33-37 Merari was ancestor to the clans of the Mahlites and the Mushites, known as the Merarite clans. The males who were one month and older numbered 6,200. They were led by Zuriel son of Abihail and camped on the north side of The Dwelling. The Merarites were in charge of the frames of The Dwelling, its crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—everything having to do with these things, as well as the posts of the surrounding Courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and cords.

38 Moses and Aaron and his sons camped to the east of The Dwelling, toward the rising sun, in front of the Tent of Meeting. They were in charge of maintaining the Sanctuary for the People of Israel and the rituals of worship. Anyone else who tried to perform these duties was to be put to death.

39 The sum total of Levites counted at God’s command by Moses and Aaron, clan by clan, all the males one month and older, numbered 22,000.

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37 as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard(A) with their bases, tent pegs(B) and ropes.

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

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

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