But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible.
Here is the offering of the princes to the service of the tabernacle. Observe, I. When it was; not till it was fully set up, Num 7:1. When all things were done both about the tabernacle itself, and the camp of Israel which surrounded it, according to the directions given, then they began their presents, probably about the eighth day of the second month.
Commenting on Numbers 7:1-9
But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none,.... Being all disposed of to the sons of Gershon and Merari: the reason of which follows: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them was that they should bear upon their shoulders; as the ark with the mercy seat, and cherubim, the shewbread table, the candlestick, and the two altars; though in later times we...
But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them [was that] they should bear upon their shoulders. (d) The holy thing of the sanctuary must be carried on their shoulders and not drawn with oxen, .