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De taak van de families van Kehat

De Heer zei tegen Mozes en Aäron: "Tel hoeveel mannen er in de families van Kehat zijn. Tel alle mannen tussen de 30 en de 50 jaar, per familie.[a] Dus alle mannen die dienst moeten doen bij de tent van ontmoeting. Dit is hun taak: ze moeten voor de allerheiligste dingen zorgen. Als het tentenkamp wordt afgebroken, moeten Aäron en zijn zonen de tent binnengaan en het gordijn voor de allerheiligste kamer weghalen. Dat moeten ze over de kist van het verbond leggen. Daar overheen moeten ze een kleed van dun leer leggen. En daar weer overheen een blauw kleed. Dan moeten ze de draagstokken aan de kist vastmaken. Ook over de tafel met de heilige broden moeten ze een blauw kleed leggen. Daarop moeten ze de schotels, schalen, kommen en kannen zetten. Het brood moeten ze op de tafel laten liggen. Daarna moeten ze er een rood kleed overheen leggen. En daarover weer een kleed van dun leer. Daarna moeten ze de draagstokken aan de tafel vastmaken. Dan moeten ze een blauw kleed leggen over de kandelaar met de olielampen, de scharen om de lonten mee te knippen, de lampendovers en alle kruiken en vaten die worden gebruikt voor de olijf-olie. 10 Daarna moeten ze er een kleed van dun leer overheen leggen en alles op een draagbaar zetten. 11 Over het gouden wierookaltaar moeten ze een blauw kleed leggen met daar overheen een kleed van dun leer. Daarna moeten ze de draagstokken aan het altaar vastmaken. 12 Dan moeten ze alle andere dingen die in het heiligdom gebruikt worden, op een blauw kleed leggen. Daar overheen moeten ze een kleed van dun leer leggen en het op een draagbaar leggen. 13 Ze moeten de as van het altaar voor de brand-offers afvegen en een paars kleed over het altaar leggen. 14 Daarop moeten ze alle dingen leggen die bij het altaar gebruikt worden: de vuurpannen, vorken, scheppen en offerschalen. Daar overheen moeten ze een kleed van dun leer leggen. Daarna moeten ze de draagstokken aan het altaar vastmaken.

15 Als Aäron en zijn zonen klaar zijn met het inpakken van alle heilige voorwerpen, moeten de Kehatieten naar binnen gaan om ze te dragen. Maar ze mogen de heilige voorwerpen niet aanraken. Anders zullen ze sterven. Dit is de taak van de Kehatieten bij het dragen van het heiligdom. 16 Eleazar, de zoon van de priester Aäron, moet zorgen voor de olie voor de kandelaar, de wierook, het meel van de dagelijkse meel-offers en de heilige zalf-olie. Hij heeft het toezicht op de hele tent van ontmoeting met alles wat daarin is."

17 En de Heer zei tegen Mozes en Aäron: 18 "De Kehatieten mogen de heilige voorwerpen niet zien en niet aanraken, want dan zullen ze sterven. 19 Zorg ervoor dat dat niet gebeurt. Wijs hen daarom precies wat ze moeten doen met deze allerheiligste dingen. Aäron en zijn zonen moeten naar binnen gaan. Zij moeten de Kehatieten aanwijzen wat ze moeten dragen. 20 Maar eerder mogen de Kehatieten niet naar binnen gaan. Ze mogen de heilige voorwerpen niet zien wanneer die ingepakt worden, want dan zullen ze sterven."

De taak van de families van Gerson

21 En de Heer zei tegen Mozes: 22 "Tel ook hoeveel mannen er in de families van Gerson zijn. 23 Tel alle mannen tussen de 30 en de 50 jaar, per familie. Dus alle mannen die dienst moeten doen bij de tent van ontmoeting. 24 Dit is hun taak: 25 Ze moeten alle tentkleden van de tent van ontmoeting dragen. De kleden die het dak vormen en de kleden van dun leer die daar overheen liggen, het gordijn voor de ingang van de tent van ontmoeting, 26 de doeken van de omheining en het gordijn voor de ingang van de omheining bij het altaar. Ook alle touwen die daarbij horen en alle andere dingen die daarbij horen. Ook moeten ze daaraan alles doen wat er zoal aan moet gebeuren. 27 Ze moeten precies doen wat Aäron en zijn zonen zeggen. Jullie moeten hun precies aanwijzen wat ze moeten dragen. 28 Dit is de taak van de Gersonieten bij het dragen van het heiligdom. Ze zullen werken onder de leiding van Itamar, de zoon van de priester Aäron.

De taak van de families van Merari

29 Tel ook hoeveel mannen er in de families van Merari zijn. 30 Tel alle mannen tussen de 30 en de 50 jaar, per familie. Dus alle mannen die dienst moeten doen bij de tent van ontmoeting. 31 Dit is hun taak: ze dragen de planken van de tent, de dwarsbalken, de palen met de voetstukken, 32 de palen van de omheining met de voetstukken, de pinnen en de touwen, en alle dingen die daarbij horen. Ook moeten ze daaraan alles doen wat er zoal aan moet gebeuren. Jullie moeten hun precies aanwijzen wat ze moeten dragen. 33 Dit is de taak van de Merarieten bij het dragen van het heiligdom. Ze zullen werken onder de leiding van Itamar, de zoon van de priester Aäron."

De Levieten worden geteld

34 Toen telden Mozes en Aäron de Kehatieten, per familie. 35 Er waren 2750 mannen tussen de 30 en de 50 jaar. 36+37 Dat is het aantal Kehatieten dat door Mozes en Aäron werd geteld. Zij moesten dienst doen bij de tent van ontmoeting, zoals de Heer het Mozes had bevolen.

38 Ze telden ook de Gersonieten, per familie. 39 Er waren 2630 mannen tussen de 30 en de 50 jaar. 40+41 Dat is het aantal Gersonieten dat door Mozes en Aäron werd geteld. Zij moesten dienst doen bij de tent van ontmoeting, zoals de Heer het Mozes had bevolen.

42 Ze telden ook de Merarieten, per familie. 43 Er waren 3200 mannen tussen de 30 en de 50 jaar. 44+45 Dat is het aantal Merarieten dat door Mozes en Aäron werd geteld. Zij moesten dienst doen bij de tent van ontmoeting, zoals de Heer het Mozes had bevolen.

46 In totaal hadden Mozes en Aäron met de leiders van Israël 8580 mannen geteld tussen de 30 en de 50 jaar. 47+48 Zij moesten dienst doen bij de tent van ontmoeting en helpen met het dragen, zoals de Heer het Mozes had bevolen.

49 Aan alle mannen die geteld waren, werd precies verteld wat hun taak was, zoals de Heer aan Mozes bevolen had.

Footnotes

  1. Numeri 4:3 Pas als een Leviet 30 jaar was, mocht hij dienst gaan doen in de tempel. Hij deed dienst tot zijn 50ste.

Batabani ba Kokasi

Mukama Katonda n’agamba Musa ne Alooni nti, (A)“Mubale batabani ba Kokasi abava mu kika ky’Abaleevi, ng’empya zaabwe n’ennyumba z’abakadde baabwe bwe ziri. (B)Mubabale nga muva ku basajja ab’emyaka amakumi asatu egy’obukulu okutuuka ku b’emyaka amakumi ataano, abayinza okuyingira mu buweereza obw’okukola emirimu mu Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu.

(C)“Gino gye mirimu eginaakolwanga batabani ba Kokasi: nga gya kulabirira ebintu ebitukuvu ennyo. (D)Olusiisira bwe lunaabanga lusitula, Alooni ne batabani be banaayingiranga mu Weema ya Mukama, ne batimbulula eggigi ery’olutimbe ne balibikka ku Ssanduuko ey’Endagaano. (E)Okwo banaabikkangako amaliba ga lukwata, kuno ne babikkako olugoye olwa bbululu omuka, ne balyoka basonsekamu emisituliro gyayo.

(F)“Ku mmeeza ey’Emigaati egy’Okulaga banaayaliirangako ekitambala ekya bbululu, ne bassaako amasowaane, n’ebijiiko ebinene, n’amabakuli, n’ejaagi omunaabeeranga ebiweebwayo ebyokunywa; n’emigaati egy’okulaga nagyo ginaabeeranga okwo. Banaayaliirangako ekitambaala ekimyufu ennyo, ne bakibikkako amaliba ga lukwata; ne basonsekamu emisituliro gyayo.

(G)“Banaddiranga ekitambaala ekya bbululu ne bakibikka ku kikondo ky’ettaala kwe zinaayakiranga, n’ettabaaza zaako, n’ebikomola entambi n’ensuniya ez’ebisirinza, n’ejaagi ez’amafuta ag’omuzeeyituuni aganaakozesebwanga mu ttaala ezo. 10 Ekikondo n’ebigenderako byonna binaasibibwanga mu maliba ga lukwata ne biteekebwa ku musituliro.

11 (H)“Banaayaliiranga olugoye olwa bbululu ku kyoto ekya zaabu, okwo ne babikkako amaliba ga lukwata, ne basonsekamu emisituliro gyakyo.

12 “Banaddiranga ebintu byonna ebinaakozesebwanga ku mirimu gy’obuweereza mu watukuvu ne babiteeka mu lugoye olwa bbululu ne babibikkako amaliba ga lukwata, ne babiteeka ku misituliro gyabyo. 13 (I)Ekyoto banaakiggyangamu evvu ne bakibikkako olugoye olwa ffulungu; 14 (J)ne balyoka bakissaako ebintu byonna ebikozesebwa mu mirimu gy’oku kyoto, nga mwe muli ensiniya ez’omuliro, n’ewuuma, n’ebijiiko n’ebibya. Okwo banaabikkangako amaliba ga lukwata, ne balyoka basonsekamu emisituliro gyakyo.

15 (K)“Alooni ne batabani be bwe banaamalanga okusibako awatukuvu ne byonna ebibeeramu, nga n’ekiseera ky’olusiisira okusitula mu lugendo kituuse; awo batabani ba Kokasi banajjanga ne babisitula, naye ekintu kyonna ekitukuvu tebakikwatangako, baleme okufa. Ebyo bye bintu eby’omu Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu batabani ba Kokasi bye baneetikkanga.

16 (L)“Eriyazaali, mutabani wa Alooni kabona, y’anaabeeranga n’obuvunaanyizibwa obw’amafuta g’ettaala ag’omuzeeyituuni, n’obubaane obwakaloosa, n’ekiweebwayo eky’okulaga eky’emmere ey’empeke, n’amafuta ag’omuzeeyituuni ag’okwawula. Era y’anaalabiriranga Eweema ya Mukama ne byonna ebigirimu, n’awatukuvu ne byonna ebikozesezebwamu.”

17 Mukama Katonda n’agamba Musa ne Alooni nti, 18 “Mwegendereze ab’omu mpya z’ennyumba z’Abakokasi baleme okukutulwa ku kika ky’Abaleevi. 19 (M)Ekyo munaakibakoleranga, bwe batyo bwe banaasembereranga ebintu ebitukuvu ennyo balemenga okufa, naye basigalenga nga balamu. Alooni ne batabani be banaayingiranga mu watukuvu ne bagabira buli Mukokasi omulimu gwe n’ebyo by’aneetikkanga. 20 (N)Naye Abakokasi tebaayingirenga munda kutunula ku bintu ebitukuvu, wadde n’eddakiika emu, balemenga okufa.”

Batabani ba Gerusoni

21 Mukama Katonda n’agamba Musa nti, 22 “Bala ne batabani ba Gerusoni ng’empya zaabwe n’ennyumba z’abakadde baabwe bwe ziri. 23 (O)Babale ng’otandikira ku basajja ab’emyaka amakumi asatu egy’obukulu okutuuka ku b’emyaka amakumi ataano, abayinza okuyingira mu buweereza obw’okukola emirimu egya Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu.

24 “Gino gye mirimu eginaakolebwanga ab’omu mpya z’Abagerusoni mu kuweereza era ne mu kwetikka emigugu: 25 (P)Baneetikkanga entimbe ez’omu Weema ya Mukama, y’Eweema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu n’ebigibikkako, n’amaliba aga lukwata agabikkibwa kungulu kwayo, n’entimbe ez’omu mulyango gwa Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu, 26 n’entimbe ez’omu luggya olwebungulula Weema ya Mukama n’ekyoto, n’olutimbe lw’omulyango gw’oluggya, n’emiguwa, ne byonna ebinaakozesebwanga mu kuweereza okwo. Abagerusoni banaakolanga byonna ebineetaagibwanga okukola ku bintu ebyo. 27 Mu kuweereza kwonna okw’Abagerusoni, oba mu kwetikka oba mu kukola emirimu egy’engeri endala, Alooni ne batabani be, be banaabalagiranga. Abagerusoni ojjanga kubakwasa obuvunaanyizibwa bwonna ku ebyo bye baneetikkanga. 28 (Q)Obwo bwe buweereza bwa batabani ba Gerusoni nga bukwata ku Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu. Bye banaakolanga binaalabirirwanga Isamaali mutabani wa Alooni kabona.

Batabani ba Merali

29 (R)“Batabani ba Merali nabo babale ng’empya zaabwe n’ennyumba z’abakadde baabwe bwe ziri. 30 Babale ng’otandikira ku basajja ab’emyaka amakumi asatu egy’obukulu okutuuka ku b’emyaka amakumi ataano, abayinza okuyingira mu buweereza obw’okukola emirimu egya Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu. 31 (S)Gino gye ginaabanga emirimu gyabwe egikwata ku Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu: Okusitula omudaala gwa Weema ya Mukama, n’embaawo zaayo, n’empagi n’ebibya mwe zituula, 32 awamu n’empagi ezeebungulula oluggya n’ebibya byazo mwe zituula, n’enkondo z’eweema, n’emiguwa, ne byonna ebyetaagibwa okukozesebwa ku mirimu egyo. Buli musajja onoomutegeezanga amannya g’ebintu byennyini by’ajjanga okwetikka. 33 Egyo gye ginaabanga emirimu gy’omu mpya z’abaana ba Merali nga bali mu buweereza bwabwe obwa Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu, nga bakulemberwa Isamaali mutabani wa Alooni kabona.”

Ebyava mu Kubala Abantu

34 (T)Awo Musa ne Alooni n’abakulembeze b’abantu ne babala batabani b’Abakokasi ng’empya zaabwe n’ennyumba z’abakadde baabwe bwe zaali.

35 Ne bababala nga batandikira ku basajja ab’emyaka amakumi asatu egy’obukulu okutuuka ku myaka amakumi ataano, abajja okuweereza mu Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu, 36 nga bababala ng’empya zaabwe bwe zaali; baawera enkumi bbiri mu lusanvu mu amakumi ataano (2,750). 37 (U)Ogwo gwe gwali omuwendo gwonna ogw’abo abaali mu mpya z’Abakokasi abaaweerezanga mu Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu. Musa ne Alooni baababala nga Mukama bwe yalagira Musa.

38 (V)Batabani ba Gerusoni nabo baabalibwa ng’empya zaabwe bwe zaali n’ennyumba z’abakadde baabwe bwe zaali.

39 Abasajja bonna okuva ku b’emyaka amakumi asatu egy’obukulu okutuuka ku b’emyaka amakumi ataano abaaweerezanga mu mirimu egy’omu Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu, 40 baabalibwa ng’empya zaabwe n’ennyumba z’abakadde baabwe bwe zaali, ne bawera enkumi bbiri mu lukaaga mu amakumi asatu (2,630). 41 Ogwo gwe gwali omuwendo gwonna ogwa batabani ba Gerusoni abaali mu mpya za Abagerusoni abaaweerezanga mu Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu. Musa ne Alooni baababala nga Mukama Katonda bwe yalagira Musa.

42 Batabani ba Merali baabalibwa ng’empya zaabwe n’ennyumba z’abakadde baabwe bwe zaali. 43 Abasajja bonna okuva ku b’emyaka amakumi asatu egy’obukulu okutuuka ku b’emyaka amakumi ataano abajja okuweereza mu mirimu gy’omu Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu, 44 abaabalibwa ng’empya zaabwe bwe zaali baali bawera enkumi ssatu mu ebikumi bibiri (3,200). 45 (W)Ogwo gwe gwali omuwendo gwonna ogwabalibwa ogw’omu mpya za batabani ba Merali. Musa ne Alooni baababala nga Mukama Katonda bwe yalagira Musa.

46 Bwe batyo Musa ne Alooni n’abakulembeze ba Isirayiri ne babala Abaleevi bonna mu mpya zaabwe ne mu nnyumba z’abakadde baabwe. 47 (X)Abasajja bonna okuva ku b’emyaka amakumi asatu egy’obukulu okutuuka ku b’emyaka amakumi ataano abajja okuweereza mu mirimu egy’omu Weema ya Mukama ey’Okukuŋŋaanirangamu, 48 (Y)abaabalibwa baawera kanaana mu ebikumi bitaano mu kinaana (8,580). 49 (Z)Buli musajja yaweebwa omulimu ogw’okukola n’ategeezebwa ky’aneetikka, nga Mukama Katonda bwe yalagira Musa.

Bwe batyo bonna ne babalibwa nga Mukama Katonda bwe yalagira Musa.

Duties of the Sons of Kohath

Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: “Take a census of the sons of (A)Kohath from among the children of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ house, (B)from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the tabernacle of meeting.

(C)“This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of meeting, relating to (D)the most holy things: When the camp prepares to journey, Aaron and his sons shall come, and they shall take down (E)the covering veil and cover the (F)ark of the Testimony with it. Then they shall put on it a covering of badger skins, and spread over that a cloth entirely of (G)blue; and they shall insert (H)its poles.

“On the (I)table of showbread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the pans, the bowls, and the [a]pitchers for pouring; and the (J)showbread[b] shall be on it. They shall spread over them a scarlet cloth, and cover the same with a covering of badger skins; and they shall insert its poles. And they shall take a blue cloth and cover the (K)lampstand of the light, (L)with its lamps, its wick-trimmers, its trays, and all its oil vessels, with which they service it. 10 Then they shall put it with all its utensils in a covering of badger skins, and put it on a carrying beam.

11 “Over (M)the golden altar they shall spread a blue cloth, and cover it with a covering of badger skins; and they shall insert its poles. 12 Then they shall take all the (N)utensils of service with which they minister in the sanctuary, put them in a blue cloth, cover them with a covering of badger skins, and put them on a carrying beam. 13 Also they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth over it. 14 They shall put on it all its implements with which they minister there—the firepans, the forks, the shovels, the [c]basins, and all the utensils of the altar—and they shall spread on it a covering of badger skins, and insert its poles. 15 And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is set to go, then (O)the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them; (P)but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die.

(Q)These are the things in the tabernacle of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to carry.

16 “The appointed duty of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest is (R)the oil for the light, the (S)sweet incense, (T)the daily grain offering, the (U)anointing oil, the oversight of all the tabernacle, of all that is in it, with the sanctuary and its furnishings.”

17 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: 18 “Do not cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; 19 but do this in regard to them, that they may live and not die when they approach (V)the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and [d]appoint each of them to his service and his task. 20 (W)But they shall not go in to watch while the holy things are being covered, lest they die.”

Duties of the Sons of Gershon

21 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 22 “Also take a census of the sons of (X)Gershon, by their fathers’ house, by their families. 23 (Y)From thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, you shall number them, all who enter to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of meeting. 24 This is the (Z)service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and carrying: 25 (AA)They shall carry the (AB)curtains of the tabernacle and the tabernacle of meeting with its covering, the covering of (AC)badger skins that is on it, the screen for the door of the tabernacle of meeting, 26 the screen for the door of the gate of the court, the hangings of the court which are around the tabernacle and altar, and their cords, all the furnishings for their service and all that is made for these things: so shall they serve.

27 “Aaron and his sons shall [e]assign all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, all their tasks and all their service. And you shall [f]appoint to them all their tasks as their duty. 28 This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of meeting. And their duties shall be (AD)under the [g]authority of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

Duties of the Sons of Merari

29 As for the sons of (AE)Merari, you shall number them by their families and by their fathers’ house. 30 (AF)From thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, you shall number them, everyone who enters the service to do the work of the tabernacle of meeting. 31 And (AG)this is (AH)what they must carry as all their service for the tabernacle of meeting: (AI)the boards of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, 32 and the pillars around the court with their sockets, pegs, and cords, with all their furnishings and all their service; and you shall (AJ)assign to each man by name the items he must carry. 33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, as all their service for the tabernacle of meeting, under the [h]authority of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.”

Census of the Levites

34 (AK)And Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families and by their fathers’ house, 35 from thirty (AL)years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the service for work in the tabernacle of meeting; 36 and those who were numbered by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty. 37 These were the ones who were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all who might serve in the tabernacle of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

38 And those who were numbered of the sons of Gershon, by their families and by their fathers’ house, 39 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the service for work in the tabernacle of meeting— 40 those who were numbered by their families, by their fathers’ house, were two thousand six hundred and thirty. 41 (AM)These are the ones who were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, of all who might serve in the tabernacle of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the Lord.

42 Those of the families of the sons of Merari who were numbered, by their families, by their fathers’ [i]house, 43 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the service for work in the tabernacle of meeting— 44 those who were numbered by their families were three thousand two hundred. 45 These are the ones who were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered (AN)according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

46 All who were (AO)numbered of the Levites, whom Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel numbered, by their families and by their fathers’ houses, 47 (AP)from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who came to do the work of service and the work of bearing burdens in the tabernacle of meeting— 48 those who were numbered were eight thousand five hundred and eighty.

49 According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, (AQ)each according to his service and according to his task; thus were they numbered by him, (AR)as the Lord commanded Moses.

Footnotes

  1. Numbers 4:7 jars for the drink offering
  2. Numbers 4:7 Lit. continual bread
  3. Numbers 4:14 bowls
  4. Numbers 4:19 assign
  5. Numbers 4:27 command
  6. Numbers 4:27 assign
  7. Numbers 4:28 Lit. hand
  8. Numbers 4:33 Lit. hand
  9. Numbers 4:42 household

The Kohathites

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: “Take a census(A) of the Kohathite branch of the Levites by their clans and families. Count(B) all the men from thirty to fifty years of age(C) who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting.

“This is the work(D) of the Kohathites(E) at the tent of meeting: the care of the most holy things.(F) When the camp is to move,(G) Aaron and his sons are to go in and take down the shielding curtain(H) and put it over the ark of the covenant law.(I) Then they are to cover the curtain with a durable leather,[a](J) spread a cloth of solid blue over that and put the poles(K) in place.

“Over the table of the Presence(L) they are to spread a blue cloth and put on it the plates, dishes and bowls, and the jars for drink offerings;(M) the bread that is continually there(N) is to remain on it. They are to spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover that with the durable leather and put the poles(O) in place.

“They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand that is for light, together with its lamps, its wick trimmers and trays,(P) and all its jars for the olive oil used to supply it. 10 Then they are to wrap it and all its accessories in a covering of the durable leather and put it on a carrying frame.(Q)

11 “Over the gold altar(R) they are to spread a blue cloth and cover that with the durable leather and put the poles(S) in place.

12 “They are to take all the articles(T) used for ministering in the sanctuary, wrap them in a blue cloth, cover that with the durable leather and put them on a carrying frame.(U)

13 “They are to remove the ashes(V) from the bronze altar(W) and spread a purple cloth over it. 14 Then they are to place on it all the utensils(X) used for ministering at the altar, including the firepans,(Y) meat forks,(Z) shovels(AA) and sprinkling bowls.(AB) Over it they are to spread a covering of the durable leather and put the poles(AC) in place.

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,(AD) only then are the Kohathites(AE) to come and do the carrying.(AF) But they must not touch the holy things(AG) or they will die.(AH) The Kohathites are to carry those things that are in the tent of meeting.

16 “Eleazar(AI) son of Aaron, the priest, is to have charge of the oil for the light,(AJ) the fragrant incense,(AK) the regular grain offering(AL) and the anointing oil. He is to be in charge of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including its holy furnishings and articles.”

17 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 18 “See that the Kohathite tribal clans are not destroyed from among the Levites. 19 So that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things,(AM) do this for them: Aaron and his sons(AN) are to go into the sanctuary and assign to each man his work and what he is to carry.(AO) 20 But the Kohathites must not go in to look(AP) at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die.”

The Gershonites

21 The Lord said to Moses, 22 “Take a census also of the Gershonites by their families and clans. 23 Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age(AQ) who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting.

24 “This is the service of the Gershonite clans in their carrying and their other work: 25 They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle,(AR) that is, the tent of meeting,(AS) its covering(AT) 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,(AU) the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard,(AV) the ropes and all the equipment(AW) 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.(AX) You shall assign to them as their responsibility(AY) all they are to carry. 28 This is the service of the Gershonite clans(AZ) at the tent of meeting. Their duties are to be under the direction of Ithamar(BA) son of Aaron, the priest.

The Merarites

29 “Count(BB) the Merarites by their clans and families.(BC) 30 Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting. 31 As part of all their service at the tent, they are to carry the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts and bases,(BD) 32 as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, ropes,(BE) all their equipment and everything related to their use. Assign to each man the specific things he is to carry. 33 This is the service of the Merarite clans as they work at the tent of meeting under the direction of Ithamar(BF) son of Aaron, the priest.”

The Numbering of the Levite Clans

34 Moses, Aaron and the leaders of the community counted the Kohathites(BG) by their clans and families. 35 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age(BH) who came to serve in the work at the tent of meeting, 36 counted by clans, were 2,750. 37 This was the total of all those in the Kohathite clans(BI) who served at the tent of meeting. Moses and Aaron counted them according to the Lord’s command through Moses.

38 The Gershonites(BJ) were counted by their clans and families. 39 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age who came to serve in the work at the tent of meeting, 40 counted by their clans and families, were 2,630. 41 This was the total of those in the Gershonite clans who served at the tent of meeting. Moses and Aaron counted them according to the Lord’s command.

42 The Merarites were counted by their clans and families. 43 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age(BK) who came to serve in the work at the tent of meeting, 44 counted by their clans, were 3,200. 45 This was the total of those in the Merarite clans.(BL) Moses and Aaron counted them according to the Lord’s command through Moses.

46 So Moses, Aaron and the leaders of Israel counted(BM) all the Levites by their clans and families. 47 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age(BN) who came to do the work of serving and carrying the tent of meeting 48 numbered 8,580.(BO) 49 At the Lord’s command through Moses, each was assigned his work and told what to carry.

Thus they were counted,(BP) as the Lord commanded Moses.

Footnotes

  1. Numbers 4:6 Possibly the hides of large aquatic mammals; also in verses 8, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 25

Duties of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites

The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, by their clans and their fathers' houses, (A)from thirty years old up to fifty years old, all who can come on duty, to do the work in the tent of meeting. This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting: (B)the most holy things. When the camp is to set out, Aaron and his sons shall go in and take down (C)the veil of the screen and cover (D)the ark of the testimony with it. Then they shall put on it a covering of goatskin[a] and spread on top of that a cloth all of blue, and shall put in its (E)poles. And over the (F)table of the bread of the Presence they shall spread a cloth of blue and put on it the plates, the dishes for incense, the bowls, and the flagons for the drink offering; (G)the regular showbread also shall be on it. Then they shall spread over them a cloth of scarlet and cover the same with a covering of goatskin, and shall (H)put in its poles. And they shall take a cloth of blue and cover (I)the lampstand for the light, with its lamps, its tongs, its trays, and all the vessels for oil with which it is supplied. 10 And they shall put it with all its utensils in a covering of goatskin and put it on the carrying frame. 11 And over (J)the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue and cover it with a covering of goatskin, and shall put in its poles. 12 And they shall take all (K)the vessels of the service that are used in the sanctuary and put them in a cloth of blue and cover them with a covering of goatskin and put them on the carrying frame. 13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar and spread a purple cloth over it. 14 And they shall put on it all the utensils of the altar, which are used for the service there, the fire pans, the forks, the shovels, and the basins, all the utensils of the altar; and they shall spread on it a covering of goatskin, and shall put in its poles. 15 And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, as the camp sets out, after that (L)the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, (M)but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die. These are the things of the tent of meeting that the sons of Kohath are to carry.

16 “And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall have charge of (N)the oil for the light, the (O)fragrant incense, (P)the regular grain offering, and (Q)the anointing oil, with the oversight of the whole tabernacle and all that is in it, of the sanctuary and its vessels.”

17 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 18 “Let not the tribe of the clans of the Kohathites be destroyed from among the Levites, 19 but deal thus with them, that they may live and not die when they come near to (R)the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint them each to his task and to his burden, 20 (S)but they shall not go in to look on the holy things even for a moment, lest they die.”

21 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 22 “Take a census of the sons of Gershon also, by their fathers' houses and by their clans. 23 (T)From thirty years old up to fifty years old, you shall list them, all who can (U)come to do duty, to do service in the tent of meeting. 24 This is the service of the clans of the Gershonites, in serving and bearing burdens: 25 (V)they shall carry (W)the curtains of the tabernacle and the tent of meeting with (X)its covering and the covering of goatskin that is on top of it and the screen for the entrance of the tent of meeting 26 and the hangings of the court and the screen for the entrance of the gate of the court that is around the tabernacle and the altar, and their cords and all the equipment for their service. And they shall do all that needs to be done with regard to them. 27 All the service of the sons of the Gershonites shall be at the command of Aaron and his sons, in all that they are to carry and in all that they have to do. And you shall assign to their charge all that they are to carry. 28 This is the service of the clans of the sons of the Gershonites in the tent of meeting, and their guard duty is to be (Y)under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

29 “As for the sons of Merari, you shall list them by their clans and their fathers' houses. 30 (Z)From thirty years old up to fifty years old, you shall list them, everyone who can come on duty, to do the service of the tent of meeting. 31 And (AA)this is what they are charged to carry, as the whole of their service in the tent of meeting: the frames of the tabernacle, with its bars, pillars, and bases, 32 and the pillars around the court with their bases, pegs, and cords, with all their equipment and all their accessories. And you shall (AB)list by name the objects that they are required to carry. 33 This is the service of the clans of the sons of Merari, the whole of their service in the tent of meeting, (AC)under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.”

34 And Moses and Aaron and the chiefs of the congregation listed the sons of the Kohathites, by their clans and their fathers' houses, 35 (AD)from thirty years old up to fifty years old, everyone who could come on duty, for service in the tent of meeting; 36 and those listed by clans were 2,750. 37 (AE)This was the list of the clans of the Kohathites, all who served in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron listed according to the commandment of the Lord by Moses.

38 Those listed of the sons of Gershon, by their clans and their fathers' houses, 39 (AF)from thirty years old up to fifty years old, everyone who could come on duty for service in the tent of meeting— 40 those listed by their clans and their fathers' houses were 2,630. 41 (AG)This was the list of the clans of the sons of Gershon, all who served in the tent of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron listed according to the commandment of the Lord.

42 Those listed of the clans of the sons of Merari, by their clans and their fathers' houses, 43 (AH)from thirty years old up to fifty years old, everyone who could come on duty, for service in the tent of meeting— 44 those listed by clans were 3,200. 45 (AI)This was the list of the clans of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron listed according to the commandment of the Lord by Moses.

46 All those who were listed of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the chiefs of Israel listed, by their clans and their fathers' houses, 47 (AJ)from thirty years old up to fifty years old, everyone who could come to do the service of ministry and the service of bearing burdens in the tent of meeting, 48 those listed were 8,580. 49 According to the commandment of the Lord through Moses they were listed, (AK)each one with his task of serving or carrying. Thus they were listed by him, (AL)as the Lord commanded Moses.

Footnotes

  1. Numbers 4:6 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain; compare Exodus 25:5