The Materials Used

²¹ These are the amounts of the materials used for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the covenant law,^(A) which were recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar^(B) son of Aaron, the priest.

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.

²⁵ At the tent of meeting the Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle^(A) and tent, its coverings,^(B) the curtain at the entrance^(C) to the tent of meeting,^{(D) 26} the curtains of the courtyard^(E), the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar,^(F) and the ropes^(G)—and everything^(H) related to their use.

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

³³ To Merari belonged the clans of the Mahlites and the Mushites;^(AA) these were the Merarite clans.^{(AB) 34} The number of all the males a month old or more^(AC) 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.^{(AD) 36} The Merarites were appointed^(AE) to take care of the frames of the tabernacle,^(AF) its crossbars,^(AG) posts,^(AH) bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use,^{(AI) 37} as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard^(AJ) with their bases, tent pegs^(AK) and ropes.

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,^(A) only then are the Kohathites^(B) to come and do the carrying.^(C) But they must not touch the holy things^(D) or they will die.^(E) The Kohathites are to carry those things that are in the tent of meeting.

²⁵ They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle,^(A) that is, the tent of meeting,^(B) its covering^(C) 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,^(D) the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard,^(E) the ropes and all the equipment^(F) 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.^(G) You shall assign to them as their responsibility^(H) all they are to carry.

³¹ As part of all their service at the tent, they are to carry the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts and bases,^{(A) 32} as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, ropes,^(B) all their equipment and everything related to their use. Assign to each man the specific things he is to carry.