20. But [the Kohathites] shall not go in to see the sanctuary [the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies] or its holy things, even for an instant, lest they die.
21. And the Lord said to Moses,
22. Take a census of the sons of Gershon, by their fathers' houses, by their families.
23. From thirty years old and up to fifty years old you shall number them, all who enter for service to do the work in the Tent of Meeting.
24. This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in bearing burdens [when on the march]:
25. And they shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle, and the Tent of Meeting, its covering, and the covering of dolphin or porpoise skin that is on top of it, and the hanging or screen for the door of the Tent of Meeting,
26. And the hangings of the court, and the hanging or screen for the entrance of the gate of the court which is around the tabernacle and the altar [of burnt offering], and their cords, and all the equipment for their service; whatever needs to be done with them, that they shall do.
27. Under the direction of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all they have to carry and in all they have to do; and you shall assign to their charge all that they are to carry [on the march].