Numbers 18:4

4 They are to work with you in taking care of the Tent of Meeting, whatever work is involved in the Tent. Outsiders are not allowed to help you.

Numbers 18:4 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 18:4

And they shall be joined unto thee
As assistants in the sacred service: and keep the charge of tabernacle of the congregation, for all the
service of the tabernacle; (See Gill on Numbers 3:7) and (See Gill on Numbers 3:8); and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you;
not any of the other tribes, only such as were of the tribe of Levi; they only were to be brought with them, and joined unto them, and assist them, and minister to them, as in ( Numbers 18:2 ) ; though the Jews ^F8 understand by a stranger anyone that was not a priest.

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FOOTNOTES:

F8 Maimon. in Misn. Zebachim, c. 2. sect. 1.

Numbers 18:4 In-Context

2 So enlist your brothers of the tribe of Levi to join you and assist you and your sons in your duties in the Tent of Testimony.

3 They will report to you as they go about their duties related to the Tent, but they must not have anything to do with the holy things of the Altar under penalty of death - both they and you will die!

4 They are to work with you in taking care of the Tent of Meeting, whatever work is involved in the Tent. Outsiders are not allowed to help you.

5 "Your job is to take care of the Sanctuary and the Altar so that there will be no more outbreaks of anger on the People of Israel.

6 I personally have picked your brothers, the Levites, from Israel as a whole. I'm giving them to you as a gift, a gift of God, to help with the work of the Tent of Meeting.