These were counted from the Kohathite clans, everyone who could serve at the Tent of Meeting. Moses and Aaron numbered them according to the command of the LORD through Moses.
We have here a particular account of the numbers of the three families of the Levites respectively, that is, of the effective men, between thirty years old and fifty. Observe, 1. The Kohathites were, in all, 8600 from a month old and upwards; but of these there were but 2750 serviceable men, not a third part.
Commenting on Numbers 4:34-49
These be those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari,.... See Gill on Num 4:34; ; Numbers 4:46 num 4:46 num 4:46 num 4:46All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the chief of Israel numbered,.... See Gill on Num 3:34.
These [were] they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses. (s) God appointing Moses to be the minister and executor of it.