HaShem told Moshe to do one more count.
"Of all the Jewish people, only Levi'im are allowed to carry the holy objects of the Mishkan - but not all the Levi'im! Only men between 30 and 50 years old, since they are at the peak of their strength. And of the Levi'im between 30 and 50 years old, only the ones who are of the family of Levi's son Kehat will carry the holiest objects of all - the Aron (ark), the Shulchan (table), the Menorah, and the two Mizbechos (altars). And so, please count all of the men of Kehat who are between 30 and 50 years old."
But even though the men of Kehat had this highest of honors, even they could not look at or touch the holy objects they carried. Only the Kohanim could prepare the objects to be carried - they wrapped them in special coverings. Then the men of Kehat were called to lift the objects on their shoulders and carry them, with the greatest of care and respect.
In next week's parsha, we'll learn about the special jobs of the Levi'im, and more about life in the time of the Mishkan.
