Numbers 18:4

4 The Levites must join you in fulfilling their responsibilities for the care and maintenance of the Tabernacle, but no unauthorized person may assist you.

Numbers 18:4 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 18:4

And they shall be joined unto thee
As assistants in the sacred service: and keep the charge of tabernacle of the congregation, for all the
service of the tabernacle; (See Gill on Numbers 3:7) and (See Gill on Numbers 3:8); and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you;
not any of the other tribes, only such as were of the tribe of Levi; they only were to be brought with them, and joined unto them, and assist them, and minister to them, as in ( Numbers 18:2 ) ; though the Jews F8 understand by a stranger anyone that was not a priest.


FOOTNOTES:

F8 Maimon. in Misn. Zebachim, c. 2. sect. 1.

Numbers 18:4 In-Context

2 “Bring your relatives of the tribe of Levi—your ancestral tribe—to assist you and your sons as you perform the sacred duties in front of the Tabernacle of the Covenant.
3 But as the Levites go about all their assigned duties at the Tabernacle, they must be careful not to go near any of the sacred objects or the altar. If they do, both you and they will die.
4 The Levites must join you in fulfilling their responsibilities for the care and maintenance of the Tabernacle, but no unauthorized person may assist you.
5 “You yourselves must perform the sacred duties inside the sanctuary and at the altar. If you follow these instructions, the LORD ’s anger will never again blaze against the people of Israel.
6 I myself have chosen your fellow Levites from among the Israelites to be your special assistants. They are a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD for service in the Tabernacle.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Hebrew the Tent of Meeting; also in 18:6, 21, 22, 23, 31 .
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.