Numbers 18:5

5 And you shall ¹keep guard over the sanctuary and over the altar, ²that there may never again be wrath on the people of Israel.

Numbers 18:5 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 18:5

And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary
That is, the priests, Aaron and his sons; the high priest was to keep the charge of the most holy place particularly, and do what was to be done in that on the day of atonement; and the common priests to keep the charge of the holy place, and do everything relating to the altar of incense, the shewbread table, and candlestick: and the charge of the altar;
of burnt offering, which stood in the court of the tabernacle: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel:
as had been upon Korah and his company, ( Numbers 16:32 Numbers 16:33 ) , and as afterwards came on Uzziah, ( 2 Chronicles 26:19-21 ) .

Numbers 18:5 In-Context

3 They shall keep guard over you and over the whole tent, but shall not come near to the vessels of the sanctuary or to the altar lest they, and you, die.

4 They shall join you and keep guard over the tent of meeting for all the service of the tent, and no outsider shall come near you.

5 And you shall keep guard over the sanctuary and over the altar, that there may never again be wrath on the people of Israel.

6 And behold, I have taken your brothers the Levites from among the people of Israel. They are a gift to you, given to the LORD, to do the service of the tent of meeting.

7 And you and your sons with you shall guard your priesthood for all that concerns the altar and that is within the veil; and you shall serve. I give your priesthood as a gift, and any outsider who comes near shall be put to death."

Cross References

• 1. Numbers 3:38; Exodus 27:21; Exodus 30:7; Leviticus 24:3
• 2. See Leviticus 10:6