Topical Encyclopedia
The Kohathites were one of the principal divisions of the Levites, the tribe set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The Kohathites were descendants of Kohath, the second son of Levi, making them part of the Levitical priestly lineage. Kohath had four sons: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel (
Exodus 6:18). From Amram came Moses and Aaron, two of the most significant figures in Israelite history.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Kohathites held a unique and significant role among the Levites. Their primary responsibility was the care and transportation of the most sacred objects of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils (
Numbers 3:31). Unlike the other Levitical families, the Kohathites were not given carts or oxen for transportation. Instead, they were required to carry these holy items on their shoulders, emphasizing the sacredness and reverence due to these objects (
Numbers 7:9).
Sanctity and RegulationsThe Kohathites' duties were governed by strict regulations to ensure the sanctity of the holy objects. They were not permitted to touch or even look at the sacred items directly. The high priest and his sons were responsible for covering the holy objects with specific coverings before the Kohathites could approach to carry them (
Numbers 4:15). This regulation underscored the holiness of the items and the need for reverence in handling them.
Inheritance and CitiesAs with other Levites, the Kohathites did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, they were allotted cities within the territories of the other tribes. The Kohathites received cities primarily in the regions of Ephraim, Dan, and half of Manasseh (
Joshua 21:5). These cities served as their dwelling places and centers for their religious duties.
Significance in Israelite WorshipThe Kohathites played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel. Their service ensured the proper care and transportation of the most sacred elements of Israelite worship. By carrying the Ark of the Covenant and other holy items, the Kohathites facilitated the presence of God among His people, as the Ark was considered the earthly throne of God.
Notable KohathitesAmong the notable descendants of Kohath were Korah, who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16), and the prophet Samuel, who was a descendant of Kohath through the line of Izhar (
1 Chronicles 6:33-38). Despite the rebellion of Korah, the Kohathites continued to serve faithfully in their appointed roles throughout Israel's history.
The Kohathites' dedication to their sacred duties exemplifies the importance of reverence and obedience in the service of God, highlighting the centrality of worship and the presence of God in the life of the Israelite community.
Strong's Hebrew
6956. Qehathi -- descendant of Kohath... of Kohath NASB Word Usage
Kohathite (2), Kohathites (13).
... Patronymically from Qhath;
a
Kohathite (collectively) or descendants of Kehath -- Kohathites.
...Thesaurus
Kohathite (18 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Kohathite (18 Occurrences). Numbers 3:27 Of Kohath
was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the
...Korahites (7 Occurrences)
... That portion of the Kohathites that descended from Korah. (1.) They were an important
branch of the singers of theKohathite division (2 Chronicles 20:19)....
Mahazioth (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Visions, aKohathite Levite, chief of the twenty-third
course of musicians (1 Chronicles 25:4, 30). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia....
Mahath (4 Occurrences)
... Grasping. (1.) AKohathite Levite, father of Elkanah (1 Chronicles 6:35). (2.) Another
Kohathite Levite, of the time of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:12). Int....
Mallothi (2 Occurrences)
... My fulness, aKohathite Levite, one of the sons of Heman the Levite (1 Chronicles
25:4), and chief of the nineteenth division of the temple musicians (26)....
Kohath (30 Occurrences)
... 3:31; compare Numbers 7:9). After the conquest 23 cities were assigned them by lot
(Joshua 21:4, 5). In David's time and after, Heman, aKohathite, and his...
Zechariah (55 Occurrences)
... (8.) AKohathite Levite (1 Chronicles 24:25).... (16) AKohathite, who assisted in the
repair of the Temple at the time of Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:12)....
Zephaniah (11 Occurrences)
... of Hamath" (2 Kings 25:21). (3.) AKohathite ancestor of the prophet Samuel
(1 Chronicles 6:36). (4.) The father of Josiah, the...
Zuph (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Honeycomb, aKohathite Levite, ancestor of Elkanah and
Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1); called also Zophai (1 Chronicles 6:26). Zuph, Land of....
Kohathites (18 Occurrences)
... 3:31; compare Numbers 7:9). After the conquest 23 cities were assigned them by lot
(Joshua 21:4, 5). In David's time and after, Heman, aKohathite, and his...
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