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)

³¹ They were responsible for the care of the ark,^(A) the table,^(B) the lampstand,^(C) the altars,^(D) the articles^(E) of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain,^(F) and everything related to their use.^(G)

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)

⁷ “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey^(A) all the law^(B) my servant Moses^(C) gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left,^(D) that you may be successful wherever you go.^{(E) 8} Keep this Book of the Law^(F) always on your lips;^(G) meditate^(H) on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.^{(I) 9} Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid;^(J) do not be discouraged,^(K) for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”^(L)

³ and observe^(A) what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper^(B) in all you do and wherever you go

¹⁶ They alone are to enter my sanctuary; they alone are to come near my table^(A) to minister before me and serve me as guards.^(B)