Numbers 1:47–53

47 The ancestral tribe of the Levites,z however, was not counteda along with the others. 48 The Lord had said to Moses: 49 “You must not count the tribe of Levi or include them in the census of the other Israelites. 50 Instead, appoint the Levites to be in charge of the tabernacleb of the covenant lawc—over all its furnishingsd and everything belonging to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; they are to take care of it and encamp around it. 51 Whenever the tabernaclee is to move,f the Levites are to take it down, and whenever the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall do it.g Anyone else who approaches it is to be put to death.h 52 The Israelites are to set up their tents by divisions, each of them in their own camp under their standard.i 53 The Levites, however, are to set up their tents around the tabernaclej of the covenant law so that my wrath will not fallk on the Israelite community. The Levites are to be responsible for the care of the tabernacle of the covenant law.l”