Numbers 18:3

3 They are to do your orders and be responsible for the work of the Tent; but they may not come near the vessels of the holy place or the altar, so that death may not overtake them or you.

Numbers 18:3 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 18:3

And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the
tabernacle
That is, the Levites, whatever Aaron and his sons, the priests, should charge them to do, or commit to their care and charge, that they should observe; as to watch and keep out all unfit persons, to take down and set up the tabernacle when needful only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary;
as the ark and mercy seat in the holy of holies, the shewbread table, and candlestick in the holy place; wherefore when these were removed from place to place in journeying, they were covered, that they might not touch them as they carried them: and the altar;
both of incense and burnt offering, on neither of which might they offer: that neither they nor you also die:
the priests for suffering them to meddle with things that did not belong to them, and the Levites for intruding themselves.

Numbers 18:3 In-Context

1 And the Lord said to Aaron, You and your sons and your father's family are to be responsible for all wrongdoing in relation to the holy place: and you and your sons are to be responsible for the errors which come about in your work as priests.

2 Let your brothers, the family of Levi, come near with you, so that they may be joined with you and be your servants: but you and your sons with you are to go in before the ark of witness.

3 They are to do your orders and be responsible for the work of the Tent; but they may not come near the vessels of the holy place or the altar, so that death may not overtake them or you.

4 They are to be joined with you in the care of the Tent of meeting, doing whatever is needed for the Tent: and no one of any other family may come near you.

5 You are to be responsible for the holy place and the altar, so that wrath may never again come on the children of Israel.