Numbers 4: The Tabernacle Team!

Friday, August 15, 2025

by Chinwenmeri Ikechi

Levites carefully pack the Tabernacle, a large tent, as they prepare to move it through the wilderness.

CHAPTER : Numbers 4

In Numbers chapter 4, God gave instructions to the Levites about taking care of the tabernacle. The tabernacle was like a big, special tent where God lived among the Israelites.

Levites as astronauts carefully transport the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing its preciousness and importance.

Imagine the tabernacle is like a space station, and the Levites are the astronauts who take care of it. Just like astronauts have specific jobs to keep the space station running smoothly, the Levites had specific jobs to keep the tabernacle in order.

The Kohathites were in charge of carrying the sacred objects, like the Ark of the Covenant. It's like they're handling precious cargo that needs to be transported safely.

Illustration of Gershonites and Merarites maintaining the Tabernacle structure.

The Gershonites took care of the tabernacle's framework, like the walls and curtains. They're like the engineers who make sure the space station's structure is strong and secure.

The Merarites were responsible for the tabernacle's boards, bars, and pillars. They're like the construction team that keeps the space station's foundation solid.

Levites collaborate, moving and caring for the tabernacle, illustrating teamwork.

Just like a team of scientists and engineers work together to launch a rocket into space, the Levites worked together to take care of the tabernacle. Each group had a specific role, and they all worked together to make sure everything ran smoothly.

Discussion Questions

1 Who took care of the tabernacle?

The Levites took care of the tabernacle.

2 What was the Kohathites' job?

The Kohathites were in charge of carrying the sacred objects, like the Ark of the Covenant.

3 What did the Gershonites do?

The Gershonites took care of the tabernacle's framework, like the walls and curtains.

4 What was the Merarites' responsibility?

The Merarites were responsible for the tabernacle's boards, bars, and pillars.

5 Why was it important for the Levites to work together?

It was important for the Levites to work together because each group had a specific role, and they all needed to work together to make sure everything ran smoothly.

6 What would happen if the Levites didn't do their job?

The story doesn't explicitly state what would happen, but we can infer that if they didn't do their jobs, the tabernacle wouldn't be properly maintained and God's presence among the Israelites might be affected negatively.

7 How did the Levites show respect for the tabernacle?

The Levites showed respect for the tabernacle by carefully and diligently performing their assigned tasks in taking care of it.

8 What can we learn from the Levites' example?

We can learn the importance of working together, fulfilling our responsibilities, and showing respect for sacred things and places.

9 How did God feel about the Levites' work?

The story implies that God was pleased with the Levites' work because He gave them these specific instructions.

10 What does the tabernacle represent in our lives?

This story uses the Tabernacle as a metaphor for a space station. The Tabernacle represents a place of holiness, like a church or a temple, and the importance of taking care of God's house and showing respect for His presence.