31. They were responsible for the Ark, the table, the menorah, the altars, and the implements of the Sanctuary used in service with them, the curtain and all involved with its use.
32. The chief prince of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the kohen appointed over those whose responsibility was the care of the Sanctuary.
33. To Merari belonged the families of the Mahlites and the Mushites. These were the families of Merari.
34. Their number by count of every male one month old and upward was 6,200.
35. The prince of the household of the father of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail. They were to camp on the north side of the Tabernacle.
36. The sons of Merari were appointed over the care of the frames of the Tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, and all equipment for its use,
37. the posts of the surrounding courtyard, their bases, pegs and ropes.
38. Those camping in front of the Tent of Meeting, on the east, toward the sunrise, were Moses, Aaron, and his sons. They were to care for the Sanctuary on behalf of Bnei-Yisrael. But anyone unauthorized who approached had to be executed.
39. All the Levites counted by Moses and Aaron at the word of Adonai, by their families, inclusive of every male one month old and upward, were 22,000.
40. Adonai said to Moses, “Count every firstborn male of Bnei-Yisrael from one month old and upward and make a list of their names.
41. Set the Levites apart for me in place of all the firstborn of Bnei-Yisrael, and, all the livestock of the Levites in place of the firstborn of the livestock of Bnei-Yisrael. I am Adonai.”
42. So Moses counted all the firstborn of Bnei-Yisrael as Adonai commanded him.
43. The sum total of the firstborn males of Bnei-Yisrael, one month old and upward, listed by name, was 22,273.
44. Again Adonai spoke to Moses saying,
45. “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Bnei-Yisrael, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites will be Mine. I am Adonai.