The Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites were three divisions of the Levites in ancient Israel, descended from Kohath, Gershon, and Merari, the three sons of Levi (Exodus 6:16-19). They had specific duties relating to the Tabernacle and later the Temple.
The Kohathites
The Kohathites were descended from Kohath, the second son of Levi (Exodus 6:16). Some key facts about the Kohathites:
- They were responsible for the most holy objects of the Tabernacle – the Ark of the Covenant, table of showbread, lampstand, altars, and articles of the sanctuary (Numbers 3:31).
- They had to carry these objects on their shoulders, being forbidden from directly touching the holy objects even for a moment or they would die (Numbers 4:15).
- The Kohathites camped south of the Tabernacle in the wilderness journeys (Numbers 3:29).
- The Kohathites were led by Elizaphan son of Uzziel (Numbers 3:30).
- Prominent Kohathites included Moses, Aaron, Miriam (Exodus 6:20), and the prophet Samuel (1 Chronicles 6:28).
- They were numbered at 8,600 adult males in the wilderness census (Numbers 3:28).
The Gershonites
The Gershonites were descended from Gershon, the first son of Levi (Exodus 6:16). Key facts about the Gershonites:
- They were responsible for the tabernacle tent, coverings, curtains, screens and cords – the fabric infrastructure (Numbers 3:25-26).
- They had to carry these large fabrics using two carts and oxen (Numbers 7:7).
- The Gershonites camped west of the Tabernacle (Numbers 3:23).
- The Gershonites were led by Eliasaph son of Lael (Numbers 3:24).
- They were numbered at 7,500 adult males in the wilderness census (Numbers 3:22).
The Merarites
The Merarites were descended from Merari, the third son of Levi (Exodus 6:16). Key facts about the Merarites:
- They were responsible for the structural frames, bars, pillars, bases, pegs and cords of the Tabernacle (Numbers 3:36-37).
- They had to carry these heavy loads using four carts and oxen (Numbers 7:8).
- The Merarites camped north of the Tabernacle in the wilderness (Numbers 3:35).
- The Merarites were led by Zuriel son of Abihail (Numbers 3:35).
- They were numbered at 6,200 adult males in the wilderness census (Numbers 3:34).
Duties in the Wilderness Journeys
During the 40 years of Israel’s wilderness wanderings, the duties of the Levites were vital. Every time the Tabernacle was disassembled for journeying and reassembled at the next encampment, the Kohathites, Gershonites and Merarites had specific roles (Numbers 4:1-33):
- The Gershonites took down and transported the tabernacle tent, coverings and screens.
- The Merarites took down and transported the structural frames, pillars, bases and pegs.
- The Kohathites had the most solemn duty regarding the holy objects – after Aaron and his sons covered these objects, the Kohathites carried them on their shoulders.
Each clans had assigned wagons and oxen to assist their transport tasks. They also camped around the Tabernacle in a specified formation – the Gershonites to the west, Merarites to the north, and Kohathites to the south.
Duties in the Promised Land
Once Israel entered Canaan, the portable Tabernacle was replaced by the more permanent Temple in Jerusalem. The Kohathites, Gershonites and Merarites continued their duties (1 Chronicles 23:1-32):
- The Gershonites were in charge of the Temple curtains, furnishings, purification and courts.
- The Kohathites were responsible for the showbread, menorah, altars, articles, and the Most Holy Place.
- The Merarites were appointed over the Temple frames, pillars, pegs, and courts.
In the Temple administration, the Kohathites took charge of the music and instruments due to their connection with Levi’s singer sons (1 Chronicles 6:31-32). Samuel the prophet, a Kohathite, is also linked to music and prophecy (1 Samuel 10:5, 19:20).
Key Figures
Some of the most famous biblical figures were Kohathites, Gershonites or Merarites, including:
- Moses – led Israel from Egypt to Canaan, Kohathite (Exodus 6:20)
- Aaron – first high priest, brother of Moses, Kohathite (Exodus 6:20)
- Miriam – sister of Moses and Aaron, prophetess, Kohathite (Exodus 15:20-21)
- Phinehas – zealous priest, grandson of Aaron, Kohathite (Exodus 6:25)
- Samuel – judge and prophet, Kohathite (1 Chronicles 6:28)
- Asaph – Levitical singer, Gershonite (1 Chronicles 6:39-43)
- Heman – Levitical musician, Kohathite (1 Chronicles 6:33-38)
- Jeduthun – Levitical musician, Merarite (1 Chronicles 25:1,3)
These key figures give us glimpses into the important contribution and spiritual heritage of the three clans. The Kohathites especially were known for producing Israel’s leaders, priests and prophets.
The Numbering of the Levite Clans
On two occasions, Moses was commanded by God to take a census of the Israelites, grouping them by their tribe and clan (Numbers 1-4):
- At the first census at Mount Sinai, the Kohathites numbered 8,600, the Gershonites 7,500, and the Merarites 6,200 (Numbers 3:22, 28, 34).
- At the second census on the plains of Moab by Jordan, the Kohathites were 8,600, the Gershonites 7,500, and the Merarites 6,200 – exactly the same (Numbers 4:36-39).
Remarkably, after 40 years in the wilderness, each Levite clan had retained the exact same number of men. This may reflect God’s protecting hand and faithful provision over the Levites as they carried out their duties.
The Return from Exile
After the destruction of Jerusalem and 70 years of Babylonian exile, a remnant of Israelites returned to Judah under leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah. The Levites were specifically numbered in this group (Ezra 2:40-58):
- The Kohathites: 128 (Ezra 2:40)
- The Gershonites: 74 (Ezra 2:41)
- The Merarites: 122 (Ezra 2:42)
So although only a few hundred returned from each clan, they helped reestablish Temple worship and service in Jerusalem. The distinction between the Kohathite, Gershonite and Merarite clans continued into the intertestamental period.
Prophecies of their Service
The fact that the Kohathites, Gershonites and Merarites retained their identities and duties for centuries demonstrates the fulfillment of Jacob’s blessing on Levi and Moses’ blessing on Levi’s descendants:
- “I will scatter them in Jacob, And spread them in Israel.” (Genesis 49:7)
- “Bless, O Lord, his substance, And accept the work of his hands.” (Deuteronomy 33:11)
Despite hardship, war and exile, the Levite clans remained faithful to their assignments given by God through Moses. They were scattered throughout Israel, yet they were blessed and enabled to continue in Temple service for generation after generation.
Lessons for Believers Today
The Kohathites, Gershonites and Merarites have several lessons to teach Christians today:
- Serve God wholeheartedly wherever He has placed you.
- Be faithful in little things as well as great things.
- Do not consider any act of service too lowly or menial.
- Serve together in unity and community.
- Pass spiritual values on to the next generation.
- Trust God’s provision and protection through hard times.
Though their duties revolved around physical objects like the Tabernacle furnishings, they understood the spiritual importance of obedience and service to God. May we serve Him as faithfully until the coming of Christ’s eternal Temple.