"From the sonsof Israel'shalf,you shall takeonedrawnout of every fiftyof the persons,of the cattle,of the donkeysand of the sheep,from allthe animals,and givethem to the Leviteswho keepchargeof the tabernacleof the LORD."
Thus they are to keepchargeof the tentof meeting,and chargeof the holyplace, and chargeof the sonsof Aarontheir relatives,for the serviceof the houseof the LORD.
They alsostruckdownthose who ownedlivestock,and they carriedaway largenumbersof sheepand camels.Then they returnedto Jerusalem.
"But the Levitesshall camparoundthe tabernacleof the testimony,so that there will be nowrathon the congregationof the sonsof Israel.So the Levitesshall keepchargeof the tabernacleof the testimony."
Now the dutiesof the sonsof Gershonin the tentof meeting[involved] the tabernacleand the tent,its covering,and the screenfor the doorwayof the tentof meeting,
Now their duties[involved] the ark,the table,the lampstand,the altars,and the utensilsof the sanctuarywith whichthey minister,and the screen,and allthe serviceconcerning them;
"Levya taxfor the LORDfrom the menof warwho wentout to battle,onein fivehundredof the personsand of the cattleand of the donkeysand of the sheep;
takeit from their halfand giveit to Eleazarthe priest,as an offeringto the LORD.
Mosesand Eleazarthe priestdidjustas the LORDhad commandedMoses.
"They may, however, assisttheir brothersin the tentof meeting,to keepan obligation,but they [themselves] shall donowork.Thusyou shall dealwith the Levitesconcerning their obligations."
"Be on guardfor yourselvesand for allthe flock,amongwhichthe HolySpirithas madeyou overseers,to shepherdthe churchof GodwhichHe purchasedwith His ownblood.
In this case,moreover,it is requiredof stewardsthat onebe foundtrustworthy.
Sayto Archippus,"Take heedto the ministrywhichyou have receivedin the Lord,that you may fulfillit."
Obeyyour leadersand submit[to them], for they keep watchoveryour soulsas those who will givean account.Let them dothiswith joyand not with grief,for thiswould be unprofitablefor you.
But Joshuamadethem that dayhewersof woodand drawersof waterfor the congregationand for the altarof the LORD,to thisday,in the placewhichHe would choose.
