What is the purpose of the repetition of the phrase, “listed according to the commandments of the LORD”?
The seemingly exaggerated repetition of the phrase listed according to the commandments of the Lord
(Numbers 4:37, Numbers 4:41, Numbers 4:45, Numbers 4:49) signals that a conclusion is being reached in the narrative. (Musical compositions often employ the same type of exaggerated repetition to signal that the work is reaching a conclusion.)
The glorious task that was given to Moses to conduct a census (from Nimbers 1 onwards) is now completed. The repetitions signal the conclusions of this task and, thereby, the reader anticipates a transition to another section in the book of Numbers.
37 Tels sont ceux des familles des Kehathites dont on fit le dénombrement, tous ceux qui exerçaient des fonctions dans la tente d'assignation; Moïse et Aaron en firent le dénombrement sur l'ordre de l'Eternel par Moïse.