Numbers 3 Cross References - MSB

¹ This is the account of Aaron and Moses at the time the LORD spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai. ² These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, then Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. ³ These were Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. ⁴ Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron. ⁵ Then the LORD said to Moses, ⁶ “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. ⁷ They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. ⁸ They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. ⁹ Assign the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they have been given exclusively to him from among the Israelites. ¹⁰ So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood; but any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death.” ¹¹ Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ¹² “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me, ¹³ for all the firstborn are Mine. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD.” ¹⁴ Then the LORD spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, saying, ¹⁵ “Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.” ¹⁶ So Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he had been commanded. ¹⁷ These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. ¹⁸ These were the names of the sons of Gershon by their clans: Libni and Shimei. ¹⁹ The sons of Kohath by their clans were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. ²⁰ And the sons of Merari by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites, according to their families. ²¹ From Gershon came the Libnite clan and the Shimeite clan; these were the Gershonite clans. ²² The number of all the males a month old or more was 7,500. ²³ The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle, ²⁴ and the leader of the families of the Gershonites was Eliasaph son of Lael. ²⁵ The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting were the tabernacle and tent, its covering, the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, ²⁶ the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, and the cords—all the service for these items. ²⁷ From Kohath came the clans of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites; these were the clans of the Kohathites. ²⁸ The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. ²⁹ The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle, ³⁰ and the leader of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan son of Uzziel. ³¹ Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items. ³² The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. ³³ From Merari came the clans of the Mahlites and Mushites; these were the Merarite clans. ³⁴ The number of all the males a month old or more was 6,200. ³⁵ The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle. ³⁶ The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service for these items, ³⁷ as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes. ³⁸ Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death. ³⁹ The total number of Levites that Moses and Aaron counted by their clans at the LORD’s command, including all the males a month old or more, was 22,000. ⁴⁰ Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names. ⁴¹ You are to take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites.” ⁴² So Moses numbered all the firstborn of the Israelites, as the LORD had commanded him. ⁴³ The total number of the firstborn males a month old or more, listed by name, was 22,273. ⁴⁴ Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ⁴⁵ “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD. ⁴⁶ To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites, ⁴⁷ you are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs. ⁴⁸ Give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the excess among the Israelites.” ⁴⁹ So Moses collected the redemption money from those in excess of the number redeemed by the Levites. ⁵⁰ He collected the money from the firstborn of the Israelites: 1,365 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. ⁵¹ And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons in obedience to the word of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.

⁴ This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made them.

¹ This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, He made him in His own likeness.

¹ This is the account of Noah’s sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who also had sons after the flood.

¹⁶ These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

²⁰ And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.

²⁷ Moses and Aaron were the ones who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt in order to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.

¹ Then the LORD said to Moses on Mount Sinai,

³⁴ These are the commandments that the LORD gave to Moses for the Israelites on Mount Sinai.

¹ This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:

²³ And Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.

¹ “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.

⁶⁰ Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar were born to Aaron,

³ The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

¹ These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

⁴¹ After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests.

¹ “Now this is what you are to do to consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests: Take a young bull and two rams without blemish, ² along with unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil. Make them out of fine wheat flour, ³ put them in a basket, and present them in the basket, along with the bull and the two rams. ⁴ Then present Aaron and his sons at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. ⁵ Take the garments and clothe Aaron with the tunic, the robe of the ephod, the ephod itself, and the breastplate. Fasten the ephod on him with its woven waistband. ⁶ Put the turban on his head and attach the holy diadem to the turban. ⁷ Then take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head. ⁸ Present his sons as well and clothe them with tunics. ⁹ Wrap the sashes around Aaron and his sons and tie headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a permanent statute. In this way you are to ordain Aaron and his sons. ¹⁰ You are to present the bull at the front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head. ¹¹ And you shall slaughter the bull before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. ¹² Take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; then pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar. ¹³ Take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with the fat on them, and burn them on the altar. ¹⁴ But burn the flesh of the bull and its hide and dung outside the camp; it is a sin offering. ¹⁵ Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. ¹⁶ You are to slaughter the ram, take its blood, and sprinkle it on all sides of the altar. ¹⁷ Cut the ram into pieces, wash the entrails and legs, and place them with its head and other pieces. ¹⁸ Then burn the entire ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, an offering made by fire to the LORD. ¹⁹ Take the second ram, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head. ²⁰ Slaughter the ram, take some of its blood, and put it on the right earlobes of Aaron and his sons, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Sprinkle the remaining blood on all sides of the altar. ²¹ And take some of the blood on the altar and some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, as well as on his sons and their garments. Then he and his garments will be consecrated, as well as his sons and their garments. ²² Take the fat from the ram, the fat tail, the fat covering the entrails, the lobe of the liver, both kidneys with the fat on them, and the right thigh (since this is a ram for ordination), ²³ along with one loaf of bread, one cake of bread made with oil, and one wafer from the basket of unleavened bread that is before the LORD. ²⁴ Put all these in the hands of Aaron and his sons and wave them before the LORD as a wave offering. ²⁵ Then take them from their hands and burn them on the altar atop the burnt offering as a pleasing aroma before the LORD; it is an offering made by fire to the LORD. ²⁶ Take the breast of the ram of Aaron’s ordination and wave it before the LORD as a wave offering, and it will be your portion. ²⁷ Consecrate for Aaron and his sons the breast of the wave offering that is waved and the thigh of the heave offering that is lifted up from the ram of ordination. ²⁸ This will belong to Aaron and his sons as a regular portion from the Israelites, for it is the heave offering the Israelites will make to the LORD from their peace offerings. ²⁹ The holy garments that belong to Aaron will belong to his sons after him, so they can be anointed and ordained in them. ³⁰ The son who succeeds him as priest and enters the Tent of Meeting to minister in the Holy Place must wear them for seven days. ³¹ You are to take the ram of ordination and boil its flesh in a holy place. ³² At the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, Aaron and his sons are to eat the meat of the ram and the bread that is in the basket. ³³ They must eat those things by which atonement was made for their ordination and consecration. But no outsider may eat them, because these things are sacred. ³⁴ And if any of the meat of ordination or any bread is left until the morning, you are to burn up the remainder. It must not be eaten, because it is sacred. ³⁵ This is what you are to do for Aaron and his sons based on all that I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them. ³⁶ Sacrifice a bull as a sin offering each day for atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it. ³⁷ For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will become most holy; whatever touches the altar will be holy.

¹³ And you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he may serve Me as a priest.

¹⁵ Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations.”

¹ Then the LORD said to Moses, ² “Take Aaron and his sons, their garments, the anointing oil, the bull of the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread, ³ and assemble the whole congregation at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” ⁴ So Moses did as the LORD had commanded him, and the assembly gathered at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. ⁵ And Moses said to them, “This is what the LORD has commanded to be done.” ⁶ Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. ⁷ He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. ⁸ Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. ⁹ Moses also put the turban on Aaron’s head and set the gold plate, the holy diadem, on the front of the turban, as the LORD had commanded him.

¹² He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.

³⁰ Next, Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood that was on the altar and sprinkled them on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and their garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments, as well as Aaron’s sons and their garments.

²⁸ For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

¹ Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. ² So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.

⁶¹ but Nadab and Abihu died when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD.

²⁶ So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. ²⁷ He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’” ²⁸ The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead. ²⁹ Afterward, Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for service to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother; so the LORD has bestowed a blessing on you this day.”

⁴⁹ “Do not number the tribe of Levi in the census with the other Israelites. ⁵⁰ Instead, you are to appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, all its furnishings, and everything in it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its articles, care for it, and camp around it. ⁵¹ Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death. ⁵² The Israelites are to camp by their divisions, each man in his own camp and under his own standard. ⁵³ But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.”

¹⁷ In the middle of the camps, the Tent of Meeting is to travel with the camp of the Levites. They are to set out in the order they encamped, each in his own place under his standard.

³³ But the Levites were not counted among the other Israelites, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

⁶ “Take the Levites from among the Israelites and make them ceremonially clean. ⁷ This is what you must do to cleanse them: Sprinkle them with the water of purification. Have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves. ⁸ Then have them take a young bull with its grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil, and you are to take a second young bull for a sin offering. ⁹ Bring the Levites before the Tent of Meeting and assemble the whole congregation of Israel. ¹⁰ You are to present the Levites before the LORD and have the Israelites lay their hands upon them. ¹¹ Aaron is to present the Levites before the LORD as a wave offering from the sons of Israel, so that they may perform the service of the LORD. ¹² And the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and offer to the LORD one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites. ¹³ You are to have the Levites stand before Aaron and his sons and then present them before the LORD as a wave offering. ¹⁴ In this way you shall separate the Levites from the rest of the Israelites, and the Levites will belong to Me. ¹⁵ After you have cleansed them and presented them as a wave offering, they may come to serve at the Tent of Meeting. ¹⁶ For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel. ¹⁷ For every firstborn male in Israel is Mine, both man and beast. I set them apart for Myself on the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. ¹⁸ But I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel. ¹⁹ And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites, to perform the service for the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting and to make atonement on their behalf, so that no plague will come against the Israelites when they approach the sanctuary.” ²⁰ So Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel did with the Levites everything that the LORD had commanded Moses they should do. ²¹ The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes, and Aaron presented them as a wave offering before the LORD. Aaron also made atonement for them to cleanse them. ²² After that, the Levites came to perform their service at the Tent of Meeting in the presence of Aaron and his sons. Thus they did with the Levites just as the LORD had commanded Moses. ²³ And the LORD said to Moses, ²⁴ “This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years of age or older shall enter to perform the service in the work at the Tent of Meeting. ²⁵ But at the age of fifty, they must retire from performing the work and no longer serve. ²⁶ After that, they may assist their brothers in fulfilling their duties at the Tent of Meeting, but they themselves are not to do the work. This is how you are to assign responsibilities to the Levites.”

⁹ Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? ¹⁰ He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well. ¹¹ Therefore, it is you and all your followers who have conspired against the LORD! As for Aaron, who is he that you should grumble against him?”

¹ So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. ² But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. ³ And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. ⁴ They are to join you and attend to the duties of the Tent of Meeting, doing all the work at the Tent; but no outsider may come near you. ⁵ And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. ⁶ Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting. ⁷ But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.”

⁸ At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.

⁸ Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. ⁹ He said of his father and mother, ‘I do not consider them.’ He disregarded his brothers and did not know his own sons, for he kept Your word and maintained Your covenant.

⁴ Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts.

⁵⁰ Instead, you are to appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, all its furnishings, and everything in it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its articles, care for it, and camp around it.

³² The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.

¹¹ Aaron is to present the Levites before the LORD as a wave offering from the sons of Israel, so that they may perform the service of the LORD.

¹⁵ After you have cleansed them and presented them as a wave offering, they may come to serve at the Tent of Meeting.

³⁰ From the Israelites’ half, take one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, or other animals, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.”

²⁸ but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, ²⁹ as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. ³⁰ They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. ³¹ Whenever burnt offerings were presented to the LORD on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, they were to serve regularly before the LORD in the numbers prescribed for them. ³² So the Levites were to carry out the responsibilities for the Tent of Meeting and the Holy Place, and, under their brothers the descendants of Aaron, the service of the house of the LORD.

²⁰ Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things.

²² the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD.

²⁶ This Shelomith and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries for the things dedicated by King David, by the heads of families who were the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and by the army commanders.

¹⁵ When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.

²⁸ This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the Tent of Meeting, and their duties shall be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.

³³ This is the service of the Merarite clans according to all their work at the Tent of Meeting, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.”

¹⁷ Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, transporting it.

²¹ Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.

²⁰ Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. ²¹ From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, ²² the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD. ²³ From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites: ²⁴ Shebuel, a descendant of Gershom son of Moses, was the officer in charge of the treasuries. ²⁵ His relatives through Eliezer included Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son. ²⁶ This Shelomith and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries for the things dedicated by King David, by the heads of families who were the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and by the army commanders. ²⁷ They had dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to the repair of the house of the LORD. ²⁸ Everything that had been dedicated by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah, along with everything else that was dedicated, was under the care of Shelomith and his brothers.

²⁴ Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers, ²⁵ and I weighed out to them the contribution of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his counselors, his leaders, and all the Israelites there had offered for the house of our God. ²⁶ I weighed out into their hands 650 talents of silver, articles of silver weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold, ²⁷ 20 gold bowls valued at 1,000 darics, and two articles of fine polished bronze, as precious as gold. ²⁸ Then I told them, “You are holy to the LORD, and these articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. ²⁹ Guard them carefully until you weigh them out in the chambers of the house of the LORD in Jerusalem before the leading priests, Levites, and heads of the Israelite families.” ³⁰ So the priests and Levites took charge of the silver and gold and sacred articles that had been weighed out to be taken to the house of our God in Jerusalem.

¹¹ Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.

¹⁹ And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites, to perform the service for the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting and to make atonement on their behalf, so that no plague will come against the Israelites when they approach the sanctuary.”

⁸ This is why it says: “When He ascended on high, He led captives away, and gave gifts to men.”

¹¹ And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,

⁹ Wrap the sashes around Aaron and his sons and tie headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a permanent statute. In this way you are to ordain Aaron and his sons.

⁵¹ Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.

³⁸ Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.

³⁵ And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.

⁴⁰ just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.

³ And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die.

⁷ But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.”

¹⁹ But God struck down some of the people of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter.

⁷ And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God.

³² They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them.

¹⁶ But when Uzziah grew powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. ¹⁷ Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. ¹⁸ They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” ¹⁹ Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosy broke out on his forehead. ²⁰ When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead, they rushed him out. Indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had afflicted him. ²¹ So King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He lived in isolation, leprous and cut off from the house of the LORD, while his son Jotham had charge of the royal palace to govern the people of the land.

⁸ And you have not kept charge of My holy things, but have appointed others to keep charge of My sanctuary for you.’

³ Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them ⁴ and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

⁷ if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;

¹⁹ Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,

¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

⁴ For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer gifts according to the law.

¹⁹ Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, ²¹ and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

² “Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.”

⁴¹ You are to take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites.”

⁴⁵ “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD.

¹⁶ For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel.

¹⁸ But I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel.

⁶ Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting.

²⁹ Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock. ³⁰ During the night Pharaoh got up—he and all his officials and all the Egyptians—and there was loud wailing in Egypt; for there was no house without someone dead.

¹² you are to present to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD.

¹⁵ And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’

²⁹ You must not hold back offerings from your granaries or vats. You are to give Me the firstborn of your sons.

¹⁹ The first offspring of every womb belongs to Me, including all the firstborn males among your livestock, whether cattle or sheep.

²⁶ But no one may consecrate a firstborn of the livestock, because a firstborn belongs to the LORD. Whether it is an ox or a sheep, it is the LORD’s.

¹⁶ For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel. ¹⁷ For every firstborn male in Israel is Mine, both man and beast. I set them apart for Myself on the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt.

¹⁵ The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals.

³⁰ The best of all the firstfruits and of every contribution from all your offerings will belong to the priests. You are to give your first batch of dough to the priest, so that a blessing may rest upon your homes.

²³ (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord”),

²³ in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

⁴⁷ The Levites, however, were not numbered along with them by the tribe of their fathers.

²² The number of all the males a month old or more was 7,500.

²⁸ The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.

³⁴ The number of all the males a month old or more was 6,200.

³⁹ The total number of Levites that Moses and Aaron counted by their clans at the LORD’s command, including all the males a month old or more, was 22,000. ⁴⁰ Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names.

⁴³ The total number of the firstborn males a month old or more, listed by name, was 22,273.

¹⁵ The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. ¹⁶ You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs.

⁶² The registration of the Levites totaled 23,000, every male a month old or more; they were not numbered among the other Israelites, because no inheritance was given to them among the Israelites.

¹⁷ I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.

² “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.

³ The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.

¹⁴ But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

¹⁵ From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

²¹ So the sons of Israel did as they were told. Joseph gave them wagons as Pharaoh had instructed, and he also gave them provisions for their journey.

³⁹ The total number of Levites that Moses and Aaron counted by their clans at the LORD’s command, including all the males a month old or more, was 22,000.

⁵¹ And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons in obedience to the word of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.

²⁷ All the service of the Gershonites—all their transport duties and other work—is to be done at the direction of Aaron and his sons; you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry.

³⁷ These were counted from the Kohathite clans, everyone who could serve at the Tent of Meeting. Moses and Aaron numbered them according to the command of the LORD through Moses.

⁴¹ These were counted from the Gershonite clans who served at the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron counted at the LORD’s command.

⁴⁵ These were counted from the Merarite clans, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the LORD’s command through Moses.

⁴⁹ At the LORD’s command they were numbered through Moses and each one was assigned his work and burden, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

⁵ And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault.

¹¹ The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

¹⁶ These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. ¹⁷ The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans. ¹⁸ The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years. ¹⁹ The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites according to their records.

⁵ With the burnt offering or sacrifice of each lamb, you are to prepare a quarter hin of wine as a drink offering. ⁶ With a ram you are to prepare a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a third of a hin of olive oil, ⁷ and a third of a hin of wine as a drink offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. ⁸ When you prepare a young bull as a burnt offering or sacrifice to fulfill a vow or as a peace offering to the LORD, ⁹ present with the bull a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with half a hin of olive oil. ¹⁰ Also present half a hin of wine as a drink offering. It is an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. ¹¹ This is to be done for each bull, ram, lamb, or goat. ¹² This is how you must prepare each one, no matter how many. ¹³ Everyone who is native-born shall prepare these things in this way when he presents an offering made by fire as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. ¹⁴ And for the generations to come, if a foreigner residing with you or someone else among you wants to prepare an offering made by fire as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, he is to do exactly as you do. ¹⁵ The assembly is to have the same statute both for you and for the foreign resident; it is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD. ¹⁶ The same law and the same ordinance will apply both to you and to the foreigner residing with you.” ¹⁷ Then the LORD said to Moses, ¹⁸ “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you enter the land to which I am bringing you ¹⁹ and you eat the food of the land, you shall lift up an offering to the LORD. ²⁰ From the first of your dough, you are to lift up a cake as a contribution; offer it just like an offering from the threshing floor. ²¹ Throughout your generations, you are to give the LORD an offering from the first of your dough. ²² Now if you stray unintentionally and do not obey all these commandments that the LORD has spoken to Moses— ²³ all that the LORD has commanded you through Moses from the day the LORD gave them and continuing through the generations to come—

⁶ So he returned to Balak, who was standing there beside his burnt offering, with all the princes of Moab. ⁷ And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’ ⁸ How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced? ⁹ For I see them from atop the rocky cliffs, and I watch them from the hills. Behold, a people dwelling apart, not reckoning themselves among the nations. ¹⁰ Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous; let my end be like theirs!” ¹¹ Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, and behold, you have only blessed them!” ¹² But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?” ¹³ Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.” ¹⁴ So Balak took him to the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, where he built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar. ¹⁵ Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.” ¹⁶ And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.” ¹⁷ So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. “What did the LORD say?” Balak asked. ¹⁸ Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor. ¹⁹ God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? ²⁰ I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. ²¹ He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of the King is among them. ²² God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox. ²³ For there is no spell against Jacob and no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What great things God has done!’

¹ And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness. ² When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him, ³ and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open, ⁴ the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: ⁵ How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel! ⁶ They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters. ⁷ Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted. ⁸ God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows. ⁹ He crouches, he lies down like a lion; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.” ¹⁰ Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times. ¹¹ Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would richly reward you, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.” ¹² Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me ¹³ that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I will speak whatever the LORD says. ¹⁴ Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.” ¹⁵ Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open, ¹⁶ the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: ¹⁷ I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth. ¹⁸ Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor. ¹⁹ A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.” ²⁰ Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.” ²¹ Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff. ²² Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive.” ²³ Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it? ²⁴ Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.” ²⁵ Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way.

⁵⁷ Now these were the Levites numbered by their clans: The Gershonite clan from Gershon, the Kohathite clan from Kohath, and the Merarite clan from Merari. ⁵⁸ These were the families of the Levites: The Libnite clan, the Hebronite clan, the Mahlite clan, the Mushite clan, and the Korahite clan. Now Kohath was the father of Amram,

¹ Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribes of Israel ² at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.” ³ So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance: ⁴ The first lot came out for the Kohathite clans. The Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. ⁵ The remaining descendants of Kohath received ten cities by lot from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. ⁶ The descendants of Gershon received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. ⁷ And the descendants of Merari received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. ⁸ So the Israelites allotted to the Levites these cities, together with their pasturelands, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. ⁹ From the tribes of Judah and Simeon, they designated these cities by name ¹⁰ to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clans of the Levites, because the first lot fell to them: ¹¹ They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the father of Anak.) ¹² But they had given the fields and villages around the city to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession. ¹³ So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah, ¹⁴ Jattir, Eshtemoa, ¹⁵ Holon, Debir, ¹⁶ Ain, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh—nine cities from these two tribes, together with their pasturelands. ¹⁷ And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba, ¹⁸ Anathoth, and Almon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. ¹⁹ In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the priests, the descendants of Aaron. ²⁰ The remaining Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted these cities: From the tribe of Ephraim ²¹ they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer, ²² Kibzaim, and Beth-horon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. ²³ From the tribe of Dan they were given Elteke, Gibbethon, ²⁴ Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. ²⁵ And from the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Taanach and Gath-rimmon—two cities, together with their pasturelands. ²⁶ In all, ten cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the rest of the Kohathite clans. ²⁷ This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands. ²⁸ From the tribe of Issachar they were given Kishion, Daberath, ²⁹ Jarmuth, and En-gannim—four cities, together with their pasturelands. ³⁰ From the tribe of Asher they were given Mishal, Abdon, ³¹ Helkath, and Rehob—four cities, together with their pasturelands. ³² And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Hammoth-dor, and Kartan—three cities, together with their pasturelands. ³³ In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the Gershonite clans. ³⁴ This is what the Merarite clan (the rest of the Levites) were given: From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Jokneam, Kartah, ³⁵ Dimnah, and Nahalal—four cities, together with their pasturelands. ³⁶ From the tribe of Reuben they were given Bezer, Jahaz, ³⁷ Kedemoth, and Mephaath—four cities, together with their pasturelands. ³⁸ And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Mahanaim, ³⁹ Heshbon, and Jazer—four cities in all, together with their pasturelands. ⁴⁰ In all, twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari, the remaining Levite clans. ⁴¹ For the Levites, then, there were forty-eight cities in all, together with their pasturelands, within the territory of the Israelites. ⁴² Each of these cities had its own surrounding pasturelands; this was true for all the cities. ⁴³ Thus the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled in it. ⁴⁴ And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. ⁴⁵ Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled.

¹ The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. ² The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

¹⁶ The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. ¹⁷ These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. ¹⁸ The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. ¹⁹ The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites listed according to their fathers:

¹ Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in the holy city of Jerusalem, while the remaining nine were to dwell in their own towns. ² And the people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem. ³ These are the heads of the provinces who settled in Jerusalem. (In the villages of Judah, however, each lived on his own property in their towns—the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants— ⁴ while some of the descendants of Judah and Benjamin settled in Jerusalem.) From the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez; ⁵ and Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, a descendant of Shelah. ⁶ The descendants of Perez who settled in Jerusalem totaled 468 men of valor. ⁷ From the descendants of Benjamin: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah; ⁸ and his followers Gabbai and Sallai—928 men. ⁹ Joel son of Zichri was the officer over them, and Judah son of Hassenuah was over the Second District of the city. ¹⁰ From the priests: Jedaiah son of Joiarib; Jachin; ¹¹ Seraiah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the chief official of the house of God; ¹² and their associates who did the work at the temple—822 men; Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah;

²¹ From Gershon came the Libnite clan and the Shimeite clan; these were the Gershonite clans.

¹⁷ These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.

²⁰ Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, ²¹ Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, and Jeatherai his son.

⁷ The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei. ⁸ The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the first, Zetham, and Joel—three in all. ⁹ The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran—three in all. These were the heads of the families of Ladan. ¹⁰ And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah. These were the sons of Shimei—four in all. ¹¹ Jahath was the first and Zizah was the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were counted as one family and received a single assignment.

⁴ From the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth.

¹ These were the divisions of the gatekeepers: From the Korahites: Meshelemiah son of Kore, one of the sons of Asaph. ² Meshelemiah had sons: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, ³ Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, and Eliehoenai the seventh. ⁴ And Obed-edom also had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth, ⁵ Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, and Peullethai the eighth. For God had blessed Obed-edom. ⁶ Also to his son Shemaiah were born sons who ruled over their families because they were strong, capable men. ⁷ Shemaiah’s sons were Othni, Rephael, Obed, and Elzabad; his brothers were Elihu and Semachiah, also capable men. ⁸ All these were descendants of Obed-edom; they and their sons and brothers were capable men with strength to do the work—62 in all from Obed-edom. ⁹ Meshelemiah also had sons and brothers who were capable men—18 in all. ¹⁰ Hosah the Merarite also had sons: Shimri the first (although he was not the firstborn, his father had appointed him as the first), ¹¹ Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and brothers of Hosah numbered 13 in all. ¹² These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their brothers did. ¹³ They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. ¹⁴ The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. ¹⁵ The lot for the South Gate fell to Obed-edom, and the lot for the storehouses to his sons. ¹⁶ The lots for the West Gate and the Shallecheth Gate on the ascending highway fell to Shuppim and Hosah. There were guards stationed at every watch. ¹⁷ Each day there were six Levites on the east, four on the north, four on the south, and two pairs at the storehouse. ¹⁸ As for the court on the west, there were four at the highway and two at the court. ¹⁹ These were the divisions of the gatekeepers who were descendants of Korah and Merari. ²⁰ Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. ²¹ From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, ²² the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD. ²³ From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites: ²⁴ Shebuel, a descendant of Gershom son of Moses, was the officer in charge of the treasuries. ²⁵ His relatives through Eliezer included Rehabiah his son, Jeshaiah his son, Joram his son, Zichri his son, and Shelomith his son. ²⁶ This Shelomith and his brothers were in charge of all the treasuries for the things dedicated by King David, by the heads of families who were the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and by the army commanders. ²⁷ They had dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to the repair of the house of the LORD. ²⁸ Everything that had been dedicated by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah, along with everything else that was dedicated, was under the care of Shelomith and his brothers. ²⁹ From the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons had the outside duties as officers and judges over Israel. ³⁰ From the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his relatives, 1,700 capable men, had charge of the affairs of Israel west of the Jordan for all the work of the LORD and for the service of the king. ³¹ As for the Hebronites, Jerijah was the chief of the Hebronites, according to the genealogies of his ancestors. In the fortieth year of David’s reign the records were searched, and strong, capable men were found among the Hebronites at Jazer in Gilead. ³² Among Jerijah’s relatives there were 2,700 capable men who were heads of families. King David appointed them over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God and to the affairs of the king.

¹ Now these are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, ² Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, ³ Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, ⁴ Iddo, Ginnethon, Abijah, ⁵ Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, ⁶ Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah, ⁷ Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah. These were the leaders of the priests and their associates in the days of Jeshua. ⁸ The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who, with his associates, led the songs of thanksgiving. ⁹ Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood across from them in the services. ¹⁰ Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib, Eliashib was the father of Joiada, ¹¹ Joiada was the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan was the father of Jaddua. ¹² In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the priestly families: of the family of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; ¹³ of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan; ¹⁴ of Malluchi, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph; ¹⁵ of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai; ¹⁶ of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam; ¹⁷ of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin and of Moadiah, Piltai; ¹⁸ of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jonathan; ¹⁹ of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi; ²⁰ of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber; ²¹ of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; and of Jedaiah, Nethanel. ²² In the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, during the reign of Darius the Persian, the heads of the families of the Levites and priests were recorded. ²³ As for the descendants of Levi, the family heads up to the days of Johanan son of Eliashib were recorded in the Book of the Chronicles. ²⁴ The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God. ²⁵ Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. ²⁶ They served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe.

¹⁸ The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years.

²⁷ From Kohath came the clans of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites; these were the clans of the Kohathites.

¹⁸ The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

³⁸ the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.

⁵ From the Kohathites, Uriel the chief and 120 of his relatives;

⁸ from the Elizaphanites, Shemaiah the chief and 200 of his relatives; ⁹ from the Hebronites, Eliel the chief and 80 of his relatives; ¹⁰ and from the Uzzielites, Amminadab the chief and 112 of his relatives.

¹⁷ So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah; ¹⁸ and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel. ¹⁹ The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals. ²⁰ Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth. ²¹ And Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead the music with lyres according to Sheminith.

¹² The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—four in all. ¹³ The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.

¹⁸ The sons of Izhar: Shelomith was the first. ¹⁹ The sons of Hebron: Jeriah was the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. ²⁰ The sons of Uzziel: Micah was the first and Isshiah the second.

¹⁹ The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites according to their records.

³³ From Merari came the clans of the Mahlites and Mushites; these were the Merarite clans.

¹⁹ The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the clans of the Levites listed according to their fathers:

²⁹ The descendants of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son,

⁴⁴ On the left were their kinsmen, the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, ⁴⁵ the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, ⁴⁶ the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer, ⁴⁷ the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi.

⁶ from the Merarites, Asaiah the chief and 220 of his relatives;

²¹ The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish. ²² Eleazar died without having any sons; he had only daughters. Their cousins, the sons of Kish, married them. ²³ The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth—three in all.

²⁷ The descendants of Merari from Jaaziah: Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri. ²⁸ From Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons. ²⁹ From Kish: Jerahmeel the son of Kish. ³⁰ And the sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites, according to their families.

³ From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD.

³⁸ Then the Gershonites were numbered by their clans and families, ³⁹ everyone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. ⁴⁰ And those numbered by their clans and families totaled 2,630.

⁵³ But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.”

⁹ You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.

¹ “You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them. ² Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide—all curtains the same size. ³ Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well. ⁴ Make loops of blue material on the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and do the same for the end curtain in the second set. ⁵ Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the second set, so that the loops line up opposite one another. ⁶ Make fifty gold clasps as well, and join the curtains together with the clasps, so that the tabernacle will be a unit. ⁷ You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all. ⁸ Each of the eleven curtains is to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide. ⁹ Join five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another. Then fold the sixth curtain over double at the front of the tent. ¹⁰ Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and fifty loops along the edge of the corresponding curtain in the second set. ¹¹ Make fifty bronze clasps and put them through the loops to join the tent together as a unit. ¹² As for the overlap that remains of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over shall hang down over the back of the tabernacle. ¹³ And the tent curtains will be a cubit longer on either side, and the excess will hang over the sides of the tabernacle to cover it. ¹⁴ Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.

³⁶ For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. ³⁷ Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold hooks, and cast five bronze bases for them.

⁸ All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen made the ten curtains for the tabernacle. They were made of finely spun linen, as well as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them. ⁹ Each curtain was twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide; all the curtains were the same size. ¹⁰ And he joined five of the curtains together, and the other five he joined as well. ¹¹ He made loops of blue material on the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and also on the end curtain in the second set. ¹² He made fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the second set, so that the loops lined up opposite one another. ¹³ He also made fifty gold clasps to join the curtains together, so that the tabernacle was a unit. ¹⁴ He then made curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all. ¹⁵ Each of the eleven curtains was the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide. ¹⁶ He joined five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another. ¹⁷ He made fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and fifty loops along the edge of the corresponding curtain in the second set. ¹⁸ He also made fifty bronze clasps to join the tent together as a unit. ¹⁹ Additionally, he made for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.

³⁷ For the entrance to the tent, he made a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, ³⁸ together with five posts and their hooks. He overlaid the tops of the posts and their bands with gold, and their five bases were bronze.

¹⁹ Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him.

²⁸ Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.

⁷ They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle.

²⁴ This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport: ²⁵ They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with the covering of fine leather over it, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, ²⁶ the curtains of the courtyard, and the curtains for the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, along with their ropes and all the equipment for their service. The Gershonites will do all that needs to be done with these items. ²⁷ All the service of the Gershonites—all their transport duties and other work—is to be done at the direction of Aaron and his sons; you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry. ²⁸ This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the Tent of Meeting, and their duties shall be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.

⁷ He gave the Gershonites two carts and four oxen, as their service required,

¹⁴ From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, a descendant of Merari; ¹⁵ Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph; ¹⁶ Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites. ¹⁷ These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; ¹⁸ he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. ¹⁹ Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD. ²⁰ In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar had been in charge of the gatekeepers, and the LORD was with him. ²¹ Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. ²² The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust. ²³ So they and their descendants were assigned to guard the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent. ²⁴ The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south. ²⁵ Their relatives came from their villages at fixed times to serve with them for seven-day periods. ²⁶ But the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God. ²⁷ They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they were responsible for guarding it and opening it every morning. ²⁸ Some of them were in charge of the articles used in worship, to count them whenever they were brought in or taken out. ²⁹ Others were put in charge of the furnishings and other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the fine flour, wine, oil, frankincense, and spices. ³⁰ And some of the sons of the priests mixed the spices. ³¹ A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with baking the bread. ³² Some of their Kohathite brothers were responsible for preparing the rows of the showbread every Sabbath. ³³ Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night.

³² So the Levites were to carry out the responsibilities for the Tent of Meeting and the Holy Place, and, under their brothers the descendants of Aaron, the service of the house of the LORD.

²¹ From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, ²² the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD.

² Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.

¹¹ Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare storerooms in the house of the LORD, and they did so. ¹² And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second. ¹³ Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the authority of Conaniah and his brother Shimei, by appointment of King Hezekiah and of Azariah the chief official of the house of God. ¹⁴ Kore son of Imnah the Levite, the keeper of the East Gate, was in charge of the freewill offerings given to God, distributing the contributions to the LORD and the consecrated gifts. ¹⁵ Under his authority, Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah faithfully distributed portions to their fellow priests in their cities, according to their divisions, old and young alike. ¹⁶ In addition, they distributed portions to the males registered by genealogy who were three years of age or older—to all who would enter the house of the LORD for their daily duties for service in the responsibilities of their divisions— ¹⁷ and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their duties and divisions. ¹⁸ The genealogy included all the little ones, wives, sons, and daughters in the whole assembly. For they had faithfully consecrated themselves as holy.

³⁴ It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch.

⁶ We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; ⁷ if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; ⁸ if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

¹⁷ Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

¹⁸ Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,

⁹ You are also to make a courtyard for the tabernacle. On the south side of the courtyard make curtains of finely spun linen, a hundred cubits long on one side, ¹⁰ with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and silver hooks and bands on the posts. ¹¹ Likewise there are to be curtains on the north side, a hundred cubits long, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. ¹² The curtains on the west side of the courtyard shall be fifty cubits wide, with ten posts and ten bases. ¹³ The east side of the courtyard, toward the sunrise, is to be fifty cubits wide. ¹⁴ Make the curtains on one side fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases, ¹⁵ and the curtains on the other side fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases. ¹⁶ The gate of the courtyard shall be twenty cubits long, with a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It shall have four posts and four bases.

¹⁸ the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the courtyard, along with their ropes;

⁹ Then he constructed the courtyard. The south side of the courtyard was a hundred cubits long and had curtains of finely spun linen, ¹⁰ with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. ¹¹ The north side was also a hundred cubits long, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases. The hooks and bands of the posts were silver. ¹² The west side was fifty cubits long and had curtains, with ten posts and ten bases. The hooks and bands of the posts were silver. ¹³ And the east side, toward the sunrise, was also fifty cubits long. ¹⁴ The curtains on one side of the entrance were fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases. ¹⁵ And the curtains on the other side were also fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases as well. ¹⁶ All the curtains around the courtyard were made of finely spun linen.

¹⁹ The sons of Kohath by their clans were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

¹² The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—four in all.

²³ From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites:

³¹ Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.

³⁵ everyone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. ³⁶ And those numbered by their clans totaled 2,750.

¹⁰ On the south side, the divisions of Reuben are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Reubenites is Elizur son of Shedeur,

²³ The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle,

¹⁰ And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. ¹¹ Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. ¹² Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. ¹³ And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. ¹⁴ Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. ¹⁵ The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed. ¹⁶ And place inside the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. ¹⁷ And you are to construct a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. ¹⁸ Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, ¹⁹ one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. ²⁰ And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat. ²¹ Set the mercy seat atop the ark, and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark. ²² And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites. ²³ You are also to make a table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. ²⁴ Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. ²⁵ And make a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. ²⁶ Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners at its four legs. ²⁷ The rings are to be close to the rim, to serve as holders for the poles used to carry the table. ²⁸ Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that the table may be carried with them. ²⁹ You are also to make the plates and dishes, as well as the pitchers and bowls for pouring drink offerings. Make them out of pure gold. ³⁰ And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times. ³¹ Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. ³² Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. ³³ There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. ³⁴ And on the lampstand there shall be four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals. ³⁵ For the six branches that extend from the lampstand, a bud must be under the first pair of branches, a bud under the second pair, and a bud under the third pair. ³⁶ The buds and branches are to be all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. ³⁷ Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it. ³⁸ The wick trimmers and their trays must be of pure gold. ³⁹ The lampstand and all these utensils shall be made from a talent of pure gold. ⁴⁰ See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.

³¹ Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. ³² Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. ³³ And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

¹ “You are to build an altar of acacia wood. The altar must be square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high. ² Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze. ³ Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots for removing ashes, its shovels, its sprinkling bowls, its meat forks, and its firepans. ⁴ Construct for it a grate of bronze mesh, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the mesh. ⁵ Set the grate beneath the ledge of the altar, so that the mesh comes halfway up the altar. ⁶ Additionally, make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze. ⁷ The poles are to be inserted into the rings so that the poles are on two sides of the altar when it is carried. ⁸ Construct the altar with boards so that it is hollow. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.

¹ “You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. ² It is to be square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece. ³ Overlay with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns, and make a molding of gold around it. ⁴ And make two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it. ⁵ Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. ⁶ Place the altar in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony—before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you. ⁷ And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. ⁸ When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come. ⁹ On this altar you must not offer unauthorized incense or a burnt offering or grain offering; nor are you to pour a drink offering on it. ¹⁰ Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on the horns of the altar. Throughout your generations he shall make atonement on it annually with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. The altar is most holy to the LORD.”

¹ Then the LORD said to Moses, ² “See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. ³ And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, ⁴ to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, ⁵ to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft. ⁶ Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you: ⁷ the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony and the mercy seat upon it, and all the other furnishings of the tent— ⁸ the table with its utensils, the pure gold lampstand with all its utensils, the altar of incense, ⁹ the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin with its stand— ¹⁰ as well as the woven garments, both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests, ¹¹ in addition to the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them according to all that I have commanded you.” ¹² And the LORD said to Moses, ¹³ “Tell the Israelites, ‘Surely you must keep My Sabbaths, for this will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. ¹⁴ Keep the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Anyone who profanes it must surely be put to death. Whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from among his people. ¹⁵ For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must surely be put to death. ¹⁶ The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come. ¹⁷ It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’” ¹⁸ When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.

³⁵ Next, he made the veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. ³⁶ He also made four posts of acacia wood for it and overlaid them with gold, along with gold hooks; and he cast four silver bases for the posts.

¹ Bezalel went on to construct the ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. ² He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. ³ And he cast four gold rings for its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. ⁴ Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. ⁵ He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark in order to carry it. ⁶ He constructed a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. ⁷ He made two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat,

¹ Bezalel constructed the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood. It was square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high. ² He made a horn at each of its four corners, so that the horns and altar were of one piece, and he overlaid the altar with bronze. ³ He made all the altar’s utensils of bronze—its pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans. ⁴ He made a grate of bronze mesh for the altar under its ledge, halfway up from the bottom. ⁵ At the four corners of the bronze grate he cast four rings as holders for the poles. ⁶ And he made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with bronze. ⁷ Then he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar for carrying it. He made the altar with boards so that it was hollow.

³³ Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent with all its furnishings, its clasps, its frames, its crossbars, and its posts and bases; ³⁴ the covering of ram skins dyed red, the covering of fine leather, and the veil of the covering; ³⁵ the ark of the Testimony with its poles and the mercy seat; ³⁶ the table with all its utensils and the Bread of the Presence; ³⁷ the pure gold lampstand with its row of lamps and all its utensils, as well as the oil for the light; ³⁸ the gold altar, the anointing oil, the fragrant incense, and the curtain for the entrance to the tent; ³⁹ the bronze altar with its bronze grating, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand; ⁴⁰ the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases; the curtain for the gate of the courtyard, its ropes and tent pegs, and all the equipment for the service of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting; ⁴¹ and the woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary, both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests. ⁴² The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

² “On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting. ³ Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil. ⁴ Then bring in the table and set out its arrangement; bring in the lampstand as well, and set up its lamps. ⁵ Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony, and hang the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. ⁶ Place the altar of burnt offering in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting. ⁷ And place the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it. ⁸ Set up the surrounding courtyard and hang the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard. ⁹ Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it along with all its furnishings, and it shall be holy. ¹⁰ Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it shall be most holy. ¹¹ Anoint the basin and its stand and consecrate them. ¹² Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water. ¹³ And you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he may serve Me as a priest. ¹⁴ Bring his sons forward and clothe them with tunics. ¹⁵ Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations.” ¹⁶ Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.

³⁰ He placed the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing;

⁴ This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things. ⁵ Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it. ⁶ They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles. ⁷ Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it. ⁸ And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles. ⁹ They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand used for light, together with its lamps, wick trimmers, and trays, as well as the jars of oil with which to supply it. ¹⁰ Then they shall wrap it and all its utensils inside a covering of fine leather and put it on the carrying frame. ¹¹ Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles. ¹² They are to take all the utensils for serving in the sanctuary, place them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine leather, and put them on the carrying frame. ¹³ Then they shall remove the ashes from the bronze altar, spread a purple cloth over it, ¹⁴ and place on it all the vessels used to serve there: the firepans, meat forks, shovels, and sprinkling bowls—all the equipment of the altar. They are to spread over it a covering of fine leather and insert the poles. ¹⁵ When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting. ¹⁶ Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.”

¹⁶ Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.”

²⁵ Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor. ²⁶ Remove Aaron’s priestly garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and will die there.” ²⁷ So Moses did as the LORD had commanded, and they climbed Mount Hor in the sight of the whole congregation. ²⁸ After Moses had removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.

¹⁸ The captain of the guard also took away Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest of second rank, and the three doorkeepers.

¹⁴ From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, a descendant of Merari; ¹⁵ Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph; ¹⁶ Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites. ¹⁷ These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; ¹⁸ he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. ¹⁹ Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD. ²⁰ In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar had been in charge of the gatekeepers, and the LORD was with him.

²⁰ Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. ²¹ From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, ²² the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD. ²³ From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites: ²⁴ Shebuel, a descendant of Gershom son of Moses, was the officer in charge of the treasuries.

²⁰ And the sons of Merari by their clans were Mahli and Mushi. These were the clans of the Levites, according to their families.

²¹ The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish.

²¹ those registered to the tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500.

⁹ The total number of men in the divisions of the camp of Judah is 186,400; they shall set out first.

¹¹ and his division numbers 46,500.

²⁵ On the north side, the divisions of Dan are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Danites is Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai,

²⁸ The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. ²⁹ The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle,

¹⁵ You are to construct upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. ¹⁶ Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. ¹⁷ Two tenons must be connected to each other for each frame. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way. ¹⁸ Construct twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle, ¹⁹ with forty silver bases under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon. ²⁰ For the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, make twenty frames ²¹ and forty silver bases—two bases under each frame. ²² Make six frames for the rear of the tabernacle, the west side, ²³ and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle, ²⁴ coupled together from bottom to top and fitted into a single ring. These will serve as the two corners. ²⁵ So there are to be eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame. ²⁶ You are also to make five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, ²⁷ five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west. ²⁸ The central crossbar in the middle of the frames shall extend from one end to the other. ²⁹ Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.

³² Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases.

³⁷ Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold hooks, and cast five bronze bases for them.

⁹ You are also to make a courtyard for the tabernacle. On the south side of the courtyard make curtains of finely spun linen, a hundred cubits long on one side, ¹⁰ with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and silver hooks and bands on the posts. ¹¹ Likewise there are to be curtains on the north side, a hundred cubits long, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. ¹² The curtains on the west side of the courtyard shall be fifty cubits wide, with ten posts and ten bases. ¹³ The east side of the courtyard, toward the sunrise, is to be fifty cubits wide. ¹⁴ Make the curtains on one side fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases, ¹⁵ and the curtains on the other side fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases. ¹⁶ The gate of the courtyard shall be twenty cubits long, with a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It shall have four posts and four bases. ¹⁷ All the posts around the courtyard shall have silver bands, silver hooks, and bronze bases. ¹⁸ The entire courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with curtains of finely spun linen five cubits high, and with bronze bases. ¹⁹ All the utensils of the tabernacle for every use, including all its tent pegs and the tent pegs of the courtyard, shall be made of bronze.

¹¹ the tabernacle with its tent and covering, its clasps and frames, its crossbars, posts, and bases;

²⁰ Next, he constructed upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. ²¹ Each frame was ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. ²² Two tenons were connected to each other for each frame. He made all the frames of the tabernacle in this way. ²³ He constructed twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle, ²⁴ with forty silver bases to put under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon. ²⁵ For the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, he made twenty frames ²⁶ and forty silver bases—two bases under each frame. ²⁷ He made six frames for the rear of the tabernacle, the west side, ²⁸ and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle, ²⁹ coupled together from bottom to top and fitted into a single ring. He made both corners in this way. ³⁰ So there were eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame. ³¹ He also made five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, ³² five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west. ³³ He made the central crossbar to run through the center of the frames, from one end to the other. ³⁴ And he overlaid the frames with gold and made gold rings to hold the crossbars. He also overlaid the crossbars with gold.

³⁶ He also made four posts of acacia wood for it and overlaid them with gold, along with gold hooks; and he cast four silver bases for the posts.

¹⁷ The bases for the posts were bronze, the hooks and bands were silver, and the plating for the tops of the posts was silver. So all the posts of the courtyard were banded with silver. ¹⁸ The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It was twenty cubits long and, like the curtains of the courtyard, five cubits high, ¹⁹ with four posts and four bronze bases. Their hooks were silver, as well as the bands and the plating of their tops. ²⁰ All the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the surrounding courtyard were bronze.

³³ Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent with all its furnishings, its clasps, its frames, its crossbars, and its posts and bases;

²⁹ As for the sons of Merari, you are to number them by their clans and families, ³⁰ from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work of the Tent of Meeting. ³¹ This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and bases, ³² and the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use. You shall assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry. ³³ This is the service of the Merarite clans according to all their work at the Tent of Meeting, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.”

⁸ and he gave the Merarites four carts and eight oxen, as their service required, all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.

³ On the east side, toward the sunrise, the divisions of Judah are to camp under their standard: The leader of the descendants of Judah is Nahshon son of Amminadab,

⁷ They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. ⁸ They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle.

¹⁰ So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood; but any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death.”

²⁹ The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle,

³⁵ The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.

¹ So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. ² But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. ³ And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. ⁴ They are to join you and attend to the duties of the Tent of Meeting, doing all the work at the Tent; but no outsider may come near you. ⁵ And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again.

⁴⁸ Their fellow Levites were assigned to every kind of service of the tabernacle, the house of God. ⁴⁹ But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

⁴⁷ from thirty to fifty years old who came to do the work of serving and carrying the Tent of Meeting. ⁴⁸ And the number of men was 8,580.

¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.

¹² “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me,

¹⁵ “Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.”

⁶ The LORD will record in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” Selah

³ Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy—all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living—

²⁰ Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

³ Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

¹⁹ Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”

⁵ Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels.

⁴ These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed by Jesus from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.

⁵ Then he sent out some young men of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD. ⁶ Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar.

²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

⁶ who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.

⁴⁰ Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names. ⁴¹ You are to take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites.”

¹³ You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of your sons you must redeem.

¹³ Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD.

⁶ Now if the person is from one month to five years of age, then your valuation for the male shall be five shekels of silver, and for the female three shekels of silver.

²⁵ Every valuation will be according to the sanctuary shekel, twenty gerahs to the shekel.

⁵⁰ He collected the money from the firstborn of the Israelites: 1,365 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel.

¹⁶ You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs.

¹² The shekel will consist of twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels will equal one mina.

⁴⁶ To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who outnumber the Levites, ⁴⁷ you are to collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel of twenty gerahs.

⁵ For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.

¹⁴ He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

¹² He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.

¹⁸ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers,

¹⁸ For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit,

⁴⁸ Give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for the excess among the Israelites.”

¹⁵ Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them.”

³ Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” ⁴ “You have not wronged us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.”

⁴ “Remember the law of My servant Moses, the statutes and ordinances I commanded him for all Israel at Horeb.

³³ I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.

¹² If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.

² Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;