Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.
Count all the descendants of Levi by their family groups and clans. Count every male who is one month old and older.
God is instructing Moses to take a census of all the male Levites from infancy onward, organizing them by their family lines.
📚 Historical Context
This occurred during Israel's time in the wilderness after leaving Egypt, when God was organizing the nation for their journey to the Promised Land. The Levites were being set apart as the priestly tribe to serve in the tabernacle and handle sacred duties. Unlike other tribes who were counted from age 20 for military service, the Levites were counted from one month old because their role was religious service rather than warfare.
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