THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The responsibilities for the materials of the tabernacle were assigned to the children of Gershon, who were given the skins, coverings, and curtains of the doors, as well as the excess items, as noted in Scripture (Num. 3:25-26). Moreover, the descendants of Merari, part of the Levitical lineage, were entrusted with the structural components of the tabernacle, including the pillars, sockets, boards, stakes, poles, and the outer court curtains, along with other items (Num. 3:36-37). The sons of Gershon and Merari transported their assigned tasks using carts, while the sons of Kohath carried the Holy of Holies on their shoulders.
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This is supported by the account in the book of Numbers, which recounts how the leaders of Israel presented their offerings to the Lord, consisting of six covered wagons and twelve oxen, and how Moses then distributed these to the Levites according to their duties and commands from God (Num. 7:2-9).
Do you notice how it was customary for those with carts to transport sacred items, yet the Kohathites alone carried them upon their shoulders? Why is this so? It is because those tasked with holier responsibilities bear greater burdens. This pattern of increased labor—and often deeper suffering—corresponds to those drawn nearer to God; is this not accurate? Indeed, it is. This reflects the way the Levitical line served, which I believe symbolizes the sacrament. How do you see that? The families of Gershon and Merari appear to represent the people under the law, namely Israel, while the Kohathites symbolize those sanctified in Christ through faith. Their duties included the outer coverings and superfluous items necessary for service, as stated in Scripture (Num. 3:26). However, the Kohathites took on the sacred, the Holy of Holies, which signifies Christ in various forms: the ark, the meal offering, the golden lampstand, and the altar of incense. God is simple in essence, yet diverse in action and abundant in knowledge. It is certain that "the Word of the Father is alive and active" (Heb. 4:12), as He is also the source of life (John 11:25, 14, etc.) and light (Luke 2:32; John 1:7, 12, etc.), and reflects the sweet aroma of spiritual fragrance (Eph. 5:2).
Thus, those following the commandments established by Moses engage in service related to the non-essential elements of the tabernacle; the law loses its value if not comprehended in a spiritual context. Yet, those empowered to carry the Holy of Holies are truly sanctified in Christ, bearing only His presence—the true Immanuel—without any excess.
Consider this: those accountable for the superfluous elements transported them via carts, yet the Kohathites did not use carts or any other means, only their shoulders. What does this represent? It conveys that the law is indeed a heavy and burdensome yoke. The inability to carry these excess burdens upon their shoulders illustrates the weakness of those bound to the law. Consequently, the apostles reminded those who had embraced faith yet returned to legal service: "Why do you put a yoke on the neck of the disciples?" (Acts 15:10). The Kohathites bore the symbols of Christ lightly upon their shoulders. Is this not what Christ Himself proclaimed: "My yoke is good and my burden is light" (Matt. 11:30)?