²⁴ So Moses spoke to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel.

¹ "Now, you priests, this commandment is for you.

² If you will not listen, and if you will not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name," says Yahweh of Hosts, "then will I send the curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart.

³ Behold, I will rebuke your seed, and will spread dung on your faces, even the dung of your feasts; and you will be taken away with it.

⁴ You will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant may be with Levi," says Yahweh of Hosts.

⁵ "My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him who he might be reverent toward me; and he was reverent toward me, and stood in awe of my name.

⁶ The law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity.

⁷ For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Yahweh of Hosts.

¹⁷ Tell Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it."

¹⁸ This charge I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to you, that by them you may wage the good warfare;

² The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.