Numbers 1:53
But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony. But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
The Levites were to pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony and keep its charge, so that no divine wrath would come upon the congregation of Israel through improper approach to or handling of the sanctuary. The bearing, erecting, and taking down of the holy tabernacle was not left to indiscriminate choice by any tribe that chose, but belonged to an ordered arrangement in which God specified who was responsible. He required perfect order and appointed only chosen men who appreciated the sacredness of the work.
God honored the Levites with this charge because they took no part in making and worshiping the golden calf and faithfully executed judgment upon the idolaters. In camp their office was to erect the tabernacle and encamp round about it while the hosts of Israel pitched at a distance from it. When Israel journeyed they were to take it down and bear it with the ark and the candlestick and the other sacred articles of furniture, striking the sacred tent when the camp moved and setting it up again when a halting place was reached.
They were divided into three divisions by the sons of Levi, each with a designated place and duty, with a special family of Levi to bear the ark while the other Levites bore the tabernacle and all its furniture. The Kohathites cared for the ark and the other furniture, the Merarites for the pillars, sockets, boards and related structural parts, and the Gershonites for the curtains and hangings. Their assigned positions were Moses and Aaron in front of the tabernacle nearest to it, the Kohathites on the south, the Merarites on the north, and the Gershonites in the rear.
No person of another tribe was allowed to come near on pain of death. Anyone who from curiosity or lack of order got out of his place and touched any part of the sanctuary or its furniture, or even came near the appointed workmen, was to be put to death. The ark and all that pertained to the most holy place were to be looked upon with reverence, with every worker knowing his place, faithfully performing his own special duty, and leaving alone what another had been appointed to do. Ignorance was no excuse for violating this order, because all had the same opportunity to know the will of God.
This honored position made the Levites ambitious for still higher office, that they might obtain greater influence with the congregation. That ambition led them to seek the priesthood and the government.