³² And so the Levites^(A) carried out their responsibilities for the tent of meeting,^(B) for the Holy Place and, under their relatives the descendants of Aaron, for the service of the temple of the Lord.^(C)

⁵³ The Levites, however, are to set up their tents around the tabernacle^(A) of the covenant law so that my wrath will not fall^(B) on the Israelite community. The Levites are to be responsible for the care of the tabernacle of the covenant law.^(C)”

³⁸ Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp to the east^(A) of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, in front of the tent of meeting.^(B) They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary^(C) on behalf of the Israelites. Anyone else who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.^(D)

⁶ “Bring the tribe of Levi^(A) and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.^{(B) 7} They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community^(C) at the tent of meeting by doing the work^(D) of the tabernacle. ⁸ They are to take care of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle. ⁹ Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons;^(E) they are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to him.^[a]

²⁷ They would spend the night stationed around the house of God,^(A) because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key^(B) for opening it each morning.

⁴ and they brought up the ark of the Lord and the tent of meeting^(A) and all the sacred furnishings in it. The priests and Levites^(B) carried them up,