Numbers 3:1-13

1These are the generations of Aaron and Moses current at the time Adonai spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai.

2These are the names of Aaron’s sons: Nadab the first-born, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.

3These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed kohanim whom he consecrated to be priests.

4But Nadab and Abihu died before Adonai for offering unauthorized fire before Adonai in the Sinai wilderness—they had no children. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as kohanim under Aaron their father.

5Then Adonai spoke to Moses saying,

6“Gather the tribe of Levi near, and appoint them to attend to Aaron the kohen.

7They are to keep watch over duties for him and the entire community before the Tent of Meeting while performing the service of the Tabernacle.

8They are to tend to all the implements of the Tent of Meeting and the service of Bnei-Yisrael while performing the service of the Tabernacle.

9You are to give the Levites to Aaron and his sons. Out of Bnei-Yisrael they are dedicated entirely to him.

10You are to appoint Aaron and his sons to maintain the priesthood; any commoner who approaches must be executed.”

11Then Adonai said to Moses saying,

12“See, I have taken the Levites from among Bnei-Yisrael in place of the firstborn who open the womb among Bnei-Yisrael. The Levites will be Mine,

13because all the firstborn are Mine. In the day when I was striking down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to Myself every firstborn in Israel—whether man or animal—as Mine. I am Adonai.”