Numbers 3:29-31
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While the south might seem like just another direction, in the Hebrew language, "south" and "right hand" are closely related, implying this was considered a place of honor, second only to the east where the priests themselves were stationed. This placement highlights the Kohathites' significant role, as they were entrusted with the most sacred items of the Tabernacle, including the Ark itself.
The clans of the sons of Kohath were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle, with Elizaphan the son of Uzziel as chief of the fathers’ house of the clans of the Kohathites. And their guard duty involved the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which the priests minister, and the screen; all the service connected with these.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After the census and duties of the priests are detailed, Moses is instructed to organize the Levites, the tribe designated to serve God and assist the priests. The various families of Levi are assigned specific locations around the Tabernacle based on their roles in its construction and maintenance, reflecting God's precise order for His dwelling place among His people. The Kohathites, who carried the most sacred objects, were positioned to the south, a place of honor next to the Tabernacle itself.
Why was the Kohathite family assigned the southern side of the Tabernacle? It wasn't just about geography; it was about privilege and proximity.
The placement of the Kohathites on the south side of the Tabernacle was a position of honor. In Hebrew, the word for 'south' (Teman) is related to the word for 'right hand' (Yamin). When facing east, as the Israelites did, the south is to the right. This was considered a more distinguished place, second only to the east, which was reserved for Moses, Aaron, and the priests.
This esteemed placement wasn't random. The Kohathites, as descendants of Kohath, were entrusted with the most sacred items of the Tabernacle. This included the Ark of the Covenant, the altar of incense, the table of showbread, and the menorah (Numbers 3:31). Their responsibility for these holy objects directly correlated with their honored position within the camp.
The Kohathites had a special role, and their placement reflected their unique connection to the holy, even in their lineage.
The tribe of Levi was divided into three main families: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. The Kohathites held a unique, privileged position among these three. This wasn't just about their assigned camping spot; it stemmed from their ancestral lineage and the sacred duties that flowed from it.
While Gershon camped to the west and Merari to the north, Kohath's family was stationed to the south. This southern position was significant because the Kohathites were responsible for carrying the most sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle. This included the Ark itself, the table, the lampstand, and the altars.
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This close proximity to the holiest items meant they were privy to the very presence of God in a profound way. It also meant they were accountable for handling these items with the utmost care and reverence. The text later reveals the tragic consequences for Korah, a Kohathite, who, along with his followers, overstepped their bounds and challenged Moses' authority, showing the gravity of their assigned roles (Numbers 16:1).
Understand the original words
'aron · Hebrew Noun
A portable wooden chest overlaid with gold, containing the tablets of the Law, representing the presence and throne of God among His people.
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
A place or object consecrated for the worship of God, often used for animal sacrifices to atone for sin or to express thanksgiving.
miqdash · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the holy place or the entire dwelling place of God where His presence resides; it represents the dwelling of the Most High.
'abodah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the ceremonial duties or spiritual labor performed by priests and Levites in the service of God and the temple.
The specific placement of the Kohathites on the south side reflects their unique, sacred responsibilities within the tightly organized, divinely appointed camp structure of Israel.
c. 1440 BC
The Exodus and Wilderness Journey Begins
Following their miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites begin their journey through the Sinai wilderness under Moses' leadership.
c. 1440 BC
The Tabernacle is Constructed
God gives Moses detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that will be the center of Israel's worship and God's presence among them.
c. 1440 BC
Levites Chosen for Service
The tribe of Levi is set apart by God to serve Him in the Tabernacle, taking over the duties previously held by the firstborn sons of each family.
c. 1440 BC— this verse
Tabernacle Camp Arrangement Ordered
God commands Moses and Aaron to organize the Levites and the tribes of Israel into a specific camp formation around the Tabernacle, with designated positions and duties.
c. 1440 BC
Kohathites Assigned Southern Position
The clans of the Kohathites, responsible for carrying the most sacred items of the Tabernacle, are specifically assigned to camp on the south side of the sanctuary.
c. 1439 BC
The Census of the Levites
A census of the Levite males from one month old and upward is taken, totaling 22,300, to establish their roles and responsibilities.
This passage describes the coverings for the tabernacle, which were part of the sacred items the Kohathites were responsible for carrying, highlighting their vital role in protecting these holy objects.
Numbers 4:4This verse explicitly states the Kohathites' duty to carry the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, underscoring the weighty responsibility associated with their assigned position.
Numbers 16:1This chapter details the rebellion of Korah, who was a Kohathite, against Moses and Aaron. His proximity to the camp, implied by his family's position, is significant to the narrative of his defiance.
Joshua 18:12When the land of Canaan was divided, the territory for the Kohathites, including those who were priests, was located towards the south, mirroring their encampment in relation to the Tabernacle.
ellicottNumbers 3:29: "The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward."
(29) on the side of the tabernacle southward. —The south has its name in Hebrew ( Teman ) from Yamin, the right hand, because when a man stands with his face towards the east the south is on his right hand.
gillNumbers 3:29: "The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward."
The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward. Or to the right, which was the more honourable place, excepting the east or front, which was reserved for Moses and Aaron, and his sons, and who were one of these families; and is the reason why this honour was conferred upon them, as well as they had the more honourable charge, having the holy places and…
While the south might seem like just another direction, in the Hebrew language, "south" and "right hand" are closely related, implying this was considered a place of honor, second only to the east where the priests themselves were stationed. This placement highlights the Kohathites' significant role, as they were entrusted with the most sacred items of the Tabernacle, including the Ark itself.
After the census and duties of the priests are detailed, Moses is instructed to organize the Levites, the tribe designated to serve God and assist the priests. The various families of Levi are assigned specific locations around the Tabernacle based on their roles in its construction and maintenance, reflecting God's precise order for His dwelling place among His people. The Kohathites, who carried the most sacred objects, were positioned to the south, a place of honor next to the Tabernacle itself.
After the census and duties of the priests are detailed, Moses is instructed to organize the Levites, the tribe designated to serve God and assist the priests. The various families of Levi are assigned specific locations around the Tabernacle based on their roles in its construction and maintenance, reflecting God's precise order for His dwelling place among His people. The Kohathites, who carried the most sacred objects, were positioned to the south, a place of honor next to the Tabernacle itself.
"The clans of the sons of Kohath were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle, with Elizaphan the son of Uzziel as chief of the fathers’ house of the clans of the Kohathites. And their guard duty involved the ark, the table, the lampsta…" — While the south might seem like just another direction, in the Hebrew language, "south" and "right hand" are closely related, implying this was considered a place of honor, second only to the east wh…
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Last reviewed October 2026
