Numbers 18:5

5 And ye shall have the charge of the sanctuary and the charge of the altar, that there be no more wrath upon the sons 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 And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle; only they shall not come near the holy vessels or the altar, that neither they, nor ye also, die.

4 And they shall join themselves unto thee and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the testimony in all the service of the tabernacle; and no stranger shall come near unto you.

5 And ye shall have the charge of the sanctuary and the charge of the altar, that there be no more wrath upon the sons of Israel.

6 For behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the sons of Israel, given unto you as a gift of the LORD, to serve in the ministry of the tabernacle of the testimony.

7 Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priesthood for every thing of the altar and within the veil, and ye shall minister; for I have given the service of your priesthood as a gift, and the stranger that comes near shall die.