Translations
Original
Notes
This first phase of a two-part registration of the tribe of Levi summarized each family's special duties. 4:1–33 describes this in more detail (see 4:34–49 for the second phase). This count did not relate to military duties, so it included male Levites from the age of one month (3:40–41).
Three family groups descend from the three sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. These clans, often called the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites, later inherited the "cities of refuge" (Joshua 21). They also had various important roles in the Jerusalem temple (2 Chronicles 29:3–17).
Israel's priests and Levites had duties like moving, assembling, protecting, and maintaining the Tent of Meeting. The way God organized the tribes highlighted his concern for these priestly tasks.
People
Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt
Glossary
Biblical Concept of Law Census Deuteronomy, Book of Genealogy Numbers, Book of Tabernacle
Topics
Census: The Numbering of Israel by Moses Levites: Enrollment of, at Mount Sinai Levites: Set Apart As Ministers of Religion The Levites: Numbered Separately After the People from a Month Old