The descendants of Kohath. They formed the first of the three divisions of the Levites (
Ex. 6:16, 18; Num. 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 (
Num. 4). Their place in the marching and encampment was south of the tabernacle (
Num. 3:29, 31). Their numbers at different times are specified (3:28, 4:36, 26:57, 62). Samuel was of this division.