Topical Bible: Tabernacle: The Levites: Pitched Their Tents Around

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was the portable earthly dwelling place of Yahweh used by the Israelites from the time of the Exodus until the conquest of Canaan. It served as the central place of worship and sacrifice during the wilderness wanderings and was a precursor to the permanent Temple in Jerusalem.

The Role of the Levites

The Levites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, were set apart for religious duties and service to the Tabernacle. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance in the Promised Land. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and they were given the special responsibility of caring for the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

Arrangement Around the Tabernacle

The Levites were instructed to pitch their tents around the Tabernacle, forming a protective and service-oriented perimeter. This arrangement is detailed in the Book of Numbers, which describes the specific positioning of the Levite families around the sacred structure.

According to Numbers 1:53 , "But the Levites are to camp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that wrath will not fall on the Israelite community. The Levites are to be responsible for the care of the Tabernacle of the Testimony."

Specific Duties and Positions

The Levites were divided into three main families: the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites, each with distinct responsibilities and camping positions:

1. Kohathites: Positioned on the south side of the Tabernacle, the Kohathites were responsible for the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils. Numbers 3:31 states, "Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and all the service for these items."

2. Gershonites: Camped on the west side, the Gershonites were tasked with the care of the Tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and entrance screens. Numbers 3:25-26 outlines their duties: "The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting were the tabernacle, the tent, its coverings, the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes—all the service for these items."

3. Merarites: Positioned on the north side, the Merarites were responsible for the structural elements of the Tabernacle, including the frames, crossbars, posts, and bases. Numbers 3:36-37 describes their responsibilities: "The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, and all the service for these items, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes."

Moses, Aaron, and the Priests

On the east side, facing the entrance of the Tabernacle, were the tents of Moses, Aaron, and Aaron's sons, who served as priests. This position signified their leadership and direct service in the priestly functions. Numbers 3:38 states, "Moses, Aaron, and his sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, in front of the Tent of Meeting. They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary on behalf of the Israelites. Anyone else who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death."

Significance of the Arrangement

The arrangement of the Levites around the Tabernacle was not merely logistical but held deep spiritual significance. It symbolized the centrality of God's presence among His people and the protective and mediating role of the Levites. By surrounding the Tabernacle, the Levites acted as a buffer between the holiness of God and the rest of the Israelite community, ensuring that the sacred space was maintained according to divine instructions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 1:53
But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 3:23,29,35
The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Israelites
... green wadis of Moab, and there pitched their camp ... descendants of Aaron served in
the tabernacle, and kept ... The Levites also naturally attached themselves to the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Properly speaking, there were no pitched battles between them ... in which they were
no match for their opponents. ... women who "served at the door of" the tabernacle. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm