⁷ They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community^(A) at the tent of meeting by doing the work^(B) of the tabernacle. ⁸ They are to take care of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle.

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

²⁶ They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the tent of meeting, but they themselves must not do the work.^(A) This, then, is how you are to assign the responsibilities of the Levites.”

¹⁹ When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord’s order^(A) and did not set out.^(B)

²³ At the Lord’s command they encamped, and at the Lord’s command they set out. They obeyed the Lord’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses.

³ They are to be responsible to you^(A) and are to perform all the duties of the tent,^(B) but they must not go near the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar. Otherwise both they and you will die.^{(C) 4} They are to join you and be responsible for the care of the tent of meeting—all the work at the tent—and no one else may come near where you are.^(D)

⁵ “You are to be responsible for the care of the sanctuary and the altar,^(E) so that my wrath will not fall on the Israelites again.

³⁰ From the Israelites’ half, select one out of every fifty, whether people, cattle, donkeys, sheep or other animals. Give them to the Levites, who are responsible for the care of the Lord’s tabernacle.^(A)”

⁴⁷ From the Israelites’ half, Moses selected one out of every fifty people and animals, as the Lord commanded him, and gave them to the Levites, who were responsible for the care of the Lord’s tabernacle.

³² And so the Levites^(A) carried out their responsibilities for the tent of meeting,^(B) for the Holy Place and, under their relatives the descendants of Aaron, for the service of the temple of the Lord.^(C)

¹¹ Every morning and evening^(A) they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense^(B) to the Lord. They set out the bread on the ceremonially clean table^(C) and light the lamps^(D) on the gold lampstand every evening. We are observing the requirements of the Lord our God. But you have forsaken him.