Numbers Chapter 3 · Verse 10
And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּנָיו֙
and his sons
H1121
בָּנָיו֙
and his sons
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
תִּפְקֹ֔ד
And thou shalt appoint
H6485
תִּפְקֹ֔ד
And thou shalt appoint
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
5 of 11
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
וְשָֽׁמְר֖וּ
and they shall wait on
H8104
וְשָֽׁמְר֖וּ
and they shall wait on
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Numbers 1:51And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.Numbers 3:38But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.Romans 12:7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;Numbers 18:7Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office unto you as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
Historical Context
This law was dramatically illustrated when Korah's company (250 leaders) offered incense - a priestly prerogative - and divine fire consumed them (Num 16:35). Similarly, King Uzziah's unauthorized entry to burn incense resulted in leprosy (2 Chr 26:16-21). These judgments demonstrated that God's appointments aren't negotiable based on personal ambition or perceived qualification. The system protected against chaos and maintained ordered worship. Under the new covenant, Christ alone mediates; we approach God through Him, not our own efforts or supposed worthiness.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you approaching God through Christ alone, or adding your own righteousness as if His mediation were insufficient?
- How does the severity of judgment on unauthorized approach increase your appreciation for Christ's invitation to 'draw near with confidence' through His blood?
Analysis & Commentary
God commands: 'the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.' The Hebrew 'zar' (stranger/unauthorized person) refers to non-priests, including Levites and ordinary Israelites, who approached priestly duties. This death penalty protected God's holiness and the priesthood's integrity. Korah's rebellion (ch 16) demonstrated this principle's seriousness - usurping priestly authority brought divine judgment. This foreshadows the truth that we approach God only through Christ our great High Priest (Heb 4:14-16). Attempting to approach God through any other mediator, our own righteousness, or religious works incurs spiritual death (John 14:6).