⁵⁰ Instead, appoint the Levites to be in charge of the tabernacle^(A) of the covenant law^(B)—over all its furnishings^(C) and everything belonging to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; they are to take care of it and encamp around it.

⁵² The Israelites are to set up their tents by divisions, each of them in their own camp under their standard.^(A)

⁵³ The Levites, however, are to set up their tents around the tabernacle^(A) of the covenant law so that my wrath will not fall^(B) on the Israelite community. The Levites are to be responsible for the care of the tabernacle of the covenant law.^(C)”

²³ The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle.^(A)

²⁹ The Kohathite clans were to camp on the south side^(A) of the tabernacle.

³⁵ The leader of the families of the Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.^(A)