⁴⁷ The ancestral tribe of the Levites,^(A) however, was not counted^(B) along with the others. ⁴⁸ The Lord had said to Moses: ⁴⁹ “You must not count the tribe of Levi or include them in the census of the other Israelites. ⁵⁰ Instead, appoint the Levites to be in charge of the tabernacle^(C) of the covenant law^(D)—over all its furnishings^(E) 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^(F) is to move,^(G) the Levites are to take it down, and whenever the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall do it.^(H) Anyone else who approaches it is to be put to death.^{(I) 52} The Israelites are to set up their tents by divisions, each of them in their own camp under their standard.^{(J) 53} The Levites, however, are to set up their tents around the tabernacle^(K) of the covenant law so that my wrath will not fall^(L) on the Israelite community. The Levites are to be responsible for the care of the tabernacle of the covenant law.^(M)”

⁵⁴ The Israelites did all this just as the Lord commanded Moses.