Numbers 3:17

The tribe of Levi is not numbered with the others. The Levites are appointed over the tabernacle of testimony, its furniture, and everything that belongs to it. They are to carry it, set it up, take it down, and camp around it so wrath does not come on the congregation, while the other tribes camp by their own standards. Numbers 2: Camp Arrangement and Marching Order The LORD assigns the layout of Israel's camp around the tabernacle, with each tribe grouped under its standard. On the east side, Judah camps with Issachar and Zebulun, led by Nahshon, with a stated count for each tribe and a total for that side. On the south side, Reuben camps with Simeon and Gad, led by Elizur, with counts and a total. On the west side, Ephraim camps with Manasseh and Benjamin, led by Elishama, with counts and a total. On the north side, Dan camps with Asher and Naphtali, led by Ahiezer, with counts and a total. The Levites camp around the tabernacle in the center, and when Israel moves, the groups set out in the same order as they camp. Numbers 3: Levites Assigned and Firstborn Counted The record identifies Moses and Aaron and Aaron's sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Nadab and Abihu die before the LORD when they offer "strange fire," and Eleazar and Ithamar serve as priests under Aaron. The LORD sets the tribe of Levi apart, placing them under Aaron to serve in the tabernacle work on behalf of the children of Israel.