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
Abihail: Father of Zuriel, a Levite leader Merari: The third son of Levi and founder of the Merarites Zuriel: Leader of the Merarite Levites
Glossary
Abihail Biblical Concept of Law Census Deuteronomy, Book of Genealogy Numbers, Book of Tabernacle Zuriel
Topics
Abihail: Father of Zuriel Census: The Numbering of Israel by Moses Levites: Enrollment of, at Mount Sinai Levites: Functions of had Charge of the Tabernacle in the Encampments and on the March Levites: Place of, in Encampments and the March Levites: The Merarites Merari: Head the Merarite Levites Tabernacle: The Levites: Pitched Their Tents Around The Levites: Encamped Round the Tabernacle The Levites: had Chiefs or officers Over Them Zuriel: A Merarite