This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things:
This shall be the service ... The Kohathites are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest, were admitted on such necessary occasions into the holy place. This was an exception to the general rule, which prohibited the entrance of any but the high priest. But when the cloud removed from the tabernacle, the sanctuary might be entered by the common priests, as to them was reserved the exclusive privilege of packing the sacred utensils; and it was not until the holy things were thus ready for carriage that the Kohathites were allowed to approach.
Verse 5. Covering veil - the inner veil, which separated the holy from the most holy place (see the note at Exodus 36:3).
Verse 6. Covering of badgers' skins - (see the note at Exodus 25:5.) The covering, however, referred to was not that of the tabernacle, but one made for the special purpose of protecting the ark.
Put in the staves. These golden staves were now taken out (see the note at Exodus 25:15, compared with 1 Kings 8:8). The Hebrew word rendered "put in" signifies also 'dispose,' and probably refers here to their insertion through the openings in the covering made for receiving them, to preserve them from the touch of the carriers as well as from the influences of the weather. It is worthy of notice, that the coverings did not consist of canvass or coarse tarpauling, but of a kind which united beauty with decency.
Verse 7. Continual bread. Though the people were in the wilderness fed upon manna, the sacred loaves were constantly made of grain, which was probably raised in small quantities from the verdant patches of the desert.
Verse 10. A bar - or bier, formed of two poles fastened by two cross pieces, and borne by two men, after the fashion of a sedan chair.
Verse 12. Instruments of ministry - the official dress of the priests (Exodus 31:10).
Verse 13. Shall take away the ashes ... The necessity of removing ashes from the altar plainly implies that sacrifices were offered in the wilderness (cf. Exodus 18:12; Exodus 24:4), though that rebellious race seem frequently to have neglected the duty (Amos 5:25). No mention is made of the sacred fire; but as, by divine command, it was to be kept constantly burning, it must have been transferred to some pan or brazier under the covering, and borne by the appointed carriers.
Verse 15. Bear it: but they shall not touch. The mode of transport was upon the shoulders of the Levites see the note at Numbers 7:9), although afterward wheeled vehicles were employed (2 Samuel 6:3; 1 Chronicles 15:12). And it was allowable to touch the covering, but not the things covered, on the penalty of death, which was more than once inflicted (1 Samuel 6:19; 2 Samuel 6:6-7). This stern denunciation was designed to inspire a sentiment of deep and habitual reverence in the minds of those who were officially engaged about holy things.