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.
Original Language Analysis
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֗ם
And ye shall keep
H8104
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּ֗ם
And ye shall keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
and the charge
H4931
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
and the charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
3 of 14
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ
of the sanctuary
H6944
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ
of the sanctuary
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
4 of 14
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
and the charge
H4931
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
and the charge
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
6 of 14
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
ע֛וֹד
H5750
ע֛וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Exodus 27:21In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.Leviticus 24:3Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the LORD continually: it shall be a statute for ever in your generations.Numbers 16:46And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.
Historical Context
Recent judgments (Korah's rebellion, plague from murmuring) demonstrated that wrath threatened whenever God's holiness was violated. Proper priestly service maintained the protective buffer between God's holiness and Israel's sinfulness, making continued coexistence possible.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your faithfulness in your calling affect others in the community of faith?
- What aspects of Christ's priestly work protect you from divine wrath you deserve?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Priests and Levites must 'keep the charge of the sanctuary' so 'there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.' Their faithful service protected the entire nation. Mediatorial roles benefit the whole community; failure in representing God brings corporate consequences. This anticipates Christ's perfect priestly work that permanently averts divine wrath from His people.