And they shall keepe thy charge, and the charge of all the Tabernacle: onely they shall not come nigh the vessels of the Sanctuarie, and the Altar, that neither they, nor you also die. Numbers 18:3 (KJV)
This verse is part of a conversation between God and Aaron, where God assigns specific duties and responsibilities to the tribe of Levi. In Numbers 18 God designates the Levites as the chosen tribe to assist the priests, Aaron and his sons, in the service of the tabernacle.
God commands the Levites to “keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle.” This means they are responsible for safeguarding and maintaining the sacred items and the tabernacle itself. The Levites were entrusted with the duty of setting up and taking down the tabernacle, transporting it during the Israelites’ journey, and ensuring its proper care.
However, the verse also sets a clear limitation: “only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor ye also, die.” Here God establishes a boundary for the Levites. While they were given significant responsibilities, they were not allowed to directly approach the holy vessels and the altar. This restriction underscores the seriousness and holiness associated with the sacred items.
The boundary serves as a reminder to the Levites and the entire community of Israel of the need for reverence and respect for the holy things of God. By maintaining this distance, God emphasizes the importance of purity and obedience in the worship and service of the tabernacle.
It is important to note that the Levites played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel. Their service allowed the people to approach God and worship Him according to His instructions. They supported the priests in various tasks, including caring for the tabernacle and teaching the people about the Law of God.
Overall, Numbers 18:3 serves as a reminder of the specific responsibilities given to the Levites and the boundaries established to maintain the sanctity of the holy items and the altar. It underscores the significance of reverence and obedience in approaching the things of God and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a proper order in worship and service.
