Numbers 1:53

53 but the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the covenant, ^[a] that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the Israelites; and the Levites shall perform the guard duty of the tabernacle of the covenant. ^[b]

Numbers 1:53 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 1:53

But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of
testimony
Between the tabernacle and the camps of Israel, to guard the tabernacle and preserve the things in it, and to keep persons from going into it that should not, to pollute or plunder it: these were placed in like manner as the four living creatures round the throne, ( Revelation 4:6 ) ; where the allusion seems to be to this situation of the Levites:

that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of
Israel;
that is, from the Lord, should any of them approach too near, or meddle with and touch what they had nothing to do with, or go where they should not; such wrath as came upon Uzzah for his error and transgression before observed:

and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony;
the several things in it committed to their charge; see ( Numbers 3:8 ) .

Numbers 1:53 In-Context

51 When the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up. And any outsider who comes near shall be put to death.

52 The other Israelites shall camp in their respective regimental camps, by companies;

53 but the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the covenant, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the Israelites; and the Levites shall perform the guard duty of the tabernacle of the covenant.

54 The Israelites did so; they did just as the Lord commanded Moses.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or [treaty], or [testimony]; Heb [eduth]
• [b]. Or [treaty], or [testimony]; Heb [eduth]