1. The Lord said to Moses and Aaron,
2. “Take a census of the Levites who are descended from Kohath. List them by families and households.
3. Register all the men between the ages of 30 and 50 who are qualified to work at the tent of meeting.
4. “This is the work the Kohathites will do in the tent of meeting: They will take care of the most holy things.
5. When the camp is supposed to move, Aaron and his sons will go in and take down the canopy that hangs over the ark containing the words of God’s promise. First they will cover the ark with the canopy.
6. Over this they will put a covering of fine leather. On top of that they will spread a cloth made entirely of violet material. Then they will put the poles in place.
7. “They will spread a violet cloth over the table of the presence and put on it the plates, dishes, bowls, and pitchers for the wine offerings. The bread that is always in the Lord’s presence will also be on it.
8. They will spread a bright red cloth over everything on the table. They will cover all this with fine leather. Then they will put the poles in place.
9. “They will take a violet cloth and cover the lamp stand, as well as the lamps, tongs, trays, and all the containers for the olive oil used in the lamps.
10. Then they will put the lamp stand and all its utensils under a covering of fine leather and put them on a frame to carry them.