VOOZH about

URL: https://biblehub.com/numbers/10-21.htm

⇱ Numbers 10:21 Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.

Bible > Numbers > Chapter 10 > Verse 21
◄ Numbers 10:21 ►
New International Version
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things. The tabernacle was to be set up before they arrived.

New Living Translation
Next came the Kohathite division of the Levites, carrying the sacred objects from the Tabernacle. Before they arrived at the next camp, the Tabernacle would already be set up at its new location.

English Standard Version
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things, and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.

Berean Standard Bible
Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.

King James Bible
And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came.

New King James Version
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things. (The tabernacle would be prepared for their arrival.)

New American Standard Bible
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy objects; and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.

NASB 1995
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy objects; and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.

NASB 1977
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy objects; and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy objects; and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.

Amplified Bible
Then the Kohathites moved out, carrying the holy things, and the tabernacle was set up before they arrived.

Christian Standard Bible
The Kohathites then set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Kohathites then set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.

American Standard Version
And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the others did set up the tabernacle against their coming.

Contemporary English Version
Next were the Kohathites, carrying the objects for the sacred tent, which was to be set up before they arrived at the new camp.

English Revised Version
And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the Kohathites, who carried the holy things, broke camp. By the time they arrived, the tent [of meeting] would already be set up.

Good News Translation
Then the Levite clan of Kohath would start out, carrying the sacred objects. By the time they arrived at the next camp, the Tent had been set up again.

International Standard Version
Then the descendants of Kohath, carrying the sanctuary, set out, since the tent was to be set up before they arrive.

NET Bible
And the Kohathites set out, carrying the articles for the sanctuary; the tabernacle was to be set up before they arrived.

New Heart English Bible
The Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary. The others set up the tabernacle before they arrived.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the Kohathites moved forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other set up the tabernacle against they came.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.

World English Bible
The Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary. The others set up the tabernacle before they arrived.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the Kohathites have journeyed, carrying the Dwelling Place, and the [others] have raised up the Dwelling Place until their coming in.

Young's Literal Translation
And the Kohathites have journeyed, bearing the tabernacle, and the others have raised up the tabernacle until their coming in.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the Kohathites removed, lifting up the holy place, and they raised up the dwelling till their coining.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then the Caathites also marched carrying the sanctuary. So long was the tabernacle carried, till they same to the place of setting it up.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the Kohathites also set out, carrying the Sanctuary. The tabernacle was carried, all the while, until they arrived at the place for setting it up.

New American Bible
The Kohathites, who carried the sacred objects, then set out. Before their arrival the tabernacle would be erected.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the Kohathites, who carried the holy things, set out; and the tabernacle was set up before their arrival.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the Kohathites set forward, carrying the sanctuary; and they set up the tabernacle before the people came.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the sons of Qahath the bearers of the Tabernacle were picking up and erecting the Tabernacle until they came.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the Kohathites the bearers of the sanctuary set forward, that the tabernacle might be set up against their coming.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sons of Caath shall set forward bearing the holy things, and the others shall set up the tabernacle until they arrive.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
From Sinai to Paran
…20and Eliasaph son of Deuel was over the division of the tribe of Gad. 21Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival. 22Next, the divisions of the camp of Ephraim set out under their standard, with Elishama son of Ammihud in command.…

Cross References
Exodus 25:10-22
And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. / Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. / Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. ...

Exodus 40:34-38
Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. / Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. ...

Deuteronomy 10:8
At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.

1 Chronicles 15:2
Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.”

1 Chronicles 15:15
And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 23:26
So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.”

1 Chronicles 23:32
So the Levites were to carry out the responsibilities for the Tent of Meeting and the Holy Place, and, under their brothers the descendants of Aaron, the service of the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 5:4-5
When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the Levites took up the ark, / and they brought up the ark and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. The Levitical priests carried them up.

2 Chronicles 35:3
To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel.

Joshua 3:3
and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it.

Joshua 3:6
And he said to the priests, “Take the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people.” So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them.

Joshua 4:10
Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan until the people had completed everything the LORD had commanded Joshua to tell them, just as Moses had directed Joshua. The people hurried across,

1 Samuel 4:4
So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

1 Samuel 6:15
And the Levites took down the ark of the LORD and the chest containing the gold objects, and they placed them on the large rock. That day the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices to the LORD.

2 Samuel 6:13
When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.


Numbers 2:17
Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.

Numbers 3:27-32
And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites…

Numbers 4:4-16
This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things: …

the other did.

Numbers 10:17
And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle.

Numbers 1:51
And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

Jump to Previous
Arrival Arrived Bearers Bearing Carrying Holy House Journeyed Kohathites Ko'hathites Raised Ready Sanctuary Tabernacle Whilst
Jump to Next
Arrival Arrived Bearers Bearing Carrying Holy House Journeyed Kohathites Ko'hathites Raised Ready Sanctuary Tabernacle Whilst
Numbers 10
1. The use of the silver trumpets
11. The Israelites move from Sinai to Paran
14. The order of their march
29. Hobab is entreated by Moses not to leave them
33. The blessing of Moses at the removing and resting of the ark














Then the Kohathites set out
The Kohathites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, descended from Kohath, the second son of Levi. Their specific role was to carry the most sacred objects of the tabernacle. This task was assigned to them by divine command, emphasizing the importance of their duty. The Kohathites' journey reflects the organized and orderly movement of the Israelites, as directed by God. This phrase highlights the obedience and responsibility of the Kohathites in fulfilling their God-given role.

transporting the holy objects
The holy objects included the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, the altars, and other sacred items used in worship. These items were considered extremely sacred, and only the Kohathites were permitted to carry them, but they were not allowed to touch them directly. The items were covered by Aaron and his sons before the Kohathites transported them. This underscores the holiness of God and the reverence required in handling sacred objects. The transportation of these items symbolizes the presence of God moving with His people.

the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival
The tabernacle, a portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, was to be erected before the Kohathites arrived with the holy objects. This ensured that the sacred items had a proper place upon arrival, maintaining the sanctity and order of worship. The setting up of the tabernacle before the arrival of the holy objects signifies preparation and readiness to receive God's presence. It also reflects the meticulous care and reverence required in worship, as well as the importance of having a designated place for God's presence among His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Kohathites
A Levitical clan responsible for carrying the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, and the altars. They were descendants of Kohath, one of Levi's sons.

2. Holy Things
Refers to the sacred objects used in the worship and service of God within the tabernacle. These items were considered extremely holy and were to be handled with utmost care and reverence.

3. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was a central place of worship and sacrifice.

4. Israelites' Journey
The context of this verse is the Israelites' journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. This journey was marked by the movement of the tabernacle and the presence of God leading them.

5. Wilderness
The setting for the Israelites' journey, representing both physical and spiritual challenges. It was a place of testing, growth, and reliance on God's provision and guidance.
Teaching Points
Reverence for the Holy
The Kohathites' role underscores the importance of treating what is holy with reverence and care. In our lives, we should approach God and His Word with the same respect and awe.

Order and Obedience
The structured movement of the tabernacle and its furnishings teaches us the value of order and obedience in our spiritual walk. God is a God of order, and following His instructions leads to blessing and peace.

God's Presence
The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence among His people. Today, we are reminded that God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that honors His presence.

Preparation and Readiness
The setting up of the tabernacle before the Kohathites' arrival illustrates the need for preparation and readiness in our spiritual lives. We should be prepared to serve and worship God at all times.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 10:21?

2. How does Numbers 10:21 illustrate the importance of orderly worship in our lives?

3. What role did the Kohathites play, and how can we serve similarly today?

4. How does Numbers 10:21 connect with 1 Corinthians 14:40 on doing things orderly?

5. Why is it important to follow God's instructions precisely, as seen in Numbers 10:21?

6. How can we ensure our spiritual journey aligns with God's order and purpose?

7. What is the significance of the Kohathites carrying the holy things in Numbers 10:21?

8. How does Numbers 10:21 reflect the organization of the Israelite camp?

9. Why were the Kohathites chosen for this task in Numbers 10:21?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 10?

11. What role did the Tribe of Levi serve biblically?

12. Numbers 10:33-36: How does the Ark of the Covenant traveling alongside them here reconcile with other passages where the Ark seems to remain stationary?

13. In Judges 17:7-13, how credible is the Levite's priestly status, given the requirements found elsewhere in the Old Testament regarding priestly lineage?

14. What rationale is given for excluding Levites from the census in Numbers 1:47-53, and how does this affect the overall population count?
What Does Numbers 10:21 Mean
Then the Kohathites set out

– The journeying order in the wilderness was precise. After the cloud lifted (Numbers 10:11-13), each clan knew its turn.

– The clan of Kohath, descended from Levi, carried unique responsibility. Earlier God told Moses, “Appoint Kohath… to carry the most holy things” (Numbers 4:4-15).

– Their departure right after the Gershonites and Merarites (who hauled the tent curtains and boards, Numbers 10:17) created a rhythm of reverence and efficiency.

– Cross references: Joshua’s careful procession with the ark across Jordan (Joshua 3:3-6); David’s later attempt to move the ark, learning the need for God-given order (2 Samuel 6:1-11).

Transporting the holy objects

– The holy objects were the ark, table of presence bread, menorah, altars, and utensils (Numbers 4:5-14).

– Only after Aaron and his sons covered each item did the Kohathites pick them up, ensuring no one touched the sacred articles directly (Numbers 4:15; compare 1 Chronicles 15:2).

– This practice underscores:

• God’s holiness is uncompromising.

• Service roles differ yet complement one another (cf. Romans 12:4-8).

• Obedience safeguards life and worship; failure to follow instructions brought death to Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:6-7).

The tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival

– Gershon and Merari left earlier so curtains, frames, and courtyard could be re-erected first (Numbers 10:17, 21).

– By the time Kohath arrived, the structure stood ready to receive the sacred vessels. This prevented the holy objects from resting on bare ground and kept them from casual view (Exodus 40:2-8).

– Spiritual parallels:

• God prepares environments before unveiling deeper realities (John 14:2-3).

• Ministry timing matters; Paul waited three years before visiting Jerusalem (Galatians 1:17-18).

• Order produces peace, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40).

summary

Numbers 10:21 highlights God’s orderly plan: the Kohathites moved only after the structural pieces preceded them, ensuring the holiest objects entered a prepared sanctuary. The verse teaches reverence, assigned roles, and divine timing—principles still vital for every believer who longs to carry God’s presence faithfully today.

Verse 21. - The sanctuary. Rather, "the holy things." הַמִּקְדַּשׁ, equivalent to the קֹדֶשׁ הֲקָּדָשׁים if Numbers 4:4. Septuagint, τὰ ἅγια. The sacred furniture mentioned in chapter Numbers 3:31 (but cf. verse 33). The other did set up the tabernacle. Literally, "they set up," but no doubt it means the Gershonites and Merarites, whose business it was.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the Kohathites
הַקְּהָתִ֔ים (haq·qə·hā·ṯîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6956: Kohathites -- descendant of Kohath

set out,
וְנָסְעוּ֙ (wə·nā·sə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey

transporting
נֹשְׂאֵ֖י (nō·śə·’ê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

the holy objects;
הַמִּקְדָּ֑שׁ (ham·miq·dāš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4720: A consecrated thing, place, a palace, sanctuary, asylum

the tabernacle
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן (ham·miš·kān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle

was to be set up
וְהֵקִ֥ימוּ (wə·hê·qî·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

before
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

their arrival.
בֹּאָֽם׃ (bō·’ām)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go


Links
Numbers 10:21 NIV
Numbers 10:21 NLT
Numbers 10:21 ESV
Numbers 10:21 NASB
Numbers 10:21 KJV

Numbers 10:21 BibleApps.com
Numbers 10:21 Biblia Paralela
Numbers 10:21 Chinese Bible
Numbers 10:21 French Bible
Numbers 10:21 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Numbers 10:21 The Kohathites set forward bearing the sanctuary (Nu Num.)