even spiritual peril.
  • God's Care for His People: The verse also powerfully illustrates God's protective nature. He warns His people of dangers and provides clear guidelines for their safety, flourishing, and preservation within their divine calling.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 6:19

    ¶ And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten [many] of the people with a great slaughter.

  • 2 Samuel 6:6

    ¶ And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth [his hand] to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook [it].

  • 2 Samuel 6:7

    And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for [his] error; and there he died by the ark of God.

  • Exodus 19:21

    And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.

  • Leviticus 10:1

    ¶ And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.

  • Leviticus 10:2

    And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 38:23

    So they shall bring out all thy wives and thy children to the Chaldeans: and thou shalt not escape out of their hand, but shalt be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon: and thou shalt cause this city to be burned with fire.
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