THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The care of the tabernacle's coverings, doors, courtyard curtains, and all excess items was assigned to the Gershonites, as noted in Scripture. The Merarites, belonging to the Levitical lineage, were responsible for the tabernacle's pillars, bases, boards, stakes, poles, and the outer court's curtains, along with various other items. The Gershonites and Merarites transported their responsibilities using chariots, while the Kohathites bore the Holy of Holies on their shoulders. This is detailed in Numbers, where it states that the leaders of Israel presented offerings before the Lord, including six covered wagons and twelve oxen, with each chief contributing a wagon and an ox.
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The Lord instructed Moses to accept these for the tabernacle’s work, specifying that they were to be given to the Levites according to their respective duties. Moses distributed two carts and four oxen to the Gershonites for their service and four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, but the Kohathites did not receive any, as the burden of the sanctuary was to be carried on their shoulders.
Palladius asks why the Kohathites uniquely carried their burden this way. Cyril responds that it is customary for those with greater privileges and sacred responsibilities to endure more labor and suffering, reflecting a higher calling. This pattern in the Levitical service can be seen as a sacramental representation. The Gershonites and Merarites symbolize the people of Israel under the law, while the Kohathites represent those sanctified by faith in Christ. They were tasked with the essential items of the tabernacle, but the Kohathites uniquely bore the Holy of Holies, which signifies Christ in manifold ways: as the ark, the offering, the golden lampstand, and the censer. As God is simple yet manifold, so too is the Word, described in Hebrews as “alive and active,” embodying life and light.
Thus, those committed to the Mosaic commandments engage in service associated with the superfluous elements of the tabernacle, since the law requires a spiritual understanding. Conversely, those who confidently bear the Holy of Holies are completely sanctified in Christ, carrying no excess but rather embodying Immanuel Himself. Palladius acknowledges this insight, prompting Cyril to highlight further distinctions.
The deficiencies of the law, heavy and burdensome, are illustrated by the fact that the burdensome materials were transported in chariots, while the Kohathites carried their sacred responsibilities directly on their shoulders. This signifies that the law’s weight is unbearable, revealing the weakness of those under its constraints. The apostles voiced this concern to those who sought to adhere to the law after embracing the faith. The Kohathites, in contrast, carrying what represents Christ, bore a light and manageable burden. This aligns with Christ’s own declaration that His yoke is easy and His burden light.