14 The Lord said to Moses in the Desert of Sinai,
15 “Count the Levites by their families and clans. Count every male a month old or more.”
16 So Moses counted them, as he was commanded by the word of the Lord.
17 These were the names of the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari.
18 These were the names of the Gershonite clans: Libni and Shimei.
19 The Kohathite clans: Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.
20 The Merarite clans: Mahli and Mushi. These were the Levite clans, according to their families.
21 To Gershon belonged the clans of the Libnites and Shimeites; these were the Gershonite clans.
22 The number of all the males a month old or more who were counted was 7,500.
23 The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle.
24 The leader of the families of the Gershonites was Eliasaph son of Lael.
25 At the tent of meeting the Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the tent of meeting,
26 the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes and everything related to their use.
27 To Kohath belonged the clans of the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites and Uzzielites; these were the Kohathite clans.
28 The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. The Kohathites were responsible for the care of the sanctuary.
29 The Kohathite clans were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle.
30 The leader of the families of the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan son of Uzziel.
31 They were responsible for the care of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use.
32 The chief leader of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest. He was appointed over those who were responsible for the care of the sanctuary.
33 To Merari belonged the clans of the Mahlites and the Mushites; these were the Merarite clans.
34 The number of all the males a month old or more 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.
36 The Merarites were appointed to take care of the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use,
37 as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs and ropes.
38 Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, in front of the tent of meeting. They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary on behalf of the Israelites. Anyone else who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.
39 The total number of Levites counted at the Lord’s command by Moses and Aaron according to their clans, including every male a month old or more, was 22,000.

Reflection

An Overlooked Calling (3:14–26)
Although considered mundane and often overlooked, the organization of a church or ministry according to the gifts and callings of God’s people is essential. Consider the Gershonites and the Merarites, for example. Their assigned tasks are essential to the journey of God’s people through the wilderness. Tasked with disassembling, transporting, and reassembling the tabernacle, they always set out before the Kohathites (see Num. 10:14–21). Setting up the tabernacle in the center of the camp would then provide a visual and spiritual reference point for the other tribes as they take their assigned places. Remember the Gershonites and Merarites of your community as you prepare for worship; they are the ones God uses to make sure His people can gather in a peaceful and orderly manner.

- Which ministries at your local church are in charge of making preparations before worship? Thank God for them and pray that He will provide what they need to continue serving His people gladly.

We Need Each Other (3:27–39)
Another list of essential Levite duties is found in this passage. The care of the ark of the covenant as well as all the essential furnishings of the tabernacle is the responsibility assigned to the Kohathite clans. Like the other Levites, they share various responsibilities in the care of the tabernacle. No one clan is responsible for everything. They are dependent on one another to accomplish the work. This work involves meeting the needs of God’s people and bringing glory and honor to God’s name. These two things are interconnected. As our service meets the needs of other believers, we are also bringing glory and honor to Christ our Lord.

- What are some ways you see Jesus’ glory reflected through the ministries in your local church? Reflect on the ways your life and gifts both serve others and bring glory to Jesus. 

A letter to God 

Lord Jesus, may my life and service be filled with respect and gratitude for the fellow believers who serve with me. Help us recognize how much we need each other as we serve You by serving Your people. In Your name, amen.

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