Numbers 26:57-62·~1 min

The Levites Numbered

The Levites are listed by families, and the line through Kohath, Amram, Jochebed, Aaron, Moses, and Miriam is recalled. Within that priestly line, Nadab and Abihu’s deaths are remembered.

N⁵⁷ow these were the Levites numbered by their clans: ⁵⁸These were the families of the Levites: ⁵⁹Now Kohath was the father of Amram, and Amram’s wife was named Jochebed. She was also a daughter of Levi, born to Levi in Egypt. To Amram she bore Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam. ⁶⁰Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar were born to Aaron, ⁶¹but Nadab and Abihu died when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD.

The Levites total 23,000 males a month old or more, and they are excluded from the other tribal count because they receive no inheritance among Israel. Their numbering follows a different rule.

⁶²The registration of the Levites totaled 23,000, every male a month old or more; they were not numbered among the other Israelites, because no inheritance was given to them among the Israelites.

Section summaryThe Levites are counted separately by their clans, with the family line of Amram and Aaron briefly traced and the deaths of Nadab and Abihu recalled. Their total is 23,000 males a month old or more, and they receive no inheritance among Israel.

Role in the chapterThis section distinguishes Levi from the other tribes. It clarifies that the regular census and land allotment do not apply to them in the same way, while still locating them carefully within Israel’s family line.