Definition: And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and [the other] did set up the tabernacle against they came.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Numbers 10:21. It's a really important part of understanding how God dealt with a serious problem in ancient Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Imagine a group of Kohathites – a specific tribe of people – were experiencing a terrible problem. They were being harassed and attacked by a powerful, hostile group of robbers. They were essentially trapped and facing a difficult situation. What Happened Next: “And the Kohathites set forward…” : This means they decided to fight back. They started moving towards the attackers. “…bearing the sanctuary:” Think of “sanctuary” as a special, sacred space that was important to God. The Kohathites were carrying this sacred space with them – it was a symbol of their faith and identity. “and [the other] did set up the tabernacle…” : This is where it gets interesting. The other group of robbers wasn’t just attacking; they were also setting up a special structure called a “tabernacle.” A tabernacle is a portable temple – a place where God lived and acted among them. They were creating their own space to worship and be near God. “…against they came.” : This means the robbers were coming towards the Kohathites, intending to attack and harm them. So, what's the big takeaway? This verse shows that God wasn’t just concerned with the immediate danger of the robbers. He was deeply worried about the relationship between the Kohathites and their enemies. He saw this as a conflict between two groups – one representing faith and holiness (the Kohathites) and another representing power and wickedness (the robbers). Why is it important? This story highlights several key ideas: God's Protection: God is actively involved in protecting his people, even when they are facing difficult challenges. The Importance of Worship & Identity: The Kohathites were maintaining a sacred space and identity as a result of their worship. Divine Justice: God wasn’t just reacting to the robbers; He was using this situation to demonstrate His justice and power against evil. In short, it's a story about God’s watchful care and a powerful display of divine protection. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you an analogy to help understand the concept better?