קְהָת

The proper noun Kohath refers to a significant patriarch in the Israelite tribal system. He is consistently identified as the second son of Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons. Kohath's lineage is crucial because he became the progenitor of a major division of the Levites, known as the Kohathites. This clan played a vital role in the religious life of ancient Israel, particularly in the care and transport of sacred objects for the tabernacle and later the temple.

While the name itself doesn't have an easily decipherable meaning in Hebrew, its significance lies in its role within the genealogical records and the subsequent responsibilities assigned to his descendants. The Bible meticulously traces the lineage through Kohath to figures like Moses and Aaron, highlighting the Kohathites' priestly connections and their hereditary service to God. The numerous references to Kohath and his descendants underscore the importance of tribal and clan identity in Israelite society and the meticulous detail with which these relationships were preserved.

The Kohathites were specifically tasked with carrying the most holy items of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the menorah, and the altars. This sacred duty set them apart from the other Levitical clans and emphasized their proximity to the divine presence. Their role extended to guarding these holy items and ensuring their proper handling during the wilderness journeys and beyond, making Kohath a foundational figure in the history of Israelite worship and cultic practice.