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.^(A)

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)”

²⁸ The number of all the males a month old or more^(A) was 8,600.^[a] The Kohathites were responsible^(B) for the care of the sanctuary.^{(C) 29} The Kohathite clans were to camp on the south side^(D) of the tabernacle.