For [there were] manyin the assemblywhohad not consecratedthemselves; therefore, the Levites[were] overthe slaughterof the Passover[lambs] for everyonewho [was] unclean,in order to consecrate[them] to the LORD.
But the priestswere too few,so that they were unableto skinallthe burntofferings;therefore their brothersthe Leviteshelpedthem untilthe workwas completedand untilthe [other] priestshad consecratedthemselves. For the Leviteswere moreconscientiousto consecratethemselves thanthe priests.
You shall keepit untilthe fourteenthdayof the samemonth,then the wholeassemblyof the congregationof Israelis to killit at twilight.
"Yet they shall be ministersin My sanctuary,having oversightat the gatesof the houseand ministeringin the house;they shall slaughterthe burntofferingand the sacrificefor the people,and they shall standbeforethem to ministerto them.
Thosemensaidto him, "[Though] we are uncleanbecause of [the] deadperson,whyare we restrainedfrom presentingthe offeringof the LORDat its appointedtimeamongthe sonsof Israel?"
Nowthe Passoverof the Jewswas near,and manywentup to Jerusalemout of the countrybeforethe Passoverto purifythemselves.
