18. Izhar’s oldest son was Shelomith.
19. Hebron’s oldest son was Jeriah. Hebron’s second son was Amariah. Jahaziel was the third son, and Jekameam was the fourth son.
20. Uzziel’s oldest son was Micah, and Isshiah was his second son.
21. Merari’s sons were Mahli and Mushi. Mahli’s sons were Eleazar and Kish.
22. Eleazar died without having sons. He only had daughters. Eleazar’s daughters married their own relatives. Their relatives were Kish’s sons.
23. Mushi’s sons were Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth. There were three sons in all.
24. These were Levi’s descendants. They were listed by their families. They were the leaders of families. Each person’s name was listed. The people who were listed were 20 years old or older. They served in the Lord’S Temple.
25. David had said, “The Lord, the God of Israel, has given peace to his people. And he has come to live in Jerusalem forever.
26. So the Levites don’t need to carry the Holy Tent or any of the things used in its services anymore.”
27. David’s last instructions for the Israelites were to count the descendants from the tribe of Levi. They counted the Levite men who were 20 years old and older.
28. The Levites had the job of helping Aaron’s descendants in the service of the Lord’S Temple. They also cared for the Temple courtyard and the side rooms in the Temple. And they made sure all the holy things were kept pure. It was their job to serve in God’s Temple.
29. They were responsible for putting the special bread on the table in the Temple and for the flour, the grain offerings, and the bread made without yeast. They were also responsible for the baking pans and the mixed offerings. They did all the measuring.
30. The Levites stood every morning and gave thanks and praise to the Lord. They also did this every evening.
31. The Levites prepared all the burnt offerings to the Lord on the Sabbath days, during New Moon celebrations, and on the other special meeting days. They served before the Lord every day. There were special rules for how many Levites should serve each time.
32. So the Levites did everything that they were supposed to do. They took care of the Holy Tent and the Holy Place. And they helped their relatives, the priests, Aaron’s descendants, with the services at the Lord’S Temple.