Numbers 18:4

4 But let them be with thee, and watch in the charge of the tabernacle, and in all the ceremonies thereof. A stranger shall not join himself with 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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Numbers 18:4 In-Context

2 And take with thee thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, and the sceptre of thy father, and let them be ready in hand, and minister to thee: but thou and thy sons shall minister in the tabernacle of the testimony.

3 And the Levites shall watch to do thy commands, and about all the works of the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary nor the altar, lest both they die, and you also perish with them.

4 But let them be with thee, and watch in the charge of the tabernacle, and in all the ceremonies thereof. A stranger shall not join himself with you.

5 Watch ye in the charge of the sanctuary, and in the ministry of the altar: lest indignation rise upon the children of Israel.

6 I have given you your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel, and have delivered them for a gift to the Lord, to serve in the ministries of the tabernacle.