The Kohathite age and the unity among brothers – a connection between Levitical service and divine blessing over the community
The number 133 appears in the Bible as the lifespan of Kohath, son of Levi and ancestor of the Levitical Kohathite clan (Exod 6:18). Kohath was the father of Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, and through Amram he became an ancestor of both Moses and Aaron. The Kohathites were given the most sacred duty among the Levites: to carry the ark of the covenant and the most holy items in the tabernacle (Num 4:4–15). That Kohath’s long life is noted in the text highlights his importance as a link between the patriarch Levi and the Mosaic revelation. Symbolically, the number 133 is also connected to Psalm 133, one of the Songs of Ascents (Shir HaMa'alot), where David praises the value of fellowship and unity with the words "See how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity". Together these texts point to a recurring biblical theme: the blessing upon those who serve God in unity and solidarity. The Kohathite clan (the Kohathites) were responsible for the most holy objects in the tabernacle, including the ark of the covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altars. They were not allowed to touch the holy objects directly but had to carry them on poles after Aaron and his sons had covered them (Num 4:4–20). Psalm 133 is part of the collection Shir HaMa'alot (Psalms 120–134), pilgrimage psalms that were sung by those who went up to Jerusalem during the major festivals. In Jewish liturgy, Psalm 133 is traditionally read before the afternoon prayer on the Sabbath. In rabbinic tradition, the anointing oil that flows down over Aaron's beard (Ps 133:2) is interpreted as a picture of how God's blessing flows from the holy place out to the entire community. Some rabbis connect this to the Kohathite clan, who served at the most holy place.*