Numbers 18:5

5 "You must be in charge of the work done at the holy place and at the altar. Then I won't show my anger against the Israelites again.

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 will work for you, doing whatever work is necessary for the whole tent. But they must not come near the altar or the furnishings in the holy place, or they will die, and you will die, too.

4 They will join you and do whatever work is necessary for the tent of meeting, including all the maintenance work for the tent. But no one else may come near you.

5 "You must be in charge of the work done at the holy place and at the altar. Then I won't show my anger against the Israelites again.

6 I have chosen the other Levites from among the Israelites to help you. They are a gift given to the LORD to do whatever work is necessary at the tent of meeting.

7 Only you and your sons may do the work of priests--everything done at the altar and under the canopy. This is my gift to you: You may serve me as priests. Anyone else who comes near [the holy place to do this work] must die."