44. Moses, Aaron and the 12 leaders of Israel counted these men. There was 1 leader from each of the families.
45. Every man of Israel 20 years old or older who was able to serve in the army was counted. Each man was listed with his family.
46. The total number of men was 603,550.
47. The families from the tribe of Levi were not listed with the others.
48. The Lord had told Moses:
49. “Do not count the tribe of Levi or include them with the other Israelites.
50. But make the Levites responsible for the Holy Tent of the Agreement. They must take care of it and everything that is with it. They must carry the Holy Tent and everything in it. They must take care of it and make their camp around it.
51. Any time the Holy Tent is moved, the Levites must take it down. Any time it is set up, the Levites must do it. If anyone else goes near the Holy Tent, he will be put to death.
52. The Israelites will make their camps in separate divisions, each man near his family flag.
53. But the Levites must make their camp around the Holy Tent of the Agreement. Then I will not be angry with the Israelites. The Levites will take care of the Holy Tent of the Agreement.”
54. So the Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses.