2. The names of Aaron’s sons are Nadab (the firstborn), Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
3. These are the names of Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests.
4. Nadab and Abihu died in the Lord’s presence because they offered unauthorized fire in his presence in the Desert of Sinai. They had no children. So only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.
5. The Lord said to Moses,
6. “Bring the tribe of Levi, and have them stand in front of the priest Aaron to assist him.
7. They will work for him and the whole community in front of the tent of meeting, doing what needs to be done for the inner tent.
8. They will take care of all the furnishings in the tent of meeting and work for the Israelites, doing what needs to be done for the inner tent.
9. Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons. The Levites will be the only Israelites given to them.
10. Appoint Aaron and his sons to serve as priests. Anyone else who tries to do the priests’ duties must be put to death.”
11. The Lord said to Moses,
12. “Out of all the Israelites, I have taken the Levites to be substitutes for every firstborn male offspring among them. The Levites are mine,
13. because every firstborn is mine. The day I killed every firstborn male in Egypt, I set apart as holy every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They will be mine. I am the Lord.”