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.
Parallels
People
Gershon: Firstborn son of Levi; head of the Gershonite Levites
Glossary
Biblical Concept of Law Census Deuteronomy, Book of Genealogy Gershon, Gershonites Izehar, Izeharites Kohath, Kohathites Merari, Merarite Numbers, Book of Tabernacle Uzziel
Topics
Census: The Numbering of Israel by Moses Gershon: Son of Levi Levites: Enrollment of, at Mount Sinai Levites: Functions of had Charge of the Tabernacle in the Encampments and on the March Levites: Gershonites and Their Duties Levites: Place of, in Encampments and the March Tabernacle: The Levites: Pitched Their Tents Around The Levites: Encamped Round the Tabernacle