⁵⁰ Instead, appoint the Levites to be in charge of the tabernacle^(A) of the covenant law^(B)—over all its furnishings^(C) and everything belonging to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; they are to take care of it and encamp around it. ⁵¹ Whenever the tabernacle^(D) is to move,^(E) the Levites are to take it down, and whenever the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall do it.^(F) Anyone else who approaches it is to be put to death.^{(G) 52} The Israelites are to set up their tents by divisions, each of them in their own camp under their standard.^{(H) 53} The Levites, however, are to set up their tents around the tabernacle^(I) of the covenant law so that my wrath will not fall^(J) on the Israelite community. The Levites are to be responsible for the care of the tabernacle of the covenant law.^(K)”

²³ The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle.^{(A) 24} The leader of the families of the Gershonites was Eliasaph son of Lael. ²⁵ At the tent of meeting the Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle^(B) and tent, its coverings,^(C) the curtain at the entrance^(D) to the tent of meeting,^{(E) 26} the curtains of the courtyard^(F), the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar,^(G) and the ropes^(H)—and everything^(I) related to their use.

²⁷ To Kohath^(J) belonged the clans of the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites and Uzzielites;^(K) these were the Kohathite^(L) clans. ²⁸ The number of all the males a month old or more^(M) was 8,600.^[a] The Kohathites were responsible^(N) for the care of the sanctuary.^{(O) 29} The Kohathite clans were to camp on the south side^(P) of the tabernacle. ³⁰ The leader of the families of the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan^(Q) son of Uzziel. ³¹ They were responsible for the care of the ark,^(R) the table,^(S) the lampstand,^(T) the altars,^(U) the articles^(V) of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain,^(W) and everything related to their use.^{(X) 32} The chief leader of the Levites was Eleazar^(Y) son of Aaron, the priest. He was appointed over those who were responsible^(Z) for the care of the sanctuary.^(AA)

³³ To Merari belonged the clans of the Mahlites and the Mushites;^(AB) these were the Merarite clans.^{(AC) 34} The number of all the males a month old or more^(AD) who were counted was 6,200. ³⁵ The leader of the families of the Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.^(AE)