21
Merari's sons were Mahli and Mushi. Mahli's sons were Eleazar and Kish.
22
Eleazar died without having any sons. He only had daughters. Their cousins, the sons of Kish, married them.
23
Mushi had three sons: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth.
24
These were Levi's descendants, who were grouped according to their families. The heads of their families were registered by name as they were counted. Everyone who served in the LORD's temple was at least 20 years old.
25
David had said, "The LORD God of Israel has given his people rest. He will now live in Jerusalem forever.
26
The Levites will no longer have to carry the tent and all the utensils used in worship."
27
David's last instructions were to count the Levites who were at least 20 years old.
28
They were appointed to stand beside Aaron's descendants to serve in the LORD's temple. They were appointed to be in charge of the courtyards and the temple rooms, to ensure that all the holy things were clean, and to serve in God's temple.
29
They were also responsible for the rows of bread, the flour for the grain offerings, the unleavened bread wafers, and the bread made in frying pans. In addition, they were responsible for mixing the ingredients and keeping track of all weights and measures.
30
They were appointed to stand to give thanks and praise to the LORD every morning. They were appointed to do the same thing in the evening.
31
They were appointed to stand in front of the LORD in the required numbers whenever burnt offerings were made--on weekly worship days, at New Moon Festivals, and on appointed annual festivals.