Numbers 4:5
Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it.
Whenever the camp sets out
This phrase indicates the movement of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The Israelites were led by the cloud of the Lord, which signified when they should set out or camp (Exodus 40:36-38). This movement was a part of their 40-year journey to the Promised Land, emphasizing obedience and reliance on God's guidance.

Aaron and his sons are to go in
Aaron and his sons, the priests, had the exclusive responsibility to handle the sacred objects of the Tabernacle. This highlights the importance of the priestly role in maintaining the holiness and order of worship. The priesthood was established in Exodus 28-29, and their duties were central to the spiritual life of Israel.

take down the veil of the curtain
The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:31-33). It symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). This veil is later significant in the New Testament when it is torn at Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing direct access to God through Christ.

and cover the ark of the Testimony with it
The Ark of the Testimony, also known as the Ark of the Covenant, contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a jar of manna (Hebrews 9:4). Covering the Ark with the veil was a protective measure, signifying the sacredness and holiness of the Ark. The Ark represented God's presence and covenant with Israel. In Christian theology, the Ark is seen as a type of Christ, who embodies God's presence and the fulfillment of the Law.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He and his sons were responsible for the sacred duties of the Tabernacle.

2. Sons of Aaron
The descendants of Aaron who served as priests, assisting in the duties of the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

3. The Ark of the Testimony
Also known as the Ark of the Covenant, it was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel.

4. The Veil of the Curtain
A significant part of the Tabernacle, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark was kept.

5. The Camp
Refers to the encampment of the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness, with the Tabernacle at the center.
Teaching Points
The Holiness of God
The careful handling of the Ark and the use of the veil underscore the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him.

Priestly Responsibility
Aaron and his sons had specific duties, highlighting the importance of obedience and faithfulness in serving God.

Symbolism of the Veil
The veil represents separation due to sin, but also points to the future reconciliation through Christ.

God's Presence
The Ark symbolizes God's presence among His people, reminding us of His desire to dwell with us.

Order and Structure in Worship
The detailed instructions for moving the Tabernacle teach us about the importance of order and reverence in worship practices.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the role of Aaron and his sons in handling the Ark teach us about the nature of spiritual leadership today?

2. How does the veil in the Tabernacle relate to the concept of separation from God due to sin, and how is this resolved in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our worship practices today reflect the reverence and order demonstrated in the handling of the Tabernacle?

4. How does the tearing of the Temple veil at Jesus' crucifixion change our understanding of access to God?

5. What practical steps can we take to cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our daily lives, as symbolized by the Ark of the Testimony?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 26:31-33
Describes the construction of the veil and its purpose in the Tabernacle, emphasizing the separation between the Holy and Most Holy places.

Hebrews 9:3-5
Provides a New Testament perspective on the significance of the Ark and the veil, highlighting their symbolic meaning in the context of Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

Matthew 27:51
At the moment of Jesus' death, the veil of the Temple was torn, symbolizing the new access to God through Christ.
The Levites and the Regulation of Their DutiesD. Young Numbers 4:1-49
People
Aaron, Eleazar, Gershon, Gershonites, Ithamar, Kohath, Kohathites, Levi, Levites, Merari, Merarites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Aaron, Ark, Camp, Cover, Covered, Covering, Curtain, Forward, Hanging, Journeying, Move, Moves, Moveth, Screen, Separation, Sets, Setteth, Shielding, Sons, Testimony, Vail, Veil, Witness
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 4:5

     7306   ark of the covenant
     7344   curtain
     7768   priests, OT function

Numbers 4:1-20

     7390   Levites

Numbers 4:4-8

     4418   bread

Numbers 4:5-13

     5258   cloth

Library
The Warfare of Christian Service
'All that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle.' NUM. iv. 23. These words occur in the series of regulations as to the functions of the Levites in the Tabernacle worship. The words 'to perform the service' are, as the margin tells us, literally, to 'war the warfare.' Although it may be difficult to say why such very prosaic and homely work as carrying the materials of the Tabernacle and the sacrificial vessels was designated by such a term, the underlying suggestion is
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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