Numbers 18:22
Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִקְרְב֥וּ
come nigh
H7126
יִקְרְב֥וּ
come nigh
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
2 of 11
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
ע֛וֹד
henceforth
H5750
ע֛וֹד
henceforth
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
בְּנֵ֥י
Neither must the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
Neither must the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֹ֣הֶל
the tabernacle
H168
אֹ֣הֶל
the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
7 of 11
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
Historical Context
This command follows immediately after Korah, Dathan, and Abiram's rebellion (Numbers 16), where 14,700 Israelites died for challenging priestly boundaries. The people's fear (17:12-13) led to this formal separation, establishing clear zones of access that protected Israel from further casualties due to unauthorized approach to God's holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the deadly exclusion from the tabernacle deepen your appreciation for Hebrews 10:19—"confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus"?
- What modern attitudes toward God's holiness might this verse correct?
- How does the Levites' mediating role help us understand why Christ's priesthood is both necessary and sufficient?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle (קָרַב qarab, to approach/draw near)—The verb used for priestly approach to God now becomes forbidden for laity. Lest they bear sin, and die (נָשָׂא עָוֺן nasa avon, bear iniquity)—This phrase indicates fatal guilt, not mere ritual impurity. After Korah's rebellion (ch. 16-17), God reinforced the boundary between holy and common.
This exclusion anticipated the gospel breakthrough: Christ's torn veil grants all believers priestly access (Hebrews 10:19-22). The same approach that meant death under Moses now means life through Christ. The Levites' mediating role prefigured Christ's unique mediation—"there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).