35. The leader of the family according to the clans of Merari is Zuriel son of Abihail; they will encamp of the side of the tabernacle to the north.
36. The responsibility of the sons of Merari was the supervision of the frames of the tabernacle, its bars, pillars, bases, and all its vessels and all its service,
37. and the pillars around the courtyard, and their bases, pegs, and cords.
38. Those encamped before the tabernacle to the east—before the tent of assembly to the east—were Moses and Aaron and his sons; they will keep the responsibility of the sanctuary for the Israelites; and the stranger who approaches will be put to death.
39. All those counted from the Levites whom Moses and Aaron mustered according to the word of Yahweh, according to their clans, every male from one month and above were twenty-two thousand.
40. And Yahweh said to Moses, “Muster every firstborn male from the Israelites from one month and above and count their names.