2-5 At the same time he brought together all the leaders of Israel, the priests, and the Levites. The Levites thirty years and older were counted; the total was thirty-eight thousand. David sorted them into work groups: “Twenty-four thousand are in charge of administering worship in the sanctuary; six thousand are officials and judges; four thousand are security guards; and four thousand are to serve in the orchestra, praising God with instruments that I have provided for praise.”

David then divided the Levites into groupings named after the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

7-11 The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei. The three sons of Ladan: Jehiel, Zetham, and Joel. The three sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran, all heads of the families of Ladan. The four sons of Shimei: Jahath, Ziza, Jeush, and Beriah. Jahath came first, followed by Ziza. Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons so they were counted as one family with one task.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The One Year Bible MSG--softcover
The One Year Bible MSG--softcover
Retail: $19.99
Our Price: $15.99
Save: $4.00 (20%)
The Message//REMIX 2.0, Vintage Brown & Navy
The Message//REMIX 2.0, Vintage Brown & Navy
Retail: $39.99
Our Price: $32.99
Save: $7.00 (18%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Gospel of John
The Message Gospel of John
Retail: $4.99
Our Price: $4.49
Save: $0.50 (10%)
The Message of Proverbs - eBook
The Message of Proverbs - eBook
Retail: $3.99
Our Price: $2.89
Save: $1.10 (28%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
My First Message: A Devotional Bible for Kids - eBook
My First Message: A Devotional Bible for Kids - eBook
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $9.00 (47%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars