Kohathites the descendants of Kohath. They formed the first of the three divisions of the Levites (Exodus 6:16, Exodus 1:6; Numbers 3:17). In the journeyings of the Israelites they had the charge of the most holy portion of the vessels of the tabernacle, including the ark (Numbers 1:4). Their place in the marching and encampment was south of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:29, Numbers 1:3). Their numbers at different times are specified (3:28; 4:36; 26:57, 62). Samuel was of this division.