THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The responsibilities pertaining to the furnishings of the tabernacle were assigned to the descendants of Gershon. They were in charge of the tent coverings, door curtains, court hangings, and all items deemed excess, as stated in Numbers 3:25-26. The Merarite lineage, which formed part of the Levitical tribe, was tasked with overseeing the tabernacle’s framework, including its posts, bases, boards, pegs, and the curtains surrounding the outer court, along with additional items, as noted in Numbers 3:36-37. Both the Gershonites and Merarites transported their entrusted items using carts, while the Kohathites bore the sacred objects upon their shoulders. This is corroborated in the book of Numbers: “Then came ...
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the chiefs of Israel, the heads of their families, the chiefs of the tribes, who had charge of the number, and presented their offerings before the Lord, six covered wagons and twelve oxen, one wagon from each of the two chiefs, and one ox from each of them; and they presented these things before the tabernacle. And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take of them; this shall be for the work of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt give it to the Levites, according to the manner of their service. And Moses took the carts and the oxen, and gave them to the Levites: two carts and four oxen he gave to the sons of Gershon, according to their service: and four carts and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merar, according to their service, under the supervision of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest: to the sons of Kohath he gave not, because their service is to carry the sanctuary; on their shoulders they shall carry it” (Num. 7:2-9).
Are you aware of how those who possessed carts transported the sacred articles, while the Kohathites alone bore them on their shoulders? Cyril observed this practice, highlighting that those granted greater privilege and holiness often endure heavier burdens. There is an inherent connection between laboring and suffering, especially for those who are holier and more in proximity to God. Would you agree? Indeed, this is accurate. This outline reflects the ministerial roles within the Levitical order. It appears that these two families, the Gershonites and the Merarites, symbolize the people bound under the law, namely Israel, while the Kohathites represent those sanctified by faith in Christ. Their charge included the coverings, skins, and curtain hangings of the tabernacle as per Scripture (Num. 3:26), which signifies what is essential for service. However, the Kohathites were chosen to bear the Holy of Holies, embodying Christ in varied yet profound manifestations: as the ark, the bread of presence, the golden lampstand, and the altar of incense. In His simplicity, God embodies manifold wisdom; “the Word of the Father is alive and active” (Heb. 4:12) and is identified as life (John 11:25; 14:6) and light (Luke 2:32; John 1:7, 12). Therefore, those dedicated to Moses's commands serve above the superfluous within the tabernacle, for the law's purpose becomes evident only through spiritual understanding. Conversely, those who bear the Holy of Holies, completely sanctified in Christ, are not encumbered by excess but carry Immanuel Himself.
Do pay attention to this distinction. The guardians of the excess in the tabernacle utilized carts, whereas the Kohathites marched by bearing their burden on their shoulders. What does this signify? It illustrates that the law can be a heavy and burdensome weight, evidenced by the fact that the surplus was not borne upon their shoulders, thus acknowledging the frailty of those subjected to the law’s demands. The apostles conveyed a similar sentiment to those who, after coming into faith, leaned toward legalism: “(Acts 15:10).” The Kohathites, carrying that which signifies Christ, bore a light and manageable burden. This aligns with what Christ articulated: “My yoke is good and My burden is easy” (Matt. 11:30).