⁵³ The Levites, however, are to set up their tents around the tabernacle^(A) of the covenant law so that my wrath will not fall^(B) on the Israelite community. The Levites are to be responsible for the care of the tabernacle of the covenant law.^(C)”

⁴⁶ Then Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer^(A) and put incense in it, along with burning coals from the altar, and hurry to the assembly^(B) to make atonement^(C) for them. Wrath has come out from the Lord;^(D) the plague^(E) has started.”

³² And so the Levites^(A) carried out their responsibilities for the tent of meeting,^(B) for the Holy Place and, under their relatives the descendants of Aaron, for the service of the temple of the Lord.^(C)

⁶ Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar,^(A) “Do not let your hair become unkempt^[a](B) and do not tear your clothes,^(C) or you will die and the Lord will be angry with the whole community.^(D) But your relatives, all the Israelites, may mourn^(E) for those the Lord has destroyed by fire.

⁴⁷ From the Israelites’ half, Moses selected one out of every fifty people and animals, as the Lord commanded him, and gave them to the Levites, who were responsible for the care of the Lord’s tabernacle.

³⁰ From the Israelites’ half, select one out of every fifty, whether people, cattle, donkeys, sheep or other animals. Give them to the Levites, who are responsible for the care of the Lord’s tabernacle.^(A)”

¹⁹ From among all the Israelites, I have given the Levites as gifts to Aaron and his sons^(A) to do the work at the tent of meeting on behalf of the Israelites^(B) and to make atonement for them^(C) so that no plague will strike the Israelites when they go near the sanctuary.”

⁷ They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community^(A) at the tent of meeting by doing the work^(B) of the tabernacle. ⁸ They are to take care of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle.

² Preach^(A) the word;^(B) be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke^(C) and encourage^(D)—with great patience and careful instruction.