18. “Do not allow the tribe of the families of the Kohathites to be cut off from among the Levites;
19. but in order that they will live and not die when they approach the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons will go in and appoint each man to his service and his responsibility.
20. But the Kohathites are not to go in to watch while the holy things are being covered, or they will die.”
21. Then the Lord spoke to Moses:
22. “Also take a census of the Gershonites, by their clans and by their families.
23. You must number them from thirty years old and upward to fifty years old, all who enter the company to do the work of the tent of meeting.
24. This is the service of the families of Gershonites, as they serve and carry it.
25. They must carry the curtains for the tabernacle and the tent of meeting with its covering, the covering of fine leather that is over it, the curtains for the entrance of the tent of meeting,
26. the hangings for the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance of the gate of the court, which is around the tabernacle and the altar, and their ropes, along with all the furnishings for their service and everything that is made for them. So they are to serve.
27. “All the service of the Gershonites, whether carrying loads or for any of their work, will be at the direction of Aaron and his sons. You will assign them all their tasks as their responsibility.