20-46 The number of men from each tribe who were at least twenty years old and strong enough to fight in Israel's army was as follows:46,500 from Reuben,the eldest son of Jacob,59,300 from Simeon,45,650 from Gad,74,600 from Judah,54,400 from Issachar,57,400 from Zebulun,40,500 from Ephraim,32,200 from Manasseh,35,400 from Benjamin,62,700 from Dan,41,500 from Asher,53,400 from Naphtali.The total number of men registered by Moses, Aaron, and the twelve leaders was 603,550.
47 But those from the Levi tribe were not included
48 because the Lord had said to Moses:
49 When you count the Israelites, do not include those from the Levi tribe.
50-51 Instead, give them the job of caring for the sacred tent, its furnishings, and the objects used for worship. They will camp around the tent, and whenever you move, they will take it down, carry it to the new camp, and set it up again. Anyone else who tries to go near it must be put to death.
52 The rest of the Israelites will camp in their own groups and under their own banners.
53 But the Levites will camp around the sacred tent to make sure that no one goes near it and makes me furious with the Israelites.