4:1–33 The work of the Levitical families—the Kohathites (vv. 1–15), the Gershonites (vv. 21–28), and the Merarites (vv. 29–33)—is further explained. In vv. 16–20, Aaron’s son Eleazar is assigned supervision of the entire tabernacle. But all Kohathites, except the descendants of Aaron, were forbidden direct access to the holy things.