Joe: So, what's the deal with Numbers 4?

Bible Expert: This chapter deals with the duties of the priests and Levites, who are responsible for the upkeep of the Tabernacle.

Joe: That's awesome! That's like a tent that the Israelites took with them on their journey?

Bible Expert: Yes, that's right. The Lord instructs Moses to take a census of all the males from the age of thirty to fifty who are from the tribe of Levi, and assigns specific tasks to each of the four Levite clans.

Joe: Interesting. What kind of tasks?

Bible Expert: Well, the Gershonites are responsible for carrying the curtains and coverings of the Tabernacle and all its furnishings. The Merarites are responsible for setting up the frames, bars, posts, and bases of the Tabernacle. The Kohathites are responsible for carrying the holy items of the Tabernacle. And the Aaronites are responsible for all the other tasks related to the upkeep of the Tabernacle.

Joe: Wow! So, how long were they assigned these duties?

Bible Expert: From the age of thirty to fifty, which was considered the prime of a man's life in those days.

Joe: That's awesome! And did the Lord give any other instructions about the duties of the Levites?

Bible Expert: Yes, the Lord also instructed that the Kohathites and Gershonites should not come too close to the holy items, as they were sacred and could not be touched by anyone but the Aaronites. And he also commanded that the Kohathites should carry the items of the Tabernacle on their shoulders and not use carts or wagons to transport them.