kohathite Summary and Overview

KO'HATHITE , one of the three great families of Levi, afterward divided into four branches. 1 Chr 23:12. They were Levites of the highest rank. In the wilderness they encamped on the south side of the tabernacle, and had charge of the ark, table, the most holy parts of the tabernacle, etc., Num 3:29-31; Num 4:2, Num 4:34, carrying them on their shoulders after they had been covered by the priests. In Canaan the Kohathite priests had 13 cities in Judah, Benjamin, and Simeon, the rest of the family 10 cities in Ephraim, Dan, and western Manasseh. Josh 21:4-5, Rev 21:20. They were included in the courses arranged by David. 1 Chr 25-26. They helped bring the ark to Jerusalem. 1 Chr 15:5. They attained wealth and importance, kept the sacred treasures, and were judges, officers, and rulers. 1 Chr 23:12; 1 Chr 26:20-26. They also appear as singers. 2 Chr 20:19.