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.
Original Language Analysis
וְשָֽׁמְרוּ֙
And they shall keep
H8104
וְשָֽׁמְרוּ֙
And they shall keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וּמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
and the charge
H4931
וּמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
and the charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
2 of 19
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
וּמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
and the charge
H4931
וּמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת
and the charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
3 of 19
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאֹ֑הֶל
of all the tabernacle
H168
הָאֹ֑הֶל
of all the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
5 of 19
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
אַךְ֩
H389
כְּלֵ֨י
the vessels
H3627
כְּלֵ֨י
the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
8 of 19
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
הַקֹּ֤דֶשׁ
of the sanctuary
H6944
הַקֹּ֤דֶשׁ
of the sanctuary
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
9 of 19
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִקְרָ֔בוּ
only they shall not come nigh
H7126
יִקְרָ֔בוּ
only they shall not come nigh
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
13 of 19
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָמֻ֥תוּ
that neither they nor ye also die
H4191
יָמֻ֥תוּ
that neither they nor ye also die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
15 of 19
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
גַם
H1571
גַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Cross References
Numbers 4:15And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.Numbers 3:36And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto,Numbers 16:40To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.Numbers 3:25And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,Numbers 3:31And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.
Historical Context
This prohibition recalled Nadab and Abihu's fatal error (Leviticus 10:1-2) and reinforced the lesson from Korah's rebellion. The tabernacle vessels were so holy that even seeing them improperly caused death (4:20). These regulations weren't arbitrary restrictions but necessary protections.
Questions for Reflection
- What boundaries has God established that you're tempted to cross or resent?
- How do divine limitations actually serve your good rather than restrict your freedom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Levites were to 'keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar.' Clear boundaries protected both the Levites and the sanctuary's holiness. God establishes limits not arbitrarily but to preserve life. Respecting divine boundaries demonstrates wisdom; transgressing them invites judgment.