47. But the households from the tribe of Levi were not registered along with the other Israelites.
48. The Lord had said to Moses,
49. “Don’t register the tribe of Levi or include them in the census with the other Israelites.
50. Put the Levites in charge of the tent of God’s words, including the equipment for the tent and everything else having to do with the tent. The Levites will carry the tent and all its equipment. They will take care of the tent and camp around it.
51. When the tent has to be moved, the Levites will take it down. When we camp, they will set it up. Anyone else who comes near the tent will be put to death.
52. “The other Israelites will camp with each family in its own area under its own flag.
53. The Levites will camp all around the tent of God’s words. In this way ⌊the Lord⌋ won’t be angry with the community of Israel. So the Levites will be in charge of the tent of God’s words.”
54. The Israelites did everything as the Lord commanded Moses.