³³ To Merari belonged^[a] the clan of Mahlites^[b] and the clan of the Mushites:^[c] these are the clans of Merari. ³⁴ The ones counted^[d] according to the number of every male from one month^[e] and above were six thousand two hundred. ³⁵ The leader of the family^[f] according to the clans of Merari is Zuriel son of Abihail; they will encamp of the side of the tabernacle to the north. ³⁶ The responsibility of the sons of Merari was the supervision of the frames of the tabernacle, its bars, pillars, bases, and all its vessels and all its service, ³⁷ and the pillars around the courtyard, and their bases, pegs, and cords.

³⁸ Those encamped before the tabernacle to the east—before the tent of assembly to the east—were Moses and Aaron and his sons; they will keep the responsibility of the sanctuary for the Israelites;^[g] and the stranger^[h] who approaches will be put to death. ³⁹ All those counted from the Levites whom Moses and Aaron mustered^[i] according to the word of Yahweh,^[j] according to their clans, every male from one month^[k] and above were twenty-two thousand.