Levi had three sons – Kohath, Gershon, and Merari. Now the descendants of these men were given specific responsibilities regarding the breaking down and the setting up of the tabernacle, the ark of the covenant – even all of the utensils used by the priests. They were instructed to do it without physically touching any of the sacred objects, lest they die.
For forty years I led you through the desert … yet your sandals did not wear out." Duet. 29:5
