because all the firstborn are mine. When I destroyed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I set apart for myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They belong to me. I am the Lord.”

And all those numbered totaled 603,550.

All those numbered of the camp of Ephraim, according to their divisions, are 108,100. They will travel third.

Those of them who were numbered, counting every male from a month old and upward, were 7,500.

Those of them who were numbered, counting every male from a month old and upward, were 6,200.

So Moses numbered all the firstborn males among the Israelites, as the Lord had commanded him.

Then they must put it with all its utensils in a covering of fine leather, and put it on a carrying beam.

“‘All the days that he separates himself to the Lord he must not contact a dead body.

You are to bring the Levites before the tent of meeting and assemble the entire community of the Israelites.

When they blow them both, all the community must come to you to the entrance of the tent of meeting.

But now we are dried up, and there is nothing at all before us except this manna!”

I am not able to bear this entire people alone, because it is too heavy for me!

Then all the community raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night.

Then Moses and Aaron fell down with their faces to the ground before the whole assembled community of the Israelites.

But truly, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord.

When Moses told these things to all the Israelites, the people mourned greatly.

“‘Every native-born person must do these things in this way to present an offering made by fire as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

Thus you will remember and obey all my commandments and be holy to your God.

He has brought you near and all your brothers, the sons of Levi, with you. Do you now seek the priesthood also?

When he had finished speaking all these words, the ground that was under them split open,