Why are Bnei Yisrael counted in Parashat Bemidbar? Chapters 1-2 indicate that the Levites serve God in the Mishkan, whereas Bnei Yisrael serve God in other ways: their service is expressed in the loyalty of following God's command and travelling to their destiny, toward the Land of Israel. This is considered no less of a service of God. Bnei Yisrael are enlisted for this service at the start of Bemidbar.