³³ To Merari belonged the clans of the Mahlites and the Mushites;^(A) these were the Merarite clans.^{(B) 34} The number of all the males a month old or more^(C) who were counted was 6,200. ³⁵ The leader of the families of the Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.^{(D) 36} The Merarites were appointed^(E) to take care of the frames of the tabernacle,^(F) its crossbars,^(G) posts,^(H) bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use,^{(I) 37} as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard^(J) with their bases, tent pegs^(K) and ropes.

³⁸ Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp to the east^(L) of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, in front of the tent of meeting.^(M) They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary^(N) on behalf of the Israelites. Anyone else who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.^(O)

³⁹ The total number of Levites counted^(P) at the Lord’s command by Moses and Aaron according to their clans, including every male a month old or more, was 22,000.^(Q)