Numbers 18:5

5 You will keep the responsibility of the sanctuary and the responsibility of the altar, and there will no longer be wrath on the {Israelites}.

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 keep your responsibility and the responsibility of all the tent, only they may not come near the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, so both you and they will not die.

4 They will be joined to you, and they will keep the responsibility of the tent of assembly for the entire service of the tent; a stranger may not come near you.

5 You will keep the responsibility of the sanctuary and the responsibility of the altar, and there will no longer be wrath on the {Israelites}.

6 Look, I myself have chosen your brothers the Levites from the midst of the children. They are a gift to you given from Yahweh to perform the work of the tent of assembly.

7 But you with your sons will keep your priesthood to perform your priestly duties for everything at the altar and for {the area behind the curtain}. I give you the priesthood as a gift, but the stranger who approaches will be put to death."

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "sons/children of Israel"