Numbers 1:53

53 But let the Levites encamp round about the tabernacle of witness fronting it, and there shall be no sin among the children of Israel; and the Levites themselves shall keep the guard of the tabernacle of witness.

Numbers 1:53 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 1:53

But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of
testimony
Between the tabernacle and the camps of Israel, to guard the tabernacle and preserve the things in it, and to keep persons from going into it that should not, to pollute or plunder it: these were placed in like manner as the four living creatures round the throne, ( Revelation 4:6 ) ; where the allusion seems to be to this situation of the Levites:

that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of
Israel;
that is, from the Lord, should any of them approach too near, or meddle with and touch what they had nothing to do with, or go where they should not; such wrath as came upon Uzzah for his error and transgression before observed:

and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony;
the several things in it committed to their charge; see ( Numbers 3:8 ) .

Numbers 1:53 In-Context

51 And in removing the tabernacle, the Levites shall take it down, and in pitching the tabernacle they shall set it up: and let the stranger that advances die.

52 And the children of Israel shall encamp, every man in his own order, and every man according to his company, with their host.

53 But let the Levites encamp round about the tabernacle of witness fronting it, and there shall be no sin among the children of Israel; and the Levites themselves shall keep the guard of the tabernacle of witness.

54 And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.