Who
Levi’s second son and the grandfather of Moses, Aaron and Miriam through his son Amram (Exodus 6:18–20). The Kohathites had the gravest charge in the wilderness: “the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary” (Numbers 3:31), which they carried on their shoulders once the priests had covered them, “but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die” (Numbers 4:15). From his line came the priesthood of Aaron and, in David’s time, the singers of Heman.
Key verses
- Exodus 6:16
These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari; and the years of the life of Levi were one hundred thirty-seven years.
- Exodus 6:18
The sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel; and the years of the life of Kohath were one hundred thirty-three years.
- Numbers 3:31
Their duty shall be the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, the screen, and all its service.
- Numbers 4:15
“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp moves forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to carry it; but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die. The sons of Kohath shall carry these things belonging to the Tent of Meeting.
Where the Bible names him
Family
- Parents
- Children