And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.
And these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari, three sons in all. Their names identify the three divisions of the tribe of Levi, and their descendants formed three divisions, each assigned a distinct part in caring for and carrying the tabernacle and its belongings. The three divisions were assigned to camp around the tabernacle, on the west and the south and the north sides.
Their families were assigned Levitical duties, including the manual work of the sanctuary, distinct from the priests' official duties. The chapter's detailing of the Levites' division of labor shows that their duties were carefully assigned. Kohath's family in particular was ordered by God to carry the ark and the sacred vessels on their shoulders, and not to transport them on a cart.
The three sons are the foundation of the divisions of the priests and the courses of the Levites prescribed in the book of Moses for the service of God at Jerusalem, which was reestablished at the dedication of the rebuilt temple. The verse marks the tribe of Levi, whose priesthood after the order of Aaron was established by law from the Exodus until type met antitype at Christ.
And these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari, three sons in all. Their names identify the three divisions of the tribe of Levi, and their descendants formed three divisions, each assigned a distinct part in caring for and carrying the tabernacle and its belongings. The three divisions were assigned to camp around the tabernacle, on the west and the south and the north sides.
Their families were assigned Levitical duties, including the manual work of the sanctuary, distinct from the priests' official duties. The chapter's detailing of the Levites' division of labor shows that their duties were carefully assigned. Kohath's family in particular was ordered by God to carry the ark and the sacred vessels on their shoulders, and not to transport them on a cart.
The three sons are the foundation of the divisions of the priests and the courses of the Levites prescribed in the book of Moses for the service of God at Jerusalem, which was reestablished at the dedication of the rebuilt temple. The verse marks the tribe of Levi, whose priesthood after the order of Aaron was established by law from the Exodus until type met antitype at Christ.