1 Chronicles 23:2-6

New International Reader's Version

² He gathered together all the leaders of Israel. He also gathered the priests and the Levites together. ³ The Levites who were 30 years old or more were counted. The total number of men was 38,000. ⁴ David said, “From them, 24,000 will be in charge of the work of the Lord’s temple. And 6,000 will be officials and judges. ⁵ Another 4,000 will guard the gates. And 4,000 will praise the Lord with the instruments of music I’ve provided for that purpose.”

⁶ David separated the Levites into groups. He did it according to the sons of Levi. The sons were Gershon, Kohath and Merari.