במדבר, פרק ד׳, פסוק א׳

Following the general counting of the Levite tribe from infancy, a new instruction focuses on a specialized group. This is a census of men between the ages of thirty and fifty, the specific years when they are fit for the heavy physical labor of transporting the Tabernacle through the desert. Even when dismantled into separate parts for the journey, the Tabernacle retains its complete holiness and meaning [רש ר הירש]. Because of this ongoing holiness, the order in which the Levite families are counted shifts. Previously, they were listed strictly by their natural birth order. Now, they are organized based on the importance of their duties, placing the family of Kohath first [ברכת אשר על התורה].

God addresses both Moses and Aaron with these instructions for clear reasons. On a practical level, Aaron and his sons are the ones directly responsible for arranging the tasks and physically loading the holy cargo onto the shoulders of the Kohathites [חזקוני]. Beyond these practical steps, the Levites operate under Aaron's authority as his designated helpers. By including Aaron in the command, God is essentially seeking his permission to assign the Kohathites to this sacred labor [שפתי כהן].

Yet, while Aaron is directly named in the address, the actual delivery of the prophecy is nuanced. The direct communication from God was experienced by Moses alone. Moses was then tasked with relaying the instructions to Aaron, whose inclusion in the divine command was a mark of deep respect for his position [שפתי כהן, ברכת אשר על התורה].