According to His Service

“And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service.” Numbers 7:3-5

At the dedication of the tabernacle, the princes of the twelve tribes of Israel brought an offering that included twelve oxen and six covered wagons. These wagons were to be used in the transport of the tabernacle as they moved from place to place. Three families of the Levites were given the responsibility of carrying the tabernacle and all of its furnishings as they journeyed through the wilderness. God told Moses that the wagons should be given to the Levites according to their service. The sons of Merari were given four wagons because they transported the framework of the tabernacle. The sons of Gershon received two wagons because they were in charge of the coverings of the tabernacle. The sons of Kohath were not given wagons, because they were chosen to carry the furnishings of the tabernacle. These items were so sacred that no one was ever allowed to see them, and they always had to be carried by hand. Using wagons would certainly have been easier, but they had the sacred privilege of carrying the most holy things. We must remember that God is always faithful to give us the tools we need to complete the tasks He has for us.