Numbers 3:27-32 The Kohathites (Carried on their Shoulders!)

 The Kohathites

(Numbers 4:1–20; 1 Chronicles 23:12–20)

27From Kohath came the clans of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites; these were the clans of the Kohathites. 28The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600.c They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.

29The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle, 30and the leader of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphand son of Uzziel.

31Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.

32The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.

These Kohathites might not so take the ark as to handle it, much less might they ever look at it. But the priests and the sons of Aaron, went in first, and after carefully covering the holy place, they covered up the sacred ark with a cloth of blue. Blue was the token of holiness—of separation. Hence, every Israelite wore a border of blue upon his garment, but this, which was the symbol of the divine presence, was “all of blue.” It is all holiness. We wear, alas! but a border of blue, but this holy thing was “all of blue.” (Spurgeon)

The sanctuary objects that the Kohathites transported were to be carried on their shoulders with poles made for that purpose (Numbers 7:9; cf. Exodus 25:26–28).

What type of load are you carrying on your shoulders this morning?

Stress? Anxiety? Life in general?

I’ve always carried my stress in my shoulders, it usually starts with muscles starting to tighten then becomes tighter than a rope tied in knots! When we had an above ground pool I loved getting my shoulders in front of the pump outlet! I’d let it hammer my shoulders to relieve the knots 🪢. Later we replaced the pool with a hot tub and the 102 degree water in front of the pump outlet helps greatly.

But what does Jesus say about stress and anxiety?

Matthew 6: Do Not Worry

(Luke 12:22–31)

25Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?f

I have to make an effort daily to stay in the word (Bible) because if I don’t, I fall back, (revert) into my old ways. It helps me lift my burdens up to the Lord rather then carrying the burden on my shoulders.

How will you handle your burdens today, lift them up to the Lord or carry them on your shoulders?

Blessings