28. They had 8,600 males one month old or older, and they were responsible for taking care of the Holy Place.
29. The Kohathite family groups camped south of the Holy Tent.
30. The leader of the Kohathite families was Elizaphan son of Uzziel.
31. They were responsible for the Ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the tools of the Holy Place which they were to use, the curtain, and all the work connected with these items.
32. The main leader of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest, who was in charge of all those responsible for the Holy Place.
33. The family groups of Mahli and Mushi belonged to Merari; they were the Merarite family groups.
34. The number that was counted was 6,200 males one month old or older.
35. The leader of the Merari families was Zuriel son of Abihail, and they were to camp north of the Holy Tent.
36. The Merarites were responsible for the frames of the Holy Tent, the braces, the posts, the bases, and all the work connected with these items.
37. They were also responsible for the posts in the courtyard around the Holy Tent and their bases, tent pegs, and ropes.
38. Moses, Aaron, and his sons camped east of the Holy Tent, toward the sunrise, in front of the Meeting Tent. They were responsible for the Holy Place for the Israelites. Anyone else who came near the Holy Place was to be put to death.