The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. The Kohathites were responsible for the care of the sanctuary.

The Kohathites

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron:

“This is the work of the Kohathites at the tent of meeting: the care of the most holy things.

“After Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy furnishings and all the holy articles, and when the camp is ready to move, only then are the Kohathites to come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy things or they will die. The Kohathites are to carry those things that are in the tent of meeting.

But the Kohathites must not go in to look at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die.”

The Numbering of the Levite Clans

Moses, Aaron and the leaders of the community counted the Kohathites by their clans and families.

But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.

Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things. The tabernacle was to be set up before they arrived.