33. The clan of Merari was composed of the families of Mahli and Mushi.
34. The total number of males one month old or older that were enrolled was 6,200.
35. This clan was to camp on the north side of the Tent, with Zuriel son of Abihail as chief of the clan.
36. They were assigned responsibility for the frames for the Tent, its bars, posts, bases, and all its fittings. They were responsible for all the service connected with these items.
37. They were also responsible for the posts, bases, pegs, and ropes for the outer court.
38. Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp in front of the Tent on the east. They were responsible for carrying out the services performed in the Holy Place for the people of Israel. Anyone else who tried to do so was to be put to death.
39. The total number of all the Levite males one month old or older that Moses enrolled by clans at the command of the Lord, was 22,000.
40-41. The Lord said to Moses, “All of Israel's firstborn sons belong to me. So register by name every firstborn male Israelite, one month old or older. But in place of them I claim all the Levites as mine! I am the Lord! I also claim the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock.”
42. Moses obeyed, and registered all the firstborn males
43. one month old or older; the total was 22,273.
44. The Lord said to Moses,
45. “Now dedicate the Levites as mine in place of all the firstborn Israelite sons, and dedicate the livestock of the Levites in place of the firstborn of the Israelites' livestock.