³³ To Merari belonged the clans of Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Merarites. ³⁴ Their enrollment, according to the number of males over one month old, was 6,200. ³⁵ The chief of the household representing the clans of the Merarites was Zuriel, Abihail’s son. They were to camp on the north side of the dwelling. ³⁶ The Merarites were assigned responsibility for the frames of the dwelling, its bars, pillars, bases, and all its equipment—all these items— ³⁷ and the pillars of the courtyard all around, their bases, pegs, and cords.

³⁸ Those camping in front of the dwelling eastward (that is, before the meeting tent on the east side) were Moses, Aaron, and his sons, who performed the duties of the sanctuary as service for the Israelites. Anyone else who approached would be put to death. ³⁹ The total enrollment of the Levites, all the males over one month old whom Moses and Aaron enrolled by orders from the Lord, according to their clans, was 22,000.