³⁵ You must stay at the entrance to the tent of meeting day and night for seven days and do what the Lord requires,^(A) so you will not die; for that is what I have been commanded.”

²⁷ To Kohath^(A) belonged the clans of the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites and Uzzielites;^(B) these were the Kohathite^(C) clans.

²⁸ The number of all the males a month old or more^(A) was 8,600.^[a] The Kohathites were responsible^(B) for the care of the sanctuary.^(C)

³² The chief leader of the Levites was Eleazar^(A) son of Aaron, the priest. He was appointed over those who were responsible^(B) for the care of the sanctuary.^(C)

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)

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

²³ They and their descendants were in charge of guarding the gates of the house of the Lord—the house called the tent of meeting.

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.

Psalm 134

A song of ascents.