1. The Lord said to Aaron:You, your sons, and the other Levites of the Kohath clan, are responsible for what happens at the sacred tent. And you and your sons will be responsible for what the priests do.
2. The Levites are your relatives and are here to help you in your service at the tent.
3. You must see that they perform their duties. But if they go near any of the sacred objects or the altar, all of you will die.
4. No one else is allowed to take care of the sacred tent or to do anything connected with it.
5. Follow these instructions, so I won't become angry and punish the Israelites ever again.
6. I alone chose the Levites from all the other tribes to belong to me, and I have given them to you as your helpers.
7. But only you and your sons can serve as priests at the altar and in the most holy place. Your work as priests is a gift from me, and anyone else who tries to do that work must be put to death.
8-9. The Lord said to Aaron:I have put you in charge of the sacred gifts and sacrifices that the Israelites bring to me. And from now on, you, your sons, and your descendants will receive part of the sacrifices for sin, as well as part of the grain sacrifices, and the sacrifices to make things right. Your share of these sacrifices will be the parts not burnt on the altar.
10. Since these things are sacred, they must be eaten near the sacred tent, but only men are allowed to eat them.