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哥辖的子孙

耶和华吩咐摩西亚伦说: “你要照宗族、父家计算利未人中哥辖子孙的人口, 就是从三十岁到五十岁,凡前来任职,在会幕里事奉的人。 这是哥辖子孙在会幕里有关至圣之物的职责。

“拔营的时候,亚伦和他儿子要进去,把遮掩的幔子取下,用它来遮盖法柜, 又用精美皮料盖在上面,铺上纯蓝色的布,再把杠穿上。 他们要用蓝色的布铺在供饼的桌上,将盘、碟,以及浇酒祭的杯和壶摆在上面;经常供的饼也要留在桌上。 他们要在这些东西的上面铺上朱红色的布,把精美皮料盖在上面,再把杠穿上。 他们要用蓝色的布遮盖供职用的灯台、灯台上的灯盏、灯剪、灯盘,以及所有盛油的器皿; 10 又要用精美皮料把灯台和灯台的一切器具包好,放在抬架上。 11 他们要用蓝色的布铺在金坛上,用精美皮料盖在上面,再把杠穿上。 12 要用蓝色的布把圣所供职用的一切器具包好,再用精美皮料盖在上面,放在抬架上。 13 他们要清理祭坛上的灰,用紫色的布铺在坛上; 14 又要把供职用的一切器具,就是祭坛一切的器具,火盆、肉叉、铲子和盘子,都摆在坛上,铺上精美皮料,再把杠穿上。

15 “拔营的时候,亚伦和他儿子把圣所和圣所一切的器具盖好之后,哥辖的子孙才好来抬,免得他们摸圣物而死;这是哥辖子孙在会幕里所当抬的。

16 “祭司亚伦的儿子以利亚撒所要照管的是点灯的油和香料,以及常献的素祭和膏油。他要照管整个帐幕和其中所有的,以及圣所和圣所的器具。”

17 耶和华吩咐摩西亚伦说: 18 “你们不可使哥辖人宗族的这一支从利未人中剪除。 19 他们挨近至圣之物的时候,要向他们这样做,使他们存活,不致死亡;亚伦和他的儿子要进去,分派各人当做的,当抬的。 20 但是他们不可进去观看圣所的拆卸[a],免得死亡。”

革顺的子孙

21 耶和华吩咐摩西说: 22 “你要照父家、宗族计算革顺子孙的人口; 23 从三十岁到五十岁,凡前来任职,在会幕里事奉的,都要数点。 24 这是革顺人宗族的职责,要做的事,要抬的东西如下: 25 他们要抬帐幕的幔子、会幕和会幕的盖、外层精美皮料的盖、会幕的门帘、 26 帐幕和祭坛周围院子的帷幔和门帘、绳子,以及所有需用的器具;一切与这些东西相关的事务,他们要尽职。 27 革顺人的子孙一切的事奉,就是所当抬的,所当做的,都要遵照亚伦和他儿子的指示;他们所当抬的,你们要派他们负责。 28 这是革顺人子孙的宗族在会幕里的事奉;他们要在亚伦祭司的儿子以他玛的手下尽职。”

米拉利的子孙

29 “至于米拉利的子孙,你要照宗族、父家数点他们; 30 从三十岁到五十岁,凡前来任职,在会幕里事奉的,你都要数点。 31 这是他们在会幕里的事奉,他们负责要抬的是帐幕的竖板、横木、柱子和带卯眼的座, 32 院子四围的柱子和其上带卯眼的座、橛子、绳子和一切的器具,与一切相关事奉的物件。你们要按名指定他们要抬的器具。 33 这是米拉利子孙的宗族在会幕里的事奉,都在亚伦祭司的儿子以他玛的手下。”

利未人男丁的调查

34 摩西亚伦和会众的领袖按照宗族、父家数点哥辖人的子孙; 35 从三十岁到五十岁,凡前来任职,在会幕里事奉的, 36 按照宗族被数的共有二千七百五十名。 37 这是所有在会幕里事奉的哥辖人宗族中被数的,是摩西亚伦遵照耶和华藉摩西所指示数点的。

38 革顺子孙被数的,按照宗族、父家, 39 从三十岁到五十岁,凡前来任职,在会幕里事奉的, 40 按照宗族、父家被数的共有二千六百三十名。 41 这是所有在会幕里事奉的革顺子孙宗族中被数的,是摩西亚伦遵照耶和华的指示所数点的。

42 米拉利子孙宗族被数的,按照宗族、父家, 43 从三十岁到五十岁,凡前来任职,在会幕里事奉的, 44 按照宗族被数的共有三千二百名。 45 这是米拉利子孙宗族中被数的,是摩西亚伦遵照耶和华藉摩西所指示数点的。

46 摩西亚伦以色列领袖按照宗族、父家数点利未人, 47 从三十岁到五十岁,凡前来任职,在会幕里事奉,做抬物之工的, 48 他们被数的共有八千五百八十名。 49 按照耶和华藉摩西所指示的来分派,各人都有自己所做的事、所抬的物;他们就这样被数点,正如耶和华所吩咐摩西的。

Footnotes

  1. 4.20 “观看圣所的拆卸”:七十士译本是“观看圣物片刻”。

哥辖子孙的职责

耶和华对摩西和亚伦说: “你要按宗族和家系统计利未人中哥辖子孙的人数, 登记三十岁到五十岁、可在会幕司职的男子。 他们在会幕里管理至圣之物。

“拔营出发的时候,亚伦父子们要进会幕解下圣所和至圣所之间的幔子,用它遮盖约柜, 再在上面依次盖上海狗皮和纯蓝色的布,然后穿上抬约柜的横杠。

“要在摆放供饼的桌子上铺一块蓝布,把盘、碟、杯和献酒用的瓶子摆在上面。桌上要有供饼。 这些东西上面要盖朱红色的布,再盖上海狗皮,然后穿上抬桌子的横杠。

“要用蓝布把灯台、灯盏、蜡剪、蜡盘和盛油的器皿全遮盖起来, 10 再在上面盖上海狗皮,然后放在抬架上。

11 “金香坛上面要盖蓝色布,再盖上海狗皮,穿上抬金香坛的横杠。

12 “圣所里面一切器皿都要用蓝色布包好,盖上海狗皮,放在抬架上。

13 “要清除祭坛上的灰烬,铺上紫色布, 14 然后把火鼎、肉叉、铲、碗等祭坛的器具放在上面,再盖上海狗皮,穿上抬祭坛的横杠。

15 “拔营出发时,哥辖的子孙要等到亚伦父子们把圣所和圣所的器具都盖好后,才可以来抬。他们负责抬这些会幕的器具,但不可触摸这些圣物,免得死亡。 16 亚伦祭司的儿子以利亚撒负责管理整个圣幕及里面的灯油、香料、素祭、膏油等一切物品。”

17 耶和华对摩西和亚伦说: 18 “不要让哥辖宗族在利未人中灭绝。 19 他们走近至圣之物以前,亚伦父子们要先进去指派他们做什么、抬什么,以免他们死亡。 20 他们不可进去看圣物,一刻都不可,免得死亡。”

革顺子孙的职责

21 耶和华对摩西说: 22 “你要按宗族和家系统计革顺子孙的人数, 23 登记三十岁到五十岁、可在会幕司职的男子。 24 以下是他们负责的事务。

25 “他们要抬圣幕的幔子、会幕、会幕顶盖、顶盖上的海狗皮、会幕门帘、 26 围绕圣幕和祭坛的院子的帷幔、院门门帘、绳索等器具,还负责其他相关事务。 27 你们要把任务分配给革顺的子孙,他们要遵照亚伦父子们的吩咐司职。 28 这是革顺宗族的人在会幕里的职责,他们要按祭司亚伦的儿子以他玛的吩咐司职。

米拉利子孙的职责

29 “你要按宗族和家系统计米拉利子孙的人数, 30 登记三十岁到五十岁、可在会幕司职的男子。 31 他们在会幕里负责抬圣幕的木板、横闩、柱子、带凹槽的底座, 32 院子四周的柱子及其带凹槽的底座、橛子、绳索和其他相关器具。你们要把当抬的物件一一指派给他们。 33 这是米拉利宗族的人在会幕的职责,由祭司亚伦的儿子以他玛监督。”

34 于是,摩西、亚伦和会众的首领按宗族和家系统计哥辖的子孙, 35 登记了三十岁到五十岁、可在会幕司职的男子, 36 共两千七百五十人。 37 这是哥辖宗族在会幕司职的人数,是摩西和亚伦照耶和华的吩咐统计的。

38-40 按宗族和家系统计,革顺的子孙中三十岁到五十岁、可在会幕司职的共两千六百三十人。 41 这是革顺宗族在会幕司职的人数,是摩西和亚伦照耶和华的吩咐统计的。

42-44 按宗族和家系统计,米拉利的子孙中三十岁到五十岁、可在会幕司职的共三千二百人。 45 这是米拉利宗族的人数,是摩西和亚伦照耶和华的吩咐统计的。

46 摩西、亚伦和以色列人的首领按宗族和家系统计了利未人的人数, 47-48 三十岁到五十岁可司职、搬运会幕器具的利未人共八千五百八十人。 49 照耶和华对摩西的吩咐,每个人都被统计在内,都有指定的职责和当抬的器具。这样,照耶和华对摩西的吩咐,人口统计完毕。

5 The offices of the Levites, when the host removed. 6 The number of the three families of Kohath, Gershon, and Merari.

And the Lord spake unto Moses, and to Aaron, saying,

Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, and houses of their fathers,

From [a]thirty years old and above, even until fifty years old all that enter into the assembly to do the work in the Tabernacle of the Congregation.

This shall be the office of the sons of Kohath in the Tabernacle of the Congregation about the holiest of all.

¶ When the host removeth, then Aaron and his sons shall come and take down[b] the covering veil, and shall cover the Ark of the Testimony therewith.

And they shall put thereon a covering of badger’s skins, and shall spread upon it a cloth altogether of blue silk, and put to [c]the bars thereof:

And upon the (A)table of show bread, they shall spread a cloth of blue silk, and put thereon the dishes, and the incense cups and goblets, and coverings to cover it [d]with, and the bread shall be thereon continually.

And they shall spread upon them a covering of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badger’s skins, and put to the bars thereof.

Then they shall take a cloth of blue silk, and cover the (B)candlestick of light with his lamps, and his snuffers, (C)and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, which they occupy about it.

10 So they shall put it, and all the instruments thereof in a covering of badger’s skins, and put it upon the [e]bars.

11 Also upon the golden [f]altar they shall spread a cloth of blue silk, and cover it with a covering of badger’s skins, and put to the bars thereof.

12 And they shall take all the instruments of the ministry, wherewith they minister in the Sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue silk, and cover them with a covering of badger’s skins, and put them on the bars.

13 Also they shall take away the ashes from the [g]altar, and spread a purple cloth upon it,

14 And shall put upon it all the instruments thereof, which they occupy about it, the censers, the fleshhooks, and the besoms, and the basins, even all the instruments of the altar: and they shall spread upon it a covering of badger’s skins, and put to the bars of it.

15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the [h]Sanctuary, and all the instruments of the Sanctuary, at the removing of the host, afterward the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it, but they shall not [i]touch any holy thing lest they die. This is the charge of the sons of Kohath in the Tabernacle of the Congregation.

16 ¶ And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the Priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the (D)sweet incense, and the [j]daily meat offering, and the (E)anointing oil with the oversight of all the Tabernacle, and of all that therein is, both in the Sanctuary, and in all the instruments thereof.

17 ¶ And the Lord spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying,

18 Ye shall not [k]cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites:

19 But thus do unto them that they may live and not die, when they come near to the most holy things: let Aaron and his sons come and appoint [l]them, every one to his office, and to his charge.

20 But let them not go in, to see when the Sanctuary is folden up, lest they die.

21 ¶ And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

22 Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, every one by the houses of their fathers, throughout their families:

23 From thirty years old and above until fifty years old shalt thou number them, all that [m]enter into the assembly for to do service in the Tabernacle of the Congregation.

24 This shall be the service of the families of the Gershonites to serve and to bear.

25 They shall bear the curtains of the Tabernacle, and the Tabernacle of the Congregation, his covering, and the covering of badger’s skins, that is on high upon it, and the veil of the [n]door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation.

26 The curtains also of the court, and the veil of the entering in of the gate of the court, [o]which is near the Tabernacle and near the altar round about, with their cords: and all the instruments for their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.

27 At the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall all the service of the sons of the Gershonites be done, in all their charges and in all their service, and ye shall appoint them to keep all their charges.

28 This is the service of the families of the sons of the Gershonites in the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and their watch shall be under the [p]hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the Priest.

29 ¶ Thou shalt number the sons of Merari by their families, and by the houses of their fathers.

30 From thirty years old and above, even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, all that enter into the assembly, to do the service of the Tabernacle of the Congregation.

31 And this is their office and charge according to all their service in the Tabernacle of the Congregation: the (F)boards of the Tabernacle with the bars thereof, and his pillars, and his sockets,

32 And the pillars round about the court, with their sockets and their pins, and their cords with all their instruments, even for all their service: and by [q]name ye shall reckon the instruments of their office and charge.

33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service in the Tabernacle of the Congregation under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the Priest.

34 ¶ Then Moses and Aaron and the princes of the Congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites, by their families and by the houses of their fathers,

35 From thirty years old and above, even unto fifty years old, all that enter into the assembly for the service of the Tabernacle of the Congregation.

36 So the [r]numbers of them throughout their families were two thousand, seven hundred and fifty.

37 These are the numbers of the families of the Kohathites, all that serve in the Tabernacle of the Congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the Lord by the [s]hand of Moses.

38 Also the numbers of the sons of Gershon throughout their families and houses of their fathers,

39 From thirty years old and upward, even unto fifty years old: all that enter into the assembly for the service of the Tabernacle of the Congregation.

40 So the numbers of them by their families, and by the houses of their fathers were two thousand six hundred and thirty.

41 These are the numbers of the families of the sons of Gershon: of all that [t]did service in the Tabernacle of the Congregation, whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the Lord.

42 ¶ The numbers also of the families of the sons of Merari by their families, and by the houses of their fathers,

43 From thirty years old and upward, even unto fifty years old: all that enter into the assembly for the service of the Tabernacle of the Congregation.

44 So the numbers of them by their families were three thousand, and two hundred.

45 These are the sums of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the Lord, by the hand of Moses.

46 So all the numbers of the Levites, which Moses, and Aaron, and the princes of Israel numbered by their families and by the houses of their fathers,

47 From thirty years old and upward, even to fifty years old, every one that came to do [u]his duty, office, service and charge in the Tabernacle of the Congregation.

48 So the number of them were eight thousand five hundred and four score.

49 According to the [v]commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses did Aaron number them, every one according to his service, and according to his charge. Thus were they of that tribe numbered, as the Lord commanded [w]Moses.

Footnotes

  1. Numbers 4:3 The Levites were numbered after three sorts, first at a month old when they were consecrated to the Lord, next at 25 years old when they were appointed to serve in the Tabernacle, and 30 years old to bear the burdens of the Tabernacle.
  2. Numbers 4:5 Which divided the Sanctuary from the holiest of all.
  3. Numbers 4:6 That is, put them upon their shoulders to carry it: for the bars of the Ark could never be removed.
  4. Numbers 4:7 Meaning, to cover the bread.
  5. Numbers 4:10 The Hebrew word signifieth an instrument made of two staves or bars.
  6. Numbers 4:11 Which was to burn incense, read Exod. 30:1.
  7. Numbers 4:13 Of the burnt offering.
  8. Numbers 4:15 That is, in folding up the things of the Sanctuary, as the Ark, etc.
  9. Numbers 4:15 Before it be covered.
  10. Numbers 4:16 Which was offered at morning and evening.
  11. Numbers 4:18 Committing by your negligence that the holy things be not well wrapped, and so they by touching thereof perish.
  12. Numbers 4:19 Showing what part every man shall bear.
  13. Numbers 4:23 Which were received into the company of them that ministered in the Tabernacle of the Congregation.
  14. Numbers 4:25 Which veil hanged between the Sanctuary and the court.
  15. Numbers 4:26 Which court compassed both the Tabernacle of the Congregation and the altar of burnt offering.
  16. Numbers 4:28 Under the charge and oversight.
  17. Numbers 4:32 Ye shall make an inventory of all the things, which ye commit to their charge.
  18. Numbers 4:36 Hebrew, the numbered of them.
  19. Numbers 4:37 God appointing Moses to be the minister and executor thereof.
  20. Numbers 4:41 Which were of competent age to serve therein, that is between 30 and 50.
  21. Numbers 4:47 Whosoever of the Levites that had any manner of charge in the Tabernacle.
  22. Numbers 4:49 Hebrew, according to the mouth, or word.
  23. Numbers 4:49 So that Moses neither added, nor diminished, from that which the Lord commanded him.

The Kohathites

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: “Take a census(A) of the Kohathite branch of the Levites by their clans and families. Count(B) all the men from thirty to fifty years of age(C) who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting.

“This is the work(D) of the Kohathites(E) at the tent of meeting: the care of the most holy things.(F) When the camp is to move,(G) Aaron and his sons are to go in and take down the shielding curtain(H) and put it over the ark of the covenant law.(I) Then they are to cover the curtain with a durable leather,[a](J) spread a cloth of solid blue over that and put the poles(K) in place.

“Over the table of the Presence(L) they are to spread a blue cloth and put on it the plates, dishes and bowls, and the jars for drink offerings;(M) the bread that is continually there(N) is to remain on it. They are to spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover that with the durable leather and put the poles(O) in place.

“They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand that is for light, together with its lamps, its wick trimmers and trays,(P) and all its jars for the olive oil used to supply it. 10 Then they are to wrap it and all its accessories in a covering of the durable leather and put it on a carrying frame.(Q)

11 “Over the gold altar(R) they are to spread a blue cloth and cover that with the durable leather and put the poles(S) in place.

12 “They are to take all the articles(T) used for ministering in the sanctuary, wrap them in a blue cloth, cover that with the durable leather and put them on a carrying frame.(U)

13 “They are to remove the ashes(V) from the bronze altar(W) and spread a purple cloth over it. 14 Then they are to place on it all the utensils(X) used for ministering at the altar, including the firepans,(Y) meat forks,(Z) shovels(AA) and sprinkling bowls.(AB) Over it they are to spread a covering of the durable leather and put the poles(AC) in place.

15 “After Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy furnishings and all the holy articles, and when the camp is ready to move,(AD) only then are the Kohathites(AE) to come and do the carrying.(AF) But they must not touch the holy things(AG) or they will die.(AH) The Kohathites are to carry those things that are in the tent of meeting.

16 “Eleazar(AI) son of Aaron, the priest, is to have charge of the oil for the light,(AJ) the fragrant incense,(AK) the regular grain offering(AL) and the anointing oil. He is to be in charge of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including its holy furnishings and articles.”

17 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 18 “See that the Kohathite tribal clans are not destroyed from among the Levites. 19 So that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things,(AM) do this for them: Aaron and his sons(AN) are to go into the sanctuary and assign to each man his work and what he is to carry.(AO) 20 But the Kohathites must not go in to look(AP) at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die.”

The Gershonites

21 The Lord said to Moses, 22 “Take a census also of the Gershonites by their families and clans. 23 Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age(AQ) who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting.

24 “This is the service of the Gershonite clans in their carrying and their other work: 25 They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle,(AR) that is, the tent of meeting,(AS) its covering(AT) and its outer covering of durable leather, the curtains for the entrance to the tent of meeting, 26 the curtains of the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar,(AU) the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard,(AV) the ropes and all the equipment(AW) used in the service of the tent. The Gershonites are to do all that needs to be done with these things. 27 All their service, whether carrying or doing other work, is to be done under the direction of Aaron and his sons.(AX) You shall assign to them as their responsibility(AY) all they are to carry. 28 This is the service of the Gershonite clans(AZ) at the tent of meeting. Their duties are to be under the direction of Ithamar(BA) son of Aaron, the priest.

The Merarites

29 “Count(BB) the Merarites by their clans and families.(BC) 30 Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting. 31 As part of all their service at the tent, they are to carry the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts and bases,(BD) 32 as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, ropes,(BE) all their equipment and everything related to their use. Assign to each man the specific things he is to carry. 33 This is the service of the Merarite clans as they work at the tent of meeting under the direction of Ithamar(BF) son of Aaron, the priest.”

The Numbering of the Levite Clans

34 Moses, Aaron and the leaders of the community counted the Kohathites(BG) by their clans and families. 35 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age(BH) who came to serve in the work at the tent of meeting, 36 counted by clans, were 2,750. 37 This was the total of all those in the Kohathite clans(BI) who served at the tent of meeting. Moses and Aaron counted them according to the Lord’s command through Moses.

38 The Gershonites(BJ) were counted by their clans and families. 39 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age who came to serve in the work at the tent of meeting, 40 counted by their clans and families, were 2,630. 41 This was the total of those in the Gershonite clans who served at the tent of meeting. Moses and Aaron counted them according to the Lord’s command.

42 The Merarites were counted by their clans and families. 43 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age(BK) who came to serve in the work at the tent of meeting, 44 counted by their clans, were 3,200. 45 This was the total of those in the Merarite clans.(BL) Moses and Aaron counted them according to the Lord’s command through Moses.

46 So Moses, Aaron and the leaders of Israel counted(BM) all the Levites by their clans and families. 47 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age(BN) who came to do the work of serving and carrying the tent of meeting 48 numbered 8,580.(BO) 49 At the Lord’s command through Moses, each was assigned his work and told what to carry.

Thus they were counted,(BP) as the Lord commanded Moses.

Footnotes

  1. Numbers 4:6 Possibly the hides of large aquatic mammals; also in verses 8, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 25

And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers,

From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things:

And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it:

And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.

And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:

And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.

And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:

10 And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.

11 And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof:

12 And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar:

13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

14 And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.

15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

16 And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

17 And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron saying,

18 Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites:

19 But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:

20 But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.

21 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

22 Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families;

23 From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens:

25 And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

26 And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.

27 At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens.

28 This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

29 As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families, by the house of their fathers;

30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.

31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,

32 And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden.

33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

34 And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their fathers,

35 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation:

36 And those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty.

37 These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

38 And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers,

39 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation,

40 Even those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty.

41 These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the Lord.

42 And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers,

43 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation,

44 Even those that were numbered of them after their families, were three thousand and two hundred.

45 These be those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

46 All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the chief of Israel numbered, after their families, and after the house of their fathers,

47 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation.

48 Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore,

49 According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as the Lord commanded Moses.