Numbers 3:25–37

²⁵Here are the duties of the families of Gershon at the Tent of Meeting. They were held accountable for taking care of the holy tent and its coverings. They took care of the curtain at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. ²⁶They took care of the curtains of the courtyard. They took care of the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard. The courtyard was all around the holy tent and altar. They also took care of the ropes. In fact, they had to take care of everything that was connected with the use of all of those things.

²⁷The families of Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel belonged to the family of Kohath. ²⁸All of the males who were a month old or more were counted. There were 8,600 of them. The families of Kohath were held accountable for taking care of the sacred tent. ²⁹They had to camp on the south side of the holy tent. ³⁰The leader of the families of Kohath was Elizaphan, the son of Uzziel.

³¹They were held accountable for taking care of the ark of the covenant. They took care of the table for the holy bread. They took care of the lampstand and the two altars. They took care of the articles that were used for serving in the sacred tent. They also took care of the inner curtain. In fact, they had to take care of everything that was connected with the use of all of those things.

³²The chief leader of the Levites was Eleazar. He was the son of the priest Aaron. Eleazar was appointed over those who were held accountable for taking care of the sacred tent.

³³The families of Mahli and Mushi belonged to the family of Merari. ³⁴All of the males who were a month old or more were counted. There were 6,200 of them. ³⁵The leader of the families of Merari was Zuriel, the son of Abihail. They had to camp on the north side of the holy tent.

³⁶They were appointed to take care of the frames of the tent. They took care of its crossbars, posts and bases. They took care of all of its supplies. In fact, they had to take care of everything that was connected with the use of all of those things. ³⁷They also took care of the posts of the courtyard that was around the holy tent. And they took care of the bases, tent stakes and ropes.