Numbers 1:46-53

⁴⁶The sum total of those registered was 603,550.

⁴⁷However, the Levites were not registered with the others according to their tribe and families.

⁴⁸This was because the Lord had told Moses,

⁴⁹“Don't register the tribe of Levi; don't count them in the census with the other Israelites.

⁵⁰Put the Levites in charge of the Tabernacle and of the Testimony, as well as all its furniture and everything it contains. They are the ones responsible for carrying the Tabernacle and all its items. They are to care for it, and to make their camp around it.

⁵¹When it's time to move the Tabernacle, the Levites shall take it down, and when it's time to make camp, the Levites shall put it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.

⁵²The Israelites are to make camp according to their tribal divisions, each person in their own camp under their own flag.

⁵³But the Levites are to set up their camp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony to stop anyone making me angry with the Israelites. The Levites are responsible for looking after the Tabernacle of the Testimony.”