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They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/3-38.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/04_Num_03_38.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 3:38 - Moses and Aaron" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Moses, Aaron, and Aaron's sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/3-38.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/3-38.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 38</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/3-37.htm" title="Numbers 3:37">◄</a> Numbers 3:38 <a href="/numbers/3-39.htm" title="Numbers 3:39">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/numbers/3.htm">New International Version</a> Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, in front of the tent of meeting. They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary on behalf of the Israelites. Anyone else who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death. <a href="/nlt/numbers/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> The area in front of the Tabernacle, in the east toward the sunrise, was reserved for the tents of Moses and of Aaron and his sons, who had the final responsibility for the sanctuary on behalf of the people of Israel. Anyone other than a priest or Levite who went too near the sanctuary was to be put to death. <a href="/esv/numbers/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Those who were to camp before the tabernacle on the east, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, were Moses and Aaron and his sons, guarding the sanctuary itself, to protect the people of Israel. And any outsider who came near was to be put to death. <a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death. <a href="/kjv/numbers/3.htm">King James Bible</a> But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Moreover those who were to camp before the tabernacle on the east, before the tabernacle of meeting, were Moses, Aaron, and his sons, keeping charge of the sanctuary, to meet the needs of the children of Israel; but the outsider who came near was to be put to death. <a href="/nasb_/numbers/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now those who were to camp in front of the tabernacle eastward, in front of the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, were Moses and Aaron and his sons, performing the duties of the sanctuary for the obligation of the sons of Israel; but the layman coming near was to be put to death. <a href="/nasb/numbers/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now those who were to camp before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, are Moses and Aaron and his sons, performing the duties of the sanctuary for the obligation of the sons of Israel; but the layman coming near was to be put to death. <a href="/nasb77/numbers/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now those who were to camp before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, are Moses and Aaron and his sons, performing the duties of the sanctuary for the obligation of the sons of Israel; but the layman coming near was to be put to death. <a href="/lsb/numbers/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now those who were to camp before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, are Moses and Aaron and his sons, keeping the responsibility of the sanctuary for the responsibility of the sons of Israel; but the outsider coming near was to be put to death. <a href="/amp/numbers/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now those to camp before the tabernacle toward the east, before the Tent of Meeting, toward the sunrise, were to be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, performing the duties of the sanctuary for whatever was required of the Israelites; and the layman (non-Levite) who approached [the sanctuary] was to be put to death. <a href="/csb/numbers/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Moses, Aaron, and his sons, who performed the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites, camped in front of the tabernacle on the east, in front of the tent of meeting toward the sunrise. Any unauthorized person who came near it was to be put to death. <a href="/hcsb/numbers/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Moses, Aaron, and his sons, who performed the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites, camped in front of the tabernacle on the east, in front of the tent of meeting toward the sunrise. Any unauthorized person who came near it was to be put to death. <a href="/asv/numbers/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> And those that encamp before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrising, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. <a href="/cev/numbers/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Moses, Aaron, and his sons were to camp in front of the sacred tent, on the east side, and to make sure that the Israelites worshiped in the proper way. Anyone else who tried to do the work of Moses and Aaron was to be put to death. <a href="/erv/numbers/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> And those that pitch before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrising, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. <a href="/gwt/numbers/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Moses, Aaron, and his sons put up their tents on the east side in front of the tent of meeting. They were in charge of the holy place on behalf of the Israelites. Anyone else who tried to do the Levites' duties had to be put to death. <a href="/gnt/numbers/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp in front of the Tent on the east. They were responsible for carrying out the services performed in the Holy Place for the people of Israel. Anyone else who tried to do so was to be put to death. <a href="/isv/numbers/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> In front of the tent and east of the Tent of Meeting, Moses, Aaron, and Aaron's sons encamped facing the east. They were tasked to perform the duties of the sanctuary and care for the needs of the Israelis. Any unauthorized person who approached was to be executed. <a href="/msb/numbers/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Moses, Aaron, and Aaron?s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death. <a href="/net/numbers/3.htm">NET Bible</a> But those who were to camp in front of the tabernacle on the east, in front of the tent of meeting, were Moses, Aaron, and his sons. They were responsible for the needs of the sanctuary and for the needs of the Israelites, but the unauthorized person who approached was to be put to death. <a href="/nheb/numbers/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Those who camp before the tabernacle eastward, in front of the Tent of Meeting toward the sunrise, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the requirements of the sanctuary for the duty of the children of Israel. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death. <a href="/wbt/numbers/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But those that encamp before the tabernacle towards the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward shall be Moses and Aaron, and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary, for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. <a href="/web/numbers/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Those who encamp before the tabernacle eastward, in front of the Tent of Meeting toward the sunrise, shall be Moses, with Aaron and his sons, keeping the requirements of the sanctuary for the duty of the children of Israel. The outsider who comes near shall be put to death. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And those encamping before the Dwelling Place eastward, before the Tent of Meeting, at the east, [are] Moses and Aaron, and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the sons of Israel, and the stranger who comes near is put to death. <a href="/ylt/numbers/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And those encamping before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting, at the east, are Moses and Aaron, and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the sons of Israel, and the stranger who cometh near is put to death. <a href="/slt/numbers/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they encamping before the dwelling eastward before the tent of appointment, from the sunrising, Moses and Aaron and his sons, watching the watches of the holy place, for the watches of the sons of Israel; and the stranger coming near shall die.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Before the tabernacle of the covenant, that is to say on the east side, shall Moses and Aaron camp, with their sons, having the custody of the sanctuary, in the midst of the children of Israel. What stranger soever cometh unto it, shall be put to death. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Moses and Aaron, with their sons, shall make camp before the tabernacle of the covenant, that is, on the east side, holding the custody of the Sanctuary in the midst of the sons of Israel. Whatever foreigner approaches it shall die. <a href="/nabre/numbers/3.htm">New American Bible</a> East of the tabernacle, that is, in front of the tent of meeting, toward the sunrise, were camped Moses and Aaron and the latter’s sons, performing the duties of the sanctuary incumbent upon the Israelites. Any unauthorized person who came near was to be put to death. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Those who were to camp in front of the tabernacle on the east—in front of the tent of meeting toward the east—were Moses and Aaron and Aaron’s sons, having charge of the rites within the sanctuary, whatever had to be done for the Israelites; and any outsider who came near was to be put to death.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary in addition to the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger who comes near shall be put to death. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And they who camp before the Tabernacle from the East before the Time Tent from the East: Moshe and Ahron and his sons who keep the guard of Holiness by the guard of the children of Israel, and a stranger approaching will be killed.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And those that were to pitch before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrising, were Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary, even the charge for the children of Israel; and the common man that drew nigh was to be put to death. <a href="/sep/numbers/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> They that encamp before the tabernacle of witness on the east shall be Moses and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charges of the sanctuary according to the charges of the children of Israel; and the stranger that touches them, shall die. <a href="/parallel/numbers/3-38.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=927" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm">Moses and Aaron</a> 38<a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: mō·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses,</a> <a href="/hebrew/175.htm" title="175: wə·’a·hă·rōn (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- An elder brother of Moses. Of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses.">Aaron,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇā·nāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and Aaron’s sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/2583.htm" title="2583: wə·ha·ḥō·nîm (Conj-w, Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline; by implication, to decline; specifically, to pitch a tent; gen. To encamp.">were to camp</a> <a href="/hebrew/6924.htm" title="6924: qê·ḏə·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- The front, of place, time. Or qedmah; from qadam; the front, of place or time; often used adverbially.">to the east</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4908.htm" title="4908: ham·miš·kān (Art:: N-ms) -- Dwelling place, tabernacle. From shakan; a residence; specifically, the Tabernacle.">of the tabernacle,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4217.htm" title="4217: miz·rā·ḥāh (N-ms:: 3fs) -- Place of sunrise, the east. From zarach; sunrise, i.e. The east.">toward the sunrise,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: ’ō·hel- (N-msc) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent.">the Tent</a> <a href="/hebrew/4150.htm" title="4150: mō·w·‘êḏ (N-ms) -- Appointed time, place, or meeting. ">of Meeting.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: šō·mə·rîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">They were to perform</a> <a href="/hebrew/4931.htm" title="4931: miš·me·reṯ (N-fsc) -- Fem. Of mishmar; watch, i.e. The act, or The sentry, the post; obj. Preservation, or Safe; fig. Observance, i.e. Duty or A usage or party.">the duties</a> <a href="/hebrew/4720.htm" title="4720: ham·miq·dāš (Art:: N-ms) -- A sacred place, sanctuary. Or miqqdash; from qadash; a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary or asylum.">of the sanctuary</a> <a href="/hebrew/4931.htm" title="4931: lə·miš·me·reṯ (Prep-l:: N-fsc) -- Fem. Of mishmar; watch, i.e. The act, or The sentry, the post; obj. Preservation, or Safe; fig. Observance, i.e. Duty or A usage or party.">as a service</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">on behalf of the Israelites;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2114.htm" title="2114: wə·haz·zār (Conj-w, Art:: Adj-ms) -- A primitive root; to turn aside; hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically to commit adultery.">but any outsider</a> <a href="/hebrew/7131.htm" title="7131: haq·qā·rêḇ (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Approaching. From qarab; near.">who approached the sanctuary</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yū·māṯ (V-Hofal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">was to be put to death.</a> 39The total number of Levites that Moses and Aaron counted by their clans at the LORD’s command, including all the males a month old or more, was 22,000.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/26-1.htm">Exodus 26:1-37</a> “You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them. / Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide—all curtains the same size. / Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well. ... <a href="/exodus/40-1.htm">Exodus 40:1-38</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, / “On the first day of the first month you are to set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting. / Put the ark of the Testimony in it and screen off the ark with the veil. ... <a href="/leviticus/8-1.htm">Leviticus 8:1-36</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Take Aaron and his sons, their garments, the anointing oil, the bull of the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread, / and assemble the whole congregation at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.” ... <a href="/deuteronomy/31-14.htm">Deuteronomy 31:14-15</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, the time of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, so that I may commission him.” So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting. / Then the LORD appeared at the tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood over the entrance to the tent. <a href="/joshua/18-1.htm">Joshua 18:1</a> Then the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. And though the land was subdued before them, <a href="/1_samuel/4-4.htm">1 Samuel 4:4</a> So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. <a href="/1_kings/8-4.htm">1 Kings 8:4</a> and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. So the priests and Levites carried them up. <a href="/1_chronicles/6-49.htm">1 Chronicles 6:49</a> But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. <a href="/1_chronicles/23-32.htm">1 Chronicles 23:32</a> So the Levites were to carry out the responsibilities for the Tent of Meeting and the Holy Place, and, under their brothers the descendants of Aaron, the service of the house of the LORD. <a href="/2_chronicles/5-5.htm">2 Chronicles 5:5</a> and they brought up the ark and the Tent of Meeting with all its sacred furnishings. The Levitical priests carried them up. <a href="/psalms/132-13.htm">Psalm 132:13-14</a> For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His home: / “This is My resting place forever and ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired this home. <a href="/ezekiel/44-15.htm">Ezekiel 44:15-16</a> But the Levitical priests, who are descended from Zadok and who kept charge of My sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from Me, are to approach Me to minister before Me. They will stand before Me to offer Me fat and blood, declares the Lord GOD. / They alone shall enter My sanctuary and draw near to My table to minister before Me. They will keep My charge. <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-22</a> Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ / You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? / And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ ... <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a> The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. <a href="/john/2-19.htm">John 2:19-21</a> Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” / “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?” / But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that comes near shall be put to death.toward<a href="/numbers/3-23.htm">Numbers 3:23,29,35</a> The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward… <a href="/numbers/1-53.htm">Numbers 1:53</a> But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.<a href="/numbers/2-3.htm">Numbers 2:3</a> And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.keeping<a href="/numbers/1-10.htm">Numbers 1:10</a> Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.<a href="/numbers/18-1.htm">Numbers 18:1-5</a> And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood… <a href="/1_chronicles/6-48.htm">1 Chronicles 6:48,49</a> Their brethren also the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God… for the charge<a href="/numbers/3-7.htm">Numbers 3:7,8,10</a> And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/3-32.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/numbers/3-36.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/numbers/3-15.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Common</a> <a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/3-36.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/numbers/2-3.htm">East</a> <a href="/numbers/2-3.htm">Eastward</a> <a href="/numbers/3-35.htm">Encamp</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-14.htm">Front</a> <a href="/numbers/3-13.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/3-28.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/numbers/3-25.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/numbers/3-14.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/numbers/3-32.htm">Requirements</a> <a href="/numbers/3-32.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/numbers/2-3.htm">Sunrise</a> <a href="/numbers/2-3.htm">Sunrising</a> <a href="/numbers/3-36.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/3-37.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/numbers/2-3.htm">Towards</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/3-39.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/numbers/4-16.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/16-29.htm">Common</a> <a href="/numbers/4-19.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/4-27.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/numbers/10-5.htm">East</a> <a href="/numbers/10-5.htm">Eastward</a> <a href="/numbers/9-20.htm">Encamp</a> <a href="/numbers/8-2.htm">Front</a> <a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/6-6.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/numbers/4-3.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/numbers/3-39.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/numbers/4-19.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/numbers/4-16.htm">Requirements</a> <a href="/numbers/3-47.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/numbers/9-14.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/numbers/21-11.htm">Sunrise</a> <a href="/numbers/21-11.htm">Sunrising</a> <a href="/numbers/4-3.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/4-3.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/numbers/12-10.htm">Towards</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 3</div>1. <a href="/numbers/3-1.htm">The sons of Aaron</a> 5. <a href="/numbers/3-5.htm">The Levites are given to the priests instead of the firstborn</a> 14. <a href="/numbers/3-14.htm">Are numbered by their families</a> 21. <a href="/numbers/3-21.htm">The families, number, and charge of the Gershonites</a> 27. <a href="/numbers/3-27.htm">Of the Kohathites</a> 33. <a href="/numbers/3-33.htm">Of the Merarites</a> 38. <a href="/numbers/3-38.htm">The place and charge of Moses and Aaron</a> 40. <a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">The firstborn are freed by the Levites</a> 44. <a href="/numbers/3-44.htm">The balances are refunded</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle This positioning highlights the leadership role of Moses and Aaron in the Israelite community. The east side of the tabernacle was considered the front, symbolizing prominence and authority. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the east was often associated with new beginnings and divine presence, as the sun rises in the east. This placement underscores the centrality of Moses and Aaron in mediating between God and the people.toward the sunrise The direction of the sunrise is significant in biblical symbolism, often representing hope, renewal, and divine favor. In the context of the tabernacle, it may also signify the light of God's presence and guidance for the Israelites. The orientation toward the east could also be seen as a reminder of Eden, which was placed in the east, symbolizing a return to God's original plan for humanity.before the Tent of Meeting The Tent of Meeting, or tabernacle, was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites. It served as a mobile sanctuary during their wilderness journey. The phrase "before the Tent of Meeting" indicates a position of service and responsibility, as Moses, Aaron, and his sons were tasked with maintaining the sanctity and order of this sacred space.They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites This phrase emphasizes the priestly role of Aaron and his sons, who were set apart to serve God and the community. Their duties included offering sacrifices, maintaining the tabernacle, and interceding for the people. This service was not only a religious obligation but also a means of ensuring the Israelites' covenant relationship with God. The priesthood is a type of Christ, who serves as the ultimate High Priest, mediating between God and humanity.but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death This strict prohibition underscores the holiness of the sanctuary and the seriousness of approaching God's presence without proper consecration. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the need for purity and reverence in worship. The severity of the penalty highlights the distinction between the consecrated priesthood and the rest of the community, reinforcing the idea that access to God requires mediation, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who grants believers access to God through His sacrifice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness. 2. <a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a> Moses' brother and the first high priest of Israel, responsible for the priestly duties and the spiritual leadership of the people. 3. <a href="/topical/a/aaron's_sons.htm">Aaron’s Sons</a> The descendants of Aaron who served as priests, assisting in the duties of the sanctuary. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle.htm">The Tabernacle</a> The portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites, central to their worship and community life. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_tent_of_meeting.htm">The Tent of Meeting</a> Another term for the Tabernacle, emphasizing its role as the place where God met with Moses and the priests.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_order_and_structure_in_worship.htm">The Importance of Order and Structure in Worship</a> God established a specific order for the Israelites' worship, emphasizing the need for reverence and obedience in approaching Him. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership_in_spiritual_matters.htm">The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Matters</a> Moses, Aaron, and his sons were given significant responsibilities, illustrating the importance of godly leadership in guiding and maintaining the spiritual health of a community. <a href="/topical/t/the_holiness_of_god_and_the_sanctity_of_the_sanctuary.htm">The Holiness of God and the Sanctity of the Sanctuary</a> The severe consequence for unauthorized access to the sanctuary underscores the holiness of God and the need for purity and respect in worship. <a href="/topical/t/the_symbolism_of_the_east_and_the_sunrise.htm">The Symbolism of the East and the Sunrise</a> The positioning of the camp toward the east, where the sun rises, can symbolize new beginnings and the hope found in God's presence.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 3</a> <a href="/q/exodus_26__do_tabernacle_sizes_match_texts.htm">Exodus 26 - How do these tabernacle measurements align or conflict with other biblical or historical texts regarding the scale and feasibility of such a dwelling?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_exodus_33_7-11_tent.htm">Is there any archaeological or historical evidence for a distinct 'Tent of Meeting' as described in Exodus 33:7-11, given that later passages describe the Tabernacle differently?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_hebrews_9_2-5_align_with_archaeology.htm">In Hebrews 9:2-5, how can the detailed description of the Tabernacle's furnishings be reconciled with the limited archeological evidence for such an elaborate structure?</a> <a href="/q/why_aren't_other_sources_consistent_on_exodus.htm">If Moses received precise instructions for the Tabernacle in Exodus 38:1-7, why aren't there consistent records in other ancient sources acknowledging this event?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(38) Keeping the charge of the sanctuary . . . --The word mikdash (sanctuary) appears to be of a more comprehensive import than mishkan, the shittimwood building, or ohel, the tent which covered it, and it seems to include the court which surrounded the Tabernacle, as in <a href="/leviticus/12-4.htm" title="And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.">Leviticus 12:4</a>; <a href="/leviticus/21-12.htm" title="Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God is on him: I am the LORD.">Leviticus 21:12</a>.For the charge of the children of Israel--i.e., to attend to everything which was commanded the children of Israel.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 38. - Before the tabernacle toward the east,... Moses, and Aaron and his sons. The most central and honourable place in the camp, and the most convenient for constant and direct access to the sanctuary. Moses held a wholly personal and exceptional position as king in Jeshurun (<a href="/deuteronomy/33-5.htm">Deuteronomy 33:5</a>); Aaron was hereditary high priest. Between them they represented the union of royal and sacerdotal authority, which had many partial continuations in Jewish history, but was fully realized in Christ. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/3-38.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Moses, מֹשֶׁ֣ה ׀ (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver Aaron, וְאַהֲרֹ֣ן (wə·’a·hă·rōn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_175.htm">Strong's 175: </a> Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses and [Aaron's sons] וּבָנָ֗יו (ū·ḇā·nāw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son were to camp וְהַחֹנִ֣ים (wə·ha·ḥō·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2583.htm">Strong's 2583: </a> To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp to the east קֵ֣דְמָה (qê·ḏə·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6924.htm">Strong's 6924: </a> The front, of place, time of the tabernacle, הַמִּשְׁכָּ֡ן (ham·miš·kān) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4908.htm">Strong's 4908: </a> A residence, the Tabernacle toward the sunrise, מִזְרָ֜חָה (miz·rā·ḥāh) Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4217.htm">Strong's 4217: </a> Place of sunrise, the east before לִפְנֵי֩ (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face the Tent אֹֽהֶל־ (’ō·hel-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_168.htm">Strong's 168: </a> A tent of Meeting. מוֹעֵ֨ד ׀ (mō·w·‘êḏ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4150.htm">Strong's 4150: </a> Appointed time, place, or meeting They were to perform שֹֽׁמְרִים֙ (šō·mə·rîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to the duties מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת (miš·me·reṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4931.htm">Strong's 4931: </a> A guard, watch, charge, function of the sanctuary הַמִּקְדָּ֔שׁ (ham·miq·dāš) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4720.htm">Strong's 4720: </a> A consecrated thing, place, a palace, sanctuary, asylum as a service לְמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת (lə·miš·me·reṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4931.htm">Strong's 4931: </a> A guard, watch, charge, function on behalf of the Israelites; בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son but any outsider וְהַזָּ֥ר (wə·haz·zār) Conjunctive waw, Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2114.htm">Strong's 2114: </a> To turn aside, to be a, foreigner, strange, profane, to commit adultery who approached [the sanctuary] הַקָּרֵ֖ב (haq·qā·rêḇ) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> To come near, approach was to be put to death. יוּמָֽת׃ (yū·māṯ) Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/3-38.htm">Numbers 3:38 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/3-38.htm">Numbers 3:38 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/3-38.htm">Numbers 3:38 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/3-38.htm">Numbers 3:38 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/3-38.htm">Numbers 3:38 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/3-38.htm">Numbers 3:38 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/3-38.htm">Numbers 3:38 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/3-38.htm">Numbers 3:38 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/3-38.htm">Numbers 3:38 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/3-38.htm">Numbers 3:38 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/3-38.htm">OT Law: Numbers 3:38 Those who encamp before the tabernacle eastward (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/3-37.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 3:37"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 3:37" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/3-39.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 3:39"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 3:39" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>