“Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die”
Context:The book of Numbers is primarily concerned with the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. It records various laws, commandments, and instructions given by God to Moses for the organisation and worship of the Israelite community. In Numbers 18, God establishes the duties and responsibilities of the Levites, the priestly tribe, as well as the portion of offerings they would receive.
Explanation:In Numbers 18:22, we find a specific instruction given to the children of Israel regarding their access to the tabernacle of the congregation. The tabernacle was the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people during their time in the wilderness. It housed the Ark of the Covenant and was the central place of worship and sacrifice.
The verse states that the children of Israel are no longer permitted to come near the tabernacle. The reason for this restriction is explained as follows: “lest they bear sin, and die.” The Israelites were sinful by nature and could not approach the holy presence of God without the proper atonement and purification. God, in His holiness, established boundaries and regulations to protect the people from facing immediate death due to their sinfulness.
The tabernacle and its rituals symbolised the separation between the holy God and the sinful people. The Levites, as a designated priestly tribe, were consecrated for the service of God and had the responsibility of ministering in the tabernacle on behalf of the people. They acted as intermediaries between the people and God, offering sacrifices and performing various rituals to maintain the sanctity of the tabernacle.
Significance/Application:Numbers 18:22 serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the need for proper reverence and respect in approaching Him. The Israelites were forbidden from coming near the tabernacle because of their sinfulness. This highlights the importance of recognising our own sinfulness and the need for forgiveness and purification before approaching God.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is revealed as the ultimate high priest and the perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He provided a way for all people to have access to God’s presence. Hebrews 10:19-22 says, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.” In Christ, we can approach God boldly, not based on our own merits, but on the righteousness of Christ imputed to us through faith.
Numbers 18:22 also highlights the importance of recognising and respecting the boundaries and regulations established by God. In our approach to worship and service, we should follow the instructions and principles laid out in Scripture, seeking to honour God in our actions and attitudes. While the specific regulations related to the tabernacle are not directly applicable to us today, the underlying principles of reverence, obedience, and holiness are timeless and relevant.
In summary, Numbers 18:22 emphasises the holiness of God and the need for purification and reverence in approaching Him. It points us to the ultimate high priest, Jesus Christ, who has made a way for us to enter into God’s presence. As we seek to worship and serve God, let us do so with humility, obedience, and a deep respect for His holiness.
