⁴⁷ The ancestral tribe of the Levites,^(A) however, was not counted^(B) along with the others. ⁴⁸ The Lord had said to Moses: ⁴⁹ “You must not count the tribe of Levi or include them in the census of the other Israelites. ⁵⁰ Instead, appoint the Levites to be in charge of the tabernacle^(C) of the covenant law^(D)—over all its furnishings^(E) and everything belonging to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; they are to take care of it and encamp around it.

⁵ The officers shall say to the army: “Has anyone built a new house and not yet begun to live in^(A) it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else may begin to live in it. ⁶ Has anyone planted^(B) a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it?^(C) Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else enjoy it. ⁷ Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else marry her.^(D)” ⁸ Then the officers shall add, “Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.”^{(E) 9} When the officers have finished speaking to the army, they shall appoint commanders over it.

³ Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.^(A)’” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.