Números 18

David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin

Números 18

Guzik - God never gives authority without accountability; the two always go together. If God gives someone headship and expects others to submit to them in His order, God also has a special accountability for that person. Jarchi: “Upon you will I bring the punishment of the strangers that shall sin concerning the sanctified things that are delivered unto you.” David Stubbs - The main duties of the priests and Levites were presented in Nu. 1, 4, 3, where an important function of those priestly classes was to guard the holy places and things against encroachment by outsiders (Nu 1:50–53; 3:10, 38). Now laws are given that stipulate the chain of responsibility when such order is broken down, when there are “offenses connected with the sanctuary” (Nu 18:1). The chain of responsibility is that the priests and Kohathites will be responsible for offenses by lay Israelites (Nu 18:1a), the priests for offenses by other priests (Nu 18:1b), and the priests and all the Levites for offenses by Levites (Nu 18:3) (Ashley 1993: 337; Milgrom 1990: 145). (Brazos Commentary-Numbers) Ronald Allen - The words of the people in Nu 17:13+ were based on reality: it is a fearful thing to make an inappropriate approach to the shrine of God’s dwelling. The priests, who have their work in the precincts of his dwelling, must realize that they are there at the leave of God. But they cannot forget where they are nor be casual in what they are to do. To act foolishly, brazenly, carelessly in the holy places is to invite disaster. Their priestly ministry puts them in roles of awesome responsibility (see Exod 28:38). (EBC) and you and your sons with you shall bear the guilt in connection with your priesthood - In other words Aaron and sons would be held responsible for any iniquities committed in the discharge of their daily functions as priests. Only Aaron and his sons were authorized to carry out the ritual duties of the priesthood. So, with the great privileges come great responsibilities. -- NET Note Rabbi. Menahem said “By this admonition was signified, that the priests should not intermeddle with the service of the Levites, nor the Levites with the service of the priests.” Bush has a good point commenting that "All this would tend to calm the apprehensions of the people, who were afraid they should die for every error committed in their approaches to the sanctuary (cf their cry in Nu 17:12–13+) , and it would serve also to extinguish any degree of envy they might cherish in respect to the priestly dignity, when they saw with how much peril its possession and exercise was attended. NET NOTE - The responsibility for the sanctuary included obligations relating to any violation of the sanctuary. This was stated to forestall any further violations of the sanctuary. The priests were to pay for any ritual errors, primarily if any came too near. Since the priests and Levites come near all the time, they risk violating ritual laws more than any. So, with the great privileges come great responsibilities. The bottom line is that they were responsible for the sanctuary. John Bennett - THE CHARGE OF THE TABERNACLE It is important to distinguish between the priest and the Levite. The priest approached God and carried out the ritual of the tabernacle: the Levite served in the practical matters pertaining to the tabernacle. Not every Levite was a priest, but every priest was a Levite. In our dispensation every believer is both a priest and a Levite, 1 Pet. 2:5. We have the wonderful privilege of approaching God in worship as well as engaging in the service of the tabernacle. The functions of the priest and Levite are now united in a spiritual sense in the New Testament believer. Notice that the Levites were to be ‘joined’ to the priest, Nu 18:2. They were to act together. We need to learn the lesson that worship and service cannot be separated. But although they are joined, it is clear that the Levite was subordinate to the priest. He was ‘given’ to the priest as a gift, Nu 18:6, and the service of the Levite would be under the direction of the priest. The priestly man knew what to do in God’s house. Service must spring from communion with God. Worship precedes service. The Father is looking for worshippers first, John 4:23. Perhaps this is one reason why our service may seem ineffective at times. Could it be that our service does not flow from our worship? We must not go into God’s presence with our ideas for service: rather we should come from His presence with His ideas for service. The remainder of the chapter deals with God’s provision for both priest and Levite, Nu 18:8–32. Neither would have an inheritance in the land. Their function took priority over everything else. They must be free to serve the Lord without distraction. But although they had no inheritance, the priest and Levite had something better. The tithe or tenth of each offering was to be the portion of priest and Levite, v. 21. The tenth represents what is best and what was for God in the offering. God in effect is sharing His portion with the priest and Levite. As we understand priesthood and Levite service aright we will find that we are privileged to share in the very portion of God—adequate compensation for the lack of inheritance here! (Day by Day) Wiersbe's practical summary of Numbers 18 - The emphasis in this chapter is on GIFTS. (See Key Word above) God gives helpers (Nu 18:6) to assist us in our work, and we must accept them and be grateful for them. Some of the Levites had rebelled against Moses and Aaron, but God still gave them the privilege of serving Him and helping the priests God gives us work to do (Nu 18:7). If we are in the will of God, our work is a divine vocation, and we must do it for His glory (Eph 2:10, Mt 5:16). God gives us what we need (Nu 18:8ff.). He fed the priests from the sacrifices brought to the altar and also from the tithes (Nu 18:21). His action reminds us that “the laborer is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7; 1 Cor. 9:14; 1 Tim. 5:18). God gives us Himself (Nu 18:20). The priests and Levites were assigned places to live in Israel, but they did not have property from which they could get income (Josh. 13:14). They had to trust God to meet their needs. But when God is your inheritance, what more do you need? (See Ps. 16:5–6.) (With the Word Bible Commentary) Ronald Allen in his excellent overview comments that "the modern reader comes to chapters 18–19 with a sense of foreboding; what, we may wonder, is in these chapters for me? The answer to that question is fivefold: 1. The reader of Scripture needs to have general knowledge about the major institutions of the biblical period just for Scripture to make sense. 2. Our understanding of the true worship of God begins with the sense that He controls and directs true worship; who the priests are and how they function are first His concerns. This means that worship is not a game where we may make up the rules as we play. 3. A general knowledge of the work of the priests in the Hebrew Bible gives many insights to the modern reader as to the interests of God in our own worship. Often we think of worship in terms of what we like and appreciate. (ED: "the preaching is good but they need better music!")This misses the mark; worship is principally for God’s pleasure. 4. A general knowledge of the work of priests in the time of Hebrew worship gives the Christian reader significant insights into the priestly work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Book of Hebrews has an intense priestly orientation in its presentation of the Lord Jesus Christ, priest of God in the manner of Melchizedek. 5. In contrast with the highly regulated, highly structured patterns demanded of the priests of the Hebrew economy, the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ today has a direct access to God through the Savior that is nearly unbelievable. We are all priests; we can come near the presence of the Lord without an intermediary. Yet our privilege as believer-priests can only really be appreciated against the background of priests in the biblical period.” Thus it is not just for arcane, antiquarian reasons that we come to this chapter and the one following. (Expositor's Bible Commentary) Rod Mattoon - PRINCIPLES ON RESPONSIBILITY & ACCOUNTABILITY— Nu 18:1 Aaron and his sons would bear the iniquity of the sanctuary and priesthood. They were accountable and responsible for the neglect or failure to comply with sacred duties. As leaders, they were responsible and accountable. By the way, if you are a pastor or leader in the church, you are responsible and accountable to your people and to the Lord. James 3:1—My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. Hebrews 13:17—Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. The believer is accountable for his life. Romans 14:12—So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. The word "account" is from the word logos which refers to "what is said, thought, or the motives of a person." We will give an account for our words, so be careful what you say. Matthew 12:36—But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. We will give an account for our work, abilities, opportunities, and knowledge. Luke 12:48—But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Our accountability to the Lord should motivate us to live godly lives and be responsible Christians. 1 Peter 4:5-6—Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. [6] For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. Suffering the consequences of our actions tends to develop responsibility. Numbers 18:2 "But bring with you also your brothers, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may be joined with you and serve you, while you and your sons with you are before the tent of the testimony. BGT Numbers 18:2 καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου φυλὴν Λευι δῆμον τοῦ πατρός σου προσαγάγου πρὸς σεαυτόν καὶ προστεθήτωσάν σοι καὶ λειτουργείτωσάν σοι καὶ σὺ καὶ οἱ υἱοί σου μετὰ σοῦ ἀπέναντι τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου NET Numbers 18:2 "Bring with you your brothers, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, so that they may join with you and minister to you while you and your sons with you are before the tent of the testimony. NLT Numbers 18:2 "Bring your relatives of the tribe of Levi-- your ancestral tribe-- to assist you and your sons as you perform the sacred duties in front of the Tabernacle of the Covenant. ESV Numbers 18:2 And with you bring your brothers also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and minister to you while you and your sons with you are before the tent of the testimony. NIV Numbers 18:2 Bring your fellow Levites from your ancestral tribe to join you and assist you when you and your sons minister before the Tent of the Testimony. KJV Numbers 18:2 And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness. YLT Numbers 18:2 and also thy brethren, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring near with thee, and they are joined unto thee, and serve thee, even thou and thy sons with thee, before the tent of the testimony. LXE Numbers 18:2 And take to thyself thy brethren the tribe of Levi, the family of thy father, and let them be joined to thee, and let them minister to thee; and thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness. ASV Numbers 18:2 And thy brethren also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou near with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall be before the tent of the testimony. CSB Numbers 18:2 But also bring your relatives with you from the tribe of Levi, your ancestral tribe, so they may join you and assist you and your sons in front of the tent of the testimony. NKJ Numbers 18:2 "Also bring with you your brethren of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may be joined with you and serve you while you and your sons are with you before the tabernacle of witness. NRS Numbers 18:2 So bring with you also your brothers of the tribe of Levi, your ancestral tribe, in order that they may be joined to you, and serve you while you and your sons with you are in front of the tent of the covenant. joined: There is a fine paranomasia in the original. Levi is desired from {lawah,} to join, couple, associate; hence Moses says, the Levites {yillawoo,} "shall be joined," or associated, with the priests: they shall conjointly perform the sacred office, but the priests shall be principal, the Levites their associates or assistants. Nu 18:4 Ge 29:34 serve: Nu 3:6-9 Nu 8:19,22 but thou: Nu 3:10-13 4:15 16:40 17:7 1Ch 16:39,40 2Ch 30:16 Eze 44:15 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Numbers 3:6-10+ “Bring the tribe of Levi near and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may serve (sharath) him. 7 “They shall perform the duties for him and for the whole congregation before the tent of meeting, to do the service of the tabernacle. 8“ They shall also keep all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, along with the duties of the sons of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle. 9 “You shall thus give the Levites to Aaron and to his sons; they are wholly given to him from among the sons of Israel. 10 “So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons that they may keep their priesthood, but the layman who comes near shall be put to death.” Numbers 8:19; 22+ “I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the sons of Israel, to perform the service of the sons of Israel at the tent of meeting and to make atonement on behalf of the sons of Israel, so that there will be no plague among the sons of Israel by their coming near to the sanctuary.” (8:22) Then after that the Levites went in to perform their service in the tent of meeting before Aaron and before his sons; just as the LORD had commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them. YAHWEH GIVES AARONITES THE LEVITES TO SERVE THEM But bring with you also your brothers, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may be joined with you and serve (sharath) you - Comparing with the related passages above, this declaration is a reiteration of the fact that the tribe of Levi was a gift to Aaron and his sons to aid him in his priestly work in the Tent of Meeting. The Hebrew verb (sharath) is translated in the Lxx with leitourgeo which means to render special formal service. Bush explains joined with you is the Hebrew "yillâvu, from the root lâvâh, signifying to join, to couple, to associate. From this root comes the name Levi, the reason of which was assigned by his mother at his birth, Ge. 29:34, “Now this time will my husband be joined unto me.” And the term here employed displays a peculiar paranomasia, or play upon words, equivalent to “may be Levited,” i. e. adjoined to or associated with the priests. They shall conjointly perform the sacred office, but the priests shall be principal, the Levites their associates or assistants. NET NOTE on may be joined - The verb forms a wordplay on the name Levi, and makes an allusion to the naming of the tribe Levi by Leah in the book of Genesis. There Leah hoped that with the birth of Levi her husband would be attached to (joined to) her (Ge 29:34). Here, with the selection of the tribe to serve in the sanctuary, there is the wordplay again showing that the Levites will be attached to Aaron and the priests. The verb is יִלָּווּ (yillavu), which forms a nice wordplay with Levi (לֵוִי). The tribe will now be attached to the sanctuary. The verb is the imperfect with a vav (ו) that shows volitive sequence after the imperative, here indicating a purpose clause. May be joined (03867)(lavah) means to join (be joined), to accompany. The idea is attaching oneself to someone or something. It is used in Isaiah of strangers (sojourners, aliens, foreigners) who join to "house of Jacob" (Isa 14:1) or join "to the LORD" (Isa 56:3, Isa 56:6, similar in Jer 50:5), "all those who allied with" the Jews (Esther 9:27), "many nations will join themselves to the LORD in that day (Millennium in Zech 2:11). "Many will join with them in hypocrisy" (Da 11:34). Of Israel's enemies "Assyria also has joined with them (other enemies of Israel)." (Ps 83:8). First use in Ge 29:34 "She conceived again and bore a son and said, “Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore he was named Levi." Lxx translates lavah in Numbers with the verb prostithemi = added to, be brought (Gives us our word "prosthesis" - in a sense the Levites were like a "prosthesis" [see picture] to the priests!) TWOT - Used once in the Qal (Eccl. 8:15); the remaining usages are in the Niphal. lāwâ refers to the joining of an item or person to someone or something else. Most significant theologically is its usage to refer to foreigners who join themselves to God's people as converts. In general usage it refers to the way in which hedonistic pleasures "stay with" a man (Eccles. 8:15); also it is used for joining in a military alliance (Psalm 83:8 [H 9]), the conjugal joining of husband to wife (Genesis 29:34), and the joining of the Levites with Aaron for service at the tabernacle (Numbers 18:2-4). As a term referring to conversion it describes those who, impressed by God's work in restoring his people, will join themselves to the Hebrews in the worship and service of God, i.e. will be spiritually converted (Isaiah 14:1). Others will join themselves to God as a result of some divine judgment (cf. Esther 9:27). Such Gentile converts are assured that they will not be separated from God's Covenant (Isaiah 56:3-6). Someday God's repentant people will (re)join themselves to a true covenant relationship to God (Jeremiah 50:5). This usage of lāwâ to reflect religious dedication supports the notion that the name "Levi" expressed the religious dedication of the tribe of that name to the Lord's service." Baker says this same word has another distinct meaning - A verb meaning to borrow, to lend. It has the sense of to ask for something as well as to lend something according to context (Dt. 28:12), especially money that is loaned out (Ex. 22:25[24]) or borrowed (Neh. 5:4). The wicked person borrows but does not pay back (Ps. 37:21); the righteous person both gives and lends to help others (Ps. 37:26; Ps 112:5). Lending to the poor is like giving to the Lord (Pr 19:17). Borrowing can lead to enslavement (Pr 22:7). God's judgments will encompass both borrower and lender (Isa. 24:2). (Complete Word Study Dictionary – OT). Lavah - 22 verses - Ge. 29:34; Ex 22:25; Nu 18:2; Nu 18:4; Dt. 28:12; Dt. 28:44; Neh. 5:4; Est. 9:27; Ps. 37:21; Ps. 37:26; Ps. 83:8; Ps. 112:5; Pr. 19:17; Pr 22:7; Eccl. 8:15; Isa. 14:1; Isa. 24:2; Isa. 56:3; Isa. 56:6; Jer. 50:5; Da 11:34; Zech 2:11 While you and your sons with you are before the tent of the testimony - Hebrew “Before the tent of the testimony.” Before the Most Holy Place in which the ark stood. The common priests, but not the Levites, ministered before, i. e. on the outside of, but not within, this inner room, which was separated from the outer by a veil. Only the high priest was allowed into the Holy of holies (Lev 16:16-17). The Levites were to assist and serve Aaron and his sons in killing the sacrifices, taking the blood, and giving it to the priests for sprinkling, and in general performing all the more menial tasks around the Tabernacle and its court. The warning was that only the appointed (Aaronic) priests could serve at the altar and in the Holy Place (or they would die - Nu 18:3). Levites joined to Priests brings to mind the idea of harmony, unity (something the Levites did not exhibit under Korah's rebellion!) and reminds me that today in the NT we have that same picture of harmony and a sense of being joined together because we are in the body of Christ... Colossian 2:19+ and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. Ephesians 4:15-16+ but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the Head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. Mattoon - The tribe of Levi will levi (join) with you. Levites were to assist Aaron in the work of the Lord. They were a team that was to be united in doing God's work with each one in his place. The same truth holds for the church. Romans 12:5—So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Galatians 3:28—There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 4:11-13—And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Ephesians 4:16—From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Christians are to be in harmony and united!' Numbers 18:3 "And they shall thus attend to your obligation and the obligation of all the tent, but they shall not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary and the altar, or both they and you will die. BGT Numbers 18:3 καὶ φυλάξονται τὰς φυλακάς σου καὶ τὰς φυλακὰς τῆς σκηνῆς πλὴν πρὸς τὰ σκεύη τὰ ἅγια καὶ πρὸς τὸ θυσιαστήριον οὐ προσελεύσονται καὶ οὐκ ἀποθανοῦνται καὶ οὗτοι καὶ ὑμεῖς NET Numbers 18:3 They must be responsible to care for you and to care for the entire tabernacle. However, they must not come near the furnishings of the sanctuary and the altar, or both they and you will die. NLT Numbers 18:3 But as the Levites go about all their assigned duties at the Tabernacle, they must be careful not to go near any of the sacred objects or the altar. If they do, both you and they will die. ESV Numbers 18:3 They shall keep guard over you and over the whole tent, but shall not come near to the vessels of the sanctuary or to the altar lest they, and you, die. NIV Numbers 18:3 They are to be responsible to you and are to perform all the duties of the Tent, but they must not go near the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. KJV Numbers 18:3 And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor ye also, die. YLT Numbers 18:3 'And they have kept thy charge, and the charge of all the tent; only, unto the vessels of the sanctuary and unto the altar they do not come near, and they die not, either they or you; LXE Numbers 18:3 And they shall keep thy charges, and the charges of the tabernacle; only they shall not approach the holy vessels and the altar, so both they and you shall not die. ASV Numbers 18:3 And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the Tent: only they shall not come nigh unto the vessels of the sanctuary and unto the altar, that they die not, neither they, nor ye. CSB Numbers 18:3 They are to perform duties for you and for the whole tent. They must not come near the sanctuary equipment or the altar; otherwise, both they and you will die. NKJ Numbers 18:3 "They shall attend to your needs and all the needs of the tabernacle; but they shall not come near the articles of the sanctuary and the altar, lest they die-- they and you also. NRS Numbers 18:3 They shall perform duties for you and for the whole tent. But they must not approach either the utensils of the sanctuary or the altar, otherwise both they and you will die. but they shall not come near: Nu 3:25,31,36 Nu 4:19,20 16:40 both they and you will die: Nu 4:15 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Numbers 4:15+ “When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is to set out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them, so that they will not touch the holy objects and die. These are the things in the tent of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to carry. Numbers 4:19-20+ But do this to them that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy objects: Aaron and his sons shall go in and assign each of them to his work and to his load; 20 but they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die.” LEVITES RESTRICTIONS PRIESTS RESPONSIBILITIES And they (LEVITES) shall thus attend to your obligation and the obligation of all the tent - (see similar charge to the Levites in Nu 3:7, 8) NET = "They must be responsible to care for you and to care for the entire tabernacle" They refers to the Levites given to Aaron to assist him and his sons in the sanctuary. But the assistance had limitations. The Levites were not to usurp the role of the priests (as Korah had sought to do in Nu 17). Obligation is the Hebrew noun mishmereth (used in Nu 18:3, 4, 5, 8) and is translated in the Lxx with a verb phulasso (to guard, watch, observe) and a noun phulake (a watch, guard). This same word mishmereth was issued in Nu 1:53+ "the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there will be no wrath on the congregation of the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall keep (shamar) charge (mishmereth) of the tabernacle of the testimony.” Note a similar instruction is given to Aaron and sons in Nu 18:5 but there the subject to be watched over is not the whole tabernacle complex but the sanctuary (qodesh) the holy place and the altar. Obligation (04931)(mishmereth from shamar = to watch, guard, protect, observe, keep) a guard, watch, charge, function, duty. There are two main meanings - (1) an obligation or service to be performed (2) having to do with something that is to be kept or preserved (the Passover lamb = "you shall keep it" Ex 12:6, manna = "to be kept" Ex 16:32-34; ashes of red heifer = "shall keep" = Nu 19:9) In several instances, it is used of a guard post (Isa. 21:8; Hab. 2:1). The idea of obedience (i.e., keeping the commandments) is often depicted, which leads to a translation of charge (Gen. 26:5; Deut. 11:1; Zech. 3:7) or duty (Nu 3:7; 9:23; 2 Chr. 8:14). Gilbrant - A feminine noun, mishmereth is derived from the Hebrew verb, shāmar (HED #8490), "to observe," "to guard," "to keep." The most basic meaning of this noun is "keeping" or "something kept." Mishmereth can mean many different things depending on its context. Many times it is used with shāmar (Lev. 22:9; Num 3:7), "he shall keep my charge," sometimes with hāyāh (HED #2030; Exo. 12:6), "you shall keep," and often with the preposition le (HED #3937; Exo. 16:32), "to keep." Many of the usages describe certain duties to God. Some of the usages depict a guard, either to keep in or to keep out. The last category of meanings consists of things that are to be held in trust. Many of these occurrences are linked with the remembrance of God's activities. Mishmereth is used to describe duties, or obligations, impressed by Yahweh. This noun can occur with a variety of different nouns in lists. In Gen. 26:5, commandment (mitswāh), statute (chōq,), law (tôrāh, HED4) are found with mishmereth (charge). But, the noun can also denote "the charge of the commandment of the Lord," (Josh. 22:3), or even the rites of purification (Neh. 12:45). So, obeying every charge (like obeying every law, statute or commandment) is a prerequisite for a covenant relationship. It is the observation of the laws, the stipulations of the Covenant, through righteous treatment of all humans and God that allows the Covenant to stand. It is also used for a more specialized duty. While describing the different duties in the Tabernacle, this word is used, "And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent" (Num. 3:25). Mishmereth is used in a military context (just as shāmar), to describe guard duties or guard posts (Isa. 21:8; Hab. 2:1). In 2 Ki. 11:5ff, mishmereth describes the commands the captains of the hundreds received from Jehoiada when he installed Jehoash as king of Judah. This same word is translated "bodyguard," in 2 Sam. 20:3, to describe the guard that David put on his ten concubines after returning to his house. Finally, mishmereth can describe something held in trust, usually for safekeeping. Several of the occurrences refer to items that were to be kept in the Ark of the Covenant: the manna (Exo. 16:32, 34) and Aaron's rod (Num. 17:10). The objects kept were items which confirmed that the Covenant was in place. The passover lamb was "kept" until the fourteenth day (Exo. 12:6). Mishmereth can also refer to the safekeeping of persons, "For he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard" (1 Sam. 22:23). (Complete Biblical Library Hebrew-English Dictionary) Mishmereth - 68 versse - allegiance(1), charge(27), duties(15), duty(2), guard post(2), guard*(1), guards(2), keep(1), keep*(1), kept(5), obligation(4), obligations(4), offices(1), posts(1), safe(1), service(2), service divisions(1), watch(4), worship(1). Gen. 26:5; Exod. 12:6; Exod. 16:23; Exod. 16:32; Exod. 16:33; Exod. 16:34; Lev. 8:35; Lev. 18:30; Lev. 22:9; Num. 1:53; Num. 3:7; Num. 3:8; Num. 3:25; Num. 3:28; Num. 3:31; Num. 3:32; Num. 3:36; Num. 3:38; Num. 4:27; Num. 4:28; Num. 4:31; Num. 8:26; Num. 9:19; Num. 9:23; Num. 17:10; Num. 18:3; Num. 18:4; Num. 18:5; Num. 18:8; Num. 19:9; Num. 31:30; Num. 31:47; Deut. 11:1; Jos. 22:3; 1 Sam. 22:23; 2 Sam. 20:3; 1 Ki. 2:3; 2 Ki. 11:5; 2 Ki. 11:6; 2 Ki. 11:7; 1 Chr. 9:23; 1 Chr. 9:27; 1 Chr. 12:29; 1 Chr. 23:32; 1 Chr. 25:8; 1 Chr. 26:12; 2 Chr. 7:6; 2 Chr. 8:14; 2 Chr. 13:11; 2 Chr. 23:6; 2 Chr. 31:16; 2 Chr. 31:17; 2 Chr. 35:2; Neh. 7:3; Neh. 12:9; Neh. 12:45; Neh. 13:30; Isa. 21:8; Ezek. 40:45; Ezek. 40:46; Ezek. 44:8; Ezek. 44:14; Ezek. 44:15; Ezek. 44:16; Ezek. 48:11; Hab. 2:1; Zech. 3:7; Mal. 3:14 But they (Levite helpers) shall not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary and the altar, or both they and you will die - Notice that if the Levite helpers came near the holy things, not only would they die but so would the priests. In other words the priests (Aaron and sons) were held responsible to ensure that the Levites kept their distance from the furnishings of the sanctuary! THOUGHT Come near is a key word in this chapter being mentioned 4x - (Nu 18:3, Nu 18:4, Nu 18:7, Nu 18:22). The verb qarab is used 3x and the cognate qareb once. Three of the uses of qarab are rendered in the Lxx with the Greek verb proserchomai which means to come facing toward, to approach and figuratively to worship. And so we see that while qarab is repeatedly used in a warning not to draw near to the holy place of Yahweh lest they die because of their unholiness, because of the sacrifice of our Great High Priest's who offered Himself once for all time on the "brazen altar" of the Cross, all who are now safe in Him by grace through faith are not warned to stand clear, but to stand close, to draw near and worship Him in spirit and in truth. What a great salvation our Savior has wrought for us! Hebrews 4:16+ - Therefore let us draw near with confidence (BOLD ASSURANCE) to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 7:25+ - Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him (OUR MEDIATOR CHRIST JESUS), since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 10:19-22+ - Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Números 18

Guzik - The Levites were not allowed to do what the priests did. In the same way, the New Testament says we are all different “parts” of the body, each with particular gifts and callings (1 Corinthians 12:4–7). Bush adds that "Aaron is here commanded to make a strict discrimination between the priestly and the Levitical orders; the Levites having nothing to do but to be keepers and carriers of the Tabernacle and its utensils. Upon any movement of the camp, they were not allowed so much as to handle or touch (ED: OR EVEN SEE) the ark, altar, table, or candlestick (Nu 4:5-14+), but only to take them from the priests when they had packed them. The priests, on the other hand, were to use the Levites as ministers, and by their constant care and admonitions were to prevent all others from incurring the divine displeasure, on account of profane intrusions into so holy a function. Allen comments "The Levites were joined (see above) to the priests as their assistants. But the Levites were never to be regarded as “priests in training.” They had a serious “career ceiling” in their vocation. The sanctity of the Holy Place is not to be underestimated. Come near (Draw near) (07126)(qarab) means to come near or approach. It is a verb which basically indicates coming physically closer. In most of the uses personal involvement is suggested so that the idea is not simply being close to something (someone) but being actively and personally involved with it (him). "Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." (Ex 3:5+). Thus it was is used of approaching God (Ex. 3:5; Dt. 4:11; 5:23, 27; Isa. 48:16; 1Sa. 14:36). See "THOUGHT" on qarab. Sanctuary (most holy, holy things, sanctuary) (06944) see note on qodesh The Lxx renders qodesh with hagios indicating those things set apart from common use and for uses related to Yahweh. This is the name of God's people in the NT and the purpose is the same - set apart from the corrupt dying world and unto the use of our Holy God. Does my behavior substantiate this "definition"? Uses in Numbers 18 - Nu 18:3; Nu 18:5; Nu 18:8; Nu 18:9; Nu 18:10; Nu 18:16; Nu 18:17; Nu 18:19; Nu 18:32; Rod Mattoon - THE PRINCIPLES ON CONFORMITY— Nu 18:3 God made it clear that He wanted His instructions followed. The Levites were to care for the Tabernacle, but not minister before the Lord in the Holy Place. That was the responsibility of Aaron's priestly family. The Bible stresses repeatedly that our allegiance is to the Almighty; we are to submit to the Scriptures; we are to be in compliance and conform to the commands of Christ. We are to obey. This is where our greatest battles lie. Our flesh wants to conform to the crowd. Exodus 23:2—Thou shah not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment: Romans 12:2—And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. God wants us to obey. Obedience brings great reward and blessings. Numbers 18:4 "They shall be joined with you and attend to the obligations of the tent of meeting, for all the service of the tent; but an outsider may not come near you. BGT Numbers 18:4 καὶ προστεθήσονται πρὸς σὲ καὶ φυλάξονται τὰς φυλακὰς τῆς σκηνῆς τοῦ μαρτυρίου κατὰ πάσας τὰς λειτουργίας τῆς σκηνῆς καὶ ὁ ἀλλογενὴς οὐ προσελεύσεται πρὸς σέ NET Numbers 18:4 They must join with you, and they will be responsible for the care of the tent of meeting, for all the service of the tent, but no unauthorized person may approach you. NLT Numbers 18:4 The Levites must join you in fulfilling their responsibilities for the care and maintenance of the Tabernacle, but no unauthorized person may assist you. ESV Numbers 18:4 They shall join you and keep guard over the tent of meeting for all the service of the tent, and no outsider shall come near you. NIV Numbers 18:4 They are to join you and be responsible for the care of the Tent of Meeting--all the work at the Tent--and no one else may come near where you are. KJV Numbers 18:4 And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you. YLT Numbers 18:4 and they have been joined unto thee, and have kept the charge of the tent of meeting, for all the service of the tent; and a stranger doth not come near unto you; LXE Numbers 18:4 And they shall be joined to thee, and shall keep the charges of the tabernacle of witness, in all the services of the tabernacle; and a stranger shall not approach to thee. ASV Numbers 18:4 And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tent of meeting, for all the service of the Tent: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you. CSB Numbers 18:4 They are to join you and guard the tent of meeting, doing all the work at the tent, but no unauthorized person may come near you. NKJ Numbers 18:4 "They shall be joined with you and attend to the needs of the tabernacle of meeting, for all the work of the tabernacle; but an outsider shall not come near you. NRS Numbers 18:4 They are attached to you in order to perform the duties of the tent of meeting, for all the service of the tent; no outsider shall approach you. outsider : Nu 1:51 Nu 3:10 1Sa 6:19 2Sa 6:6,7 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries They shall be joined with you and attend to the obligations of the tent of meeting, for all the service of the tent - NET = "They must join with you, and they will be responsible for the care of the tent of meeting" Yahweh is still referring to the Levites. Bush writes on joined with "Heb. nilvu (see above on lavah; Lxx = prostithemi = added to, be brought), that is, shall be adjoined Levitically—the same term with that previously used in a similar connection. A Levite was an adjunct. They were to be considered as an appended portion of that general body of men who were devoted to the special service of God in the work of the sanctuary." but an outsider may not come near you - NLT = "but no unauthorized person may assist you" NET = "no unauthorized person may approach you" - So this refers not just to aliens (non-native Israelites) but also to Israelites. Anyone who was not a Levite was an "outsider." Read the following fearful cry from the congregation who now understood the serious holy nature of the holy tabernacle precincts. Nu 17:12-13+ Then the sons of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, “Behold, we perish, we are dying, we are all dying! 13 “Everyone who comes near, who comes near to the tabernacle of the LORD, must die. Are we to perish completely?” Outsider (stranger) (02114) see discussion below on zur Numbers 18:5 "So you shall attend to the obligations of the sanctuary and the obligations of the altar, so that there will no longer be wrath on the sons of Israel. BGT Numbers 18:5 καὶ φυλάξεσθε τὰς φυλακὰς τῶν ἁγίων καὶ τὰς φυλακὰς τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου καὶ οὐκ ἔσται θυμὸς ἐν τοῖς υἱοῖς Ισραηλ NET Numbers 18:5 You will be responsible for the care of the sanctuary and the care of the altar, so that there will be no more wrath on the Israelites. NLT Numbers 18:5 "You yourselves must perform the sacred duties inside the sanctuary and at the altar. If you follow these instructions, the LORD's anger will never again blaze against the people of Israel. ESV Numbers 18:5 And you shall keep guard over the sanctuary and over the altar, that there may never again be wrath on the people of Israel. NIV Numbers 18:5 "You are to be responsible for the care of the sanctuary and the altar, so that wrath will not fall on the Israelites again. KJV Numbers 18:5 And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel. YLT Numbers 18:5 and ye have kept the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar, and there is no more wrath against the sons of Israel. LXE Numbers 18:5 And ye shall keep the charges of the holy things, and the charges of the altar, and so there shall not be anger among the children of Israel. ASV Numbers 18:5 And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar; that there be wrath no more upon the children of Israel. CSB Numbers 18:5 "You are to guard the sanctuary and the altar so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. NKJ Numbers 18:5 "And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and the duties of the altar, that there may be no more wrath on the children of Israel. NRS Numbers 18:5 You yourselves shall perform the duties of the sanctuary and the duties of the altar, so that wrath may never again come upon the Israelites. And ye: Nu 8:2 Ex 27:21 30:7-10 Lev 24:3 1Ch 9:19,23,33 24:5 1Ti 1:18 1Ti 3:15 5:21 6:20 no wrath: Nu 8:19 16:46 Jer 23:15 Zec 10:3 Numbers 18 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AARONIC PRIESTS TO WATCH OVER THE SANCTUARY So you shall attend to the obligations of the sanctuary and the obligations of the altar - NLT= "You will be responsible for the care of the sanctuary and the care of the altar," CSB = "You are to guard the sanctuary and the altar" This refers to the first room of the Tabernacle, the holy place, that contained the Candlestick, the Table, and the Shew-bread. A similar instruction had been given in Nu 3:31-32 - "Now their duties involved the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the utensils of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the screen, and all the service concerning them; 32and Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was the chief of the leaders of Levi, and had the oversight of those who perform the duties of the sanctuary. To attend to the obligation "was to exercise continual care night and day that all things were kept pure and uncorrupted, and administered strictly according to the divine will." (Bush) Sanctuary (holy) (06944) see note on qodesh so that - Term of purpose. there will no longer be wrath on the sons of Israel - We have just seen an example of Yahweh's wrath breaking out in Nu 16:46 Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put in it fire from the altar, and lay incense on it; then bring it quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, for wrath has gone forth from the LORD, the plague has begun!” Yahweh's wrath is mentioned in the book of Numbers in these passages - Nu 1:53 Nu 16:46 Nu 18:5 Nu 25:11 Stubbs writes "The assignment of responsibility serves two purposes in this context. It first reassures all the Israelites that their fear expressed in 17:12–13 will not come to pass. They can approach the tabernacle to worship and offer sacrifices without fear of death. It also reminds the priests and Levites that their election and call to service is not an election to privilege and power, but rather to an important service that has grave responsibilities attached to it." (Ibid) Bush writes "That by constant care and vigilance all occasions of wrath might be precluded." THOUGHT Are we not grateful we live after the Cross, after our Lord Jesus Christ came as the Lamb of God (Jn 1:29+) and bore the wrath of God that we justly deserved for our manifold sins (1 Peter 2:24+, 2 Cor 5:21+). Amazing grace indeed! But now as His priests, we need to apply these passages on the seriousness of guarding God's holiness lest "wrath" break out. Of course, for believers this would be in the form of divine discipline (Hebrews 12:5-10+) remembering that "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." (Hebrews 12:11+). UBS Handbook - The purpose of the regulations for the priests and the Levites is to prevent another punishment of the people of Israel at large on account of the sin or violation of certain individuals or groups among them. If there are violations involving the sanctuary and its holy objects, God will punish his people again Matthew