Numbers 3:1-13 ▼

1 This is a record of the genealogies of Aaron and Moses current as of the day on which the LORD addressed Moses on Mount Sinai.

2 The sons of Aaron were Nadab the first-born, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar

3 who were anointed priests and whom he consecrated as priests.

4 Nadab and Abihu died in the LORD's presence when they offered unauthorized fire before him in the Sinai wilderness. Since they didn't have their own children, Eleazar and Ithamar ministered as priest under the authority of Aaron their father.

5 The LORD told Moses,

6 |Bring the tribe of Levi near and present them to Aaron the priest so they may serve him.

7 They are to take care of his needs and the needs of the whole congregation at the Tent of Meeting by performing duties at the tent.

8 They are to take charge of the utensils at the Tent of Meeting and meet the needs of the Israelis by performing duties on behalf of the tent.

9 Assign the descendants of Levi to Aaron and his sons from among the Israelis.

10 Appoint Aaron and his sons so that they are to take responsibility for their priesthood. Any unauthorized person who approaches it is to be put to death.|

11 Later, the LORD told Moses,

12 |I'm taking the descendants of Levi for myself from among the Israelis in place of every first-born who opens the womb. The descendants of Levi belong to me

13 because all the first-born belong to me. When I destroyed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated all the first-born in Israel for myself—from human beings to livestock. They belong to me, since I am the LORD.|