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.
Original Language Analysis
וְנִלְו֣וּ
And they shall be joined
H3867
וְנִלְו֣וּ
And they shall be joined
Strong's:
H3867
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
עָלֶ֔יךָ
H5921
עָלֶ֔יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְשָֽׁמְר֗וּ
unto thee and keep
H8104
וְשָֽׁמְר֗וּ
unto thee and keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙
the charge
H4931
מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙
the charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
5 of 14
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
הָאֹ֑הֶל
of the tabernacle
H168
הָאֹ֑הֶל
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
6 of 14
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
לְכֹ֖ל
H3605
לְכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָאֹ֑הֶל
of the tabernacle
H168
הָאֹ֑הֶל
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
10 of 14
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
וְזָ֖ר
and a stranger
H2114
וְזָ֖ר
and a stranger
Strong's:
H2114
Word #:
11 of 14
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
The word 'stranger' (zar) meant non-Levites, including most Israelites. Even within the covenant community, not everyone had equal access to holy things. This prefigured that ultimate access to God would require a specific mediator—Jesus Christ, our great High Priest.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Old Testament restricted access help you appreciate New Covenant boldness before God's throne?
- What role does Christ's priesthood play in your daily confidence before God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Levites 'shall be joined unto thee' for service, but 'a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.' This exclusivity protected God's ordained order. While the gospel eventually opens access to all believers as 'royal priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9), Old Covenant structures taught that approaching God requires proper authorization. New Testament access came through Christ's priestly work, not human presumption.