Numbers 3:1   (Read all of Numbers 3)

This is the account of the family of Aaron and Moses at the time the Lord spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai.

Numbers 3:2   (Read all of Numbers 3)

The names of the sons of Aaron were Nadab the firstborn and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.

Numbers 3:3   (Read all of Numbers 3)

Those were the names of Aaron's sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests.

Numbers 3:4   (Read all of Numbers 3)

Nadab and Abihu, however, died before the Lord when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai. They had no sons, so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.

Numbers 3:5   (Read all of Numbers 3)

The Lord said to Moses,

Numbers 3:9   (Read all of Numbers 3)

Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to him.

Numbers 3:10   (Read all of Numbers 3)

Appoint Aaron and his sons to serve as priests; anyone else who approaches the sanctuary is to be put to death."

Numbers 3:11   (Read all of Numbers 3)

The Lord also said to Moses,

Numbers 3:13   (Read all of Numbers 3)

for all the firstborn are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They are to be mine. I am the Lord."

Numbers 3:14   (Read all of Numbers 3)

The Lord said to Moses in the Desert of Sinai,

Numbers 3:16   (Read all of Numbers 3)

So Moses counted them, as he was commanded by the word of the Lord.

Numbers 3:17   (Read all of Numbers 3)

These were the names of the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari.

Numbers 3:18   (Read all of Numbers 3)

These were the names of the Gershonite clans: Libni and Shimei.

Numbers 3:21   (Read all of Numbers 3)

To Gershon belonged the clans of the Libnites and Shimeites; these were the Gershonite clans.

Numbers 3:24   (Read all of Numbers 3)

The leader of the families of the Gershonites was Eliasaph son of Lael.

Numbers 3:26   (Read all of Numbers 3)

the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes-and everything related to their use.

Numbers 3:28   (Read all of Numbers 3)

The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. The Kohathites were responsible for the care of the sanctuary.

Numbers 3:29   (Read all of Numbers 3)

The Kohathite clans were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle.

Numbers 3:30   (Read all of Numbers 3)

The leader of the families of the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan son of Uzziel.

Numbers 3:31   (Read all of Numbers 3)

They were responsible for the care of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use.

Numbers 3:32   (Read all of Numbers 3)

The chief leader of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest. He was appointed over those who were responsible for the care of the sanctuary.

Numbers 3:35   (Read all of Numbers 3)

The leader of the families of the Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

Numbers 3:37   (Read all of Numbers 3)

as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs and ropes.

Numbers 3:38   (Read all of Numbers 3)

Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, in front of the tent of meeting. They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary on behalf of the Israelites. Anyone else who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.