1Then the LORD said to Aaron, 'You, your sons, and your father's family with you will bear the responsibility for offenses related to the sanctuary. Also, you and your sons with you will bear the responsibility for offenses connected to your priesthood.'
2Bring your brothers from the tribe of Levi, your ancestral tribe, to join you and assist you while you and your sons serve before the tent of the testimony.
3They are to guard your duties and the duties of the entire tent, but they must not come near the sacred furnishings or the altar, so they will not die—and neither will you.
4They are to join you and take responsibility for the care of the tent of meeting, performing all its service. No unauthorized person may come near you.
5You are to perform the duties of the sanctuary and the altar, so that no further wrath will fall on the Israelites.
6I myself have chosen your brothers, the Levites, from among the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD for their service at the tent of meeting.