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Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/1-51.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/04_Num_01_51.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 1:51 - The Exemption of the Levites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. 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Anyone else who approaches it is to be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Whenever it is time for the Tabernacle to move, the Levites will take it down. And when it is time to stop, they will set it up again. But any unauthorized person who goes too near the Tabernacle must be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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 if any outsider comes near, he shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And when the tabernacle is to go forward, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall set it up. The outsider who comes near shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So when the tabernacle is to move on, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle encamps, the Levites shall set it up. But the layman who comes near <i>it</i> shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220So when the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle encamps, the Levites shall set it up. But the layman who comes near shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“So when the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle encamps, the Levites shall set it up. But the layman who comes near shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So when the tabernacle is to set out, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle encamps, the Levites shall set it up. But the layman who comes near shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When the tabernacle is to go forward, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to [be set up for] camp, the Levites shall set it up. But the layman (non-Levite) who approaches the tabernacle shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to stop at a campsite, the Levites are to set it up. Any unauthorized person who comes near it is to be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to stop at a campsite, the Levites are to set it up. Any unauthorized person who comes near it must be put to death.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the tent has to be moved, the Levites will take it down. When we camp, they will set it up. Anyone else who comes near the tent will be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Whenever you move your camp, the Levites shall take the Tent down and set it up again at each new campsite. Anyone else who comes near the Tent shall be put to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whenever the tent is ready for travel, the descendants of Levi are to take it down. When it's time to encamp, the descendants of Levi are to set it up. Any unauthorized person who approaches it is to be executed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites must take it down, and whenever the tabernacle is to be reassembled, the Levites must set it up. Any unauthorized person who approaches it must be killed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When the tabernacle is to move, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall set it up. The unauthorized person who comes near shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when the tabernacle moveth forward, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When the tabernacle is to move, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall set it up. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And in the journeying of the Dwelling Place, the Levites take it down, and in the encamping of the Dwelling Place, the Levites raise it up; and the stranger who is coming near is put to death.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'And in the journeying of the tabernacle, the Levites take it down, and in the encamping of the tabernacle, the Levites raise it up; and the stranger who is coming near is put to death.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And in the removing of the dwelling the Levites shall take it down, and in pitching the dwelling, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger coming near shall die.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />When you are to go forward, the Levites shall take down the tabernacle: when you are to camp, they shall set it up. What stranger soever cometh to it, shall be slain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />When you would depart, the Levites shall take down the tabernacle. When you are to make camp, they shall set it up. Any outsider who will approach it shall be killed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When the tabernacle is to move on, the Levites shall take it down; when the tabernacle is to be pitched, it is the Levites who shall set it up. Any unauthorized person who comes near it shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when the tabernacle shall set forward, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up; and the stranger who comes near shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And whenever the Tabernacle picks up, the Levites shall take it down, and whenever the Tabernacle sets up, the Levites shall erect it and a stranger who approaches it shall be killed.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up; and the common man that draweth nigh shall be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And in removing the tabernacle, the Levites shall take it down, and in pitching the tabernacle they shall set it up: and let the stranger that advances <i>to touch it</i> die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/1-51.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=372" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/1.htm">The Exemption of the Levites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">50</span>Instead, you are to appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, all its furnishings, and everything in it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its articles, care for it, and camp around it. <span class="reftext">51</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4908.htm" title="4908: ham·miš·kān (Art:: N-ms) -- Dwelling place, tabernacle. From shakan; a residence; specifically, the Tabernacle.">Whenever the tabernacle</a> <a href="/hebrew/5265.htm" title="5265: ū·ḇin·sō·a‘ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To pull out or up, set out, journey. A primitive root; properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. Start on a journey.">is to move,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3881.htm" title="3881: hal·wî·yim (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Desc. of Levi. Or Leviy; patronymically from Leviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi.">the Levites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: yō·w·rî·ḏū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To come or go down, descend. ">are to take it down,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4908.htm" title="4908: ham·miš·kān (Art:: N-ms) -- Dwelling place, tabernacle. From shakan; a residence; specifically, the Tabernacle.">and whenever it</a> <a href="/hebrew/2583.htm" title="2583: ū·ḇa·ḥă·nōṯ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline; by implication, to decline; specifically, to pitch a tent; gen. To encamp.">is to be pitched,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3881.htm" title="3881: hal·wî·yim (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Desc. of Levi. Or Leviy; patronymically from Leviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi.">the Levites</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: yā·qî·mū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">are to set it up.</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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.">Any outsider</a> <a href="/hebrew/7131.htm" title="7131: haq·qā·rêḇ (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Approaching. From qarab; near.">who goes near it</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yū·māṯ (V-Hofal-Imperf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">must be put to death.</a> </span><span class="reftext">52</span>The Israelites are to camp by their divisions, each man in his own camp and under his own standard.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/40-36.htm">Exodus 40:36-38</a></span><br />Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. / If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up. / For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Numbers 3:10</a></span><br />So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood; but any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-5.htm">Numbers 18:5</a></span><br />And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-32.htm">1 Chronicles 23:32</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-6.htm">Hebrews 9:6-7</a></span><br />When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties. / But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-10.htm">1 Kings 8:10-11</a></span><br />And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/5-13.htm">2 Chronicles 5:13-14</a></span><br />The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Ezekiel 44:10-16</a></span><br />Surely the Levites who wandered away from Me when Israel went astray, and who wandered away from Me after their idols, will bear the consequences of their iniquity. / Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and ministering there. They shall slaughter the burnt offerings and other sacrifices for the people and stand before them to minister to them. / Because they ministered before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I swore with an uplifted hand concerning them that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity, declares the Lord GOD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/27-51.htm">Matthew 27:51</a></span><br />At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/15-38.htm">Mark 15:38</a></span><br />And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Luke 1:8-9</a></span><br />One day while Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, / he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/2-19.htm">John 2:19-21</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/6-7.htm">Acts 6:7</a></span><br />So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-4.htm">Romans 9:4</a></span><br />the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when the tabernacle sets forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that comes near shall be put to death.</p><p class="hdg">the Levites</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/4-5.htm">Numbers 4:5-33</a></b></br> And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/10-11.htm">Numbers 10:11,17-21</a></b></br> And it came to pass on the twentieth <i>day</i> of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony… </p><p class="hdg">the stranger</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Numbers 3:10,38</a></b></br> And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/16-40.htm">Numbers 16:40</a></b></br> <i>To be</i> a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which <i>is</i> not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/18-22.htm">Numbers 18:22</a></b></br> Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/25-34.htm">Common</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-29.htm">Death</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-16.htm">Draweth</a> <a href="/exodus/18-5.htm">Encamping</a> <a href="/psalms/53-5.htm">Encamps</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-20.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-32.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/exodus/14-10.htm">Journeying</a> <a href="/numbers/1-50.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/numbers/1-1.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-10.htm">Move</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-46.htm">Moveth</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-49.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/exodus/33-7.htm">Pitched</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-1.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-38.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-47.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/numbers/1-1.htm">Tent</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Common</a> <a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Draweth</a> <a href="/numbers/2-3.htm">Encamping</a> <a href="/psalms/34-7.htm">Encamps</a> <a href="/numbers/2-9.htm">Forward</a> <a href="/numbers/5-12.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/numbers/4-5.htm">Journeying</a> <a href="/numbers/2-17.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/numbers/1-53.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/numbers/2-9.htm">Move</a> <a href="/numbers/4-5.htm">Moveth</a> <a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/numbers/2-34.htm">Pitched</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/16-22.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/numbers/3-4.htm">Strange</a> <a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Stranger</a> <a href="/numbers/1-53.htm">Tent</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/1-1.htm">God commands Moses to number the people</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/1-5.htm">The princes of the tribes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/1-17.htm">The number of every tribe</a></span><br><span class="reftext">47. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/1-47.htm">The Levites are exempted for the service of the Lord</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Whenever the tabernacle is to move</b><br>This phrase indicates the mobility of the tabernacle, which was a central aspect of Israelite worship during their wilderness journey. The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary, reflecting the transient nature of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. This mobility symbolizes God's presence with His people wherever they go, emphasizing His guidance and protection. The tabernacle's movement was directed by God, often signified by the cloud lifting from above it (<a href="/exodus/40-36.htm">Exodus 40:36-38</a>).<p><b>the Levites are to take it down</b><br>The Levites were set apart for the service of the tabernacle, a role that underscored their unique position among the tribes of Israel. They were responsible for the dismantling and transportation of the tabernacle, highlighting their dedication to the sacred duties assigned by God. This task required precision and reverence, as the tabernacle was the dwelling place of God's presence. The Levites' role foreshadows the priesthood of all believers, who are called to serve God with dedication and care (<a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a>).<p><b>and whenever it is to be pitched</b><br>The reassembly of the tabernacle was equally important, requiring the Levites to follow specific instructions to ensure the sanctity and proper function of the sacred space. This process reflects the order and holiness that God demands in worship. The tabernacle's setup was a communal event, reminding the Israelites of their covenant relationship with God and their identity as His chosen people.<p><b>the Levites are to set it up</b><br>This reiteration of the Levites' responsibility emphasizes their exclusive role in handling the holy objects. It underscores the importance of obedience and the careful observance of God's commands. The Levites' service points to the greater High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates between God and humanity and establishes the ultimate place of worship in Himself (<a href="/hebrews/9-11.htm">Hebrews 9:11-12</a>).<p><b>Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death</b><br>This severe warning highlights the holiness of the tabernacle and the seriousness of approaching God's presence without authorization. It underscores the concept of sacred space and the need for purity and reverence in worship. This restriction serves as a reminder of the separation between God and humanity due to sin, which is ultimately bridged by Jesus Christ, who grants believers access to God through His sacrifice (<a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">Hebrews 10:19-22</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_levites.htm">The Levites</a></b><br>A tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties, particularly concerning the tabernacle and later the temple. They were chosen by God to serve in roles of spiritual leadership and service.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle.htm">The Tabernacle</a></b><br>A portable sanctuary used by the Israelites as a place of worship during their journey through the wilderness. It was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and journeyed to the Promised Land.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness_journey.htm">The Wilderness Journey</a></b><br>The period during which the Israelites traveled from Egypt to Canaan, marked by God's guidance and provision, as well as their frequent disobedience and rebellion.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_command_to_protect_the_tabernacle.htm">The Command to Protect the Tabernacle</a></b><br>A divine mandate that only the Levites were to handle the tabernacle, emphasizing the holiness and sanctity of God's dwelling place.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_holiness_of_god.htm">The Holiness of God</a></b><br>The command that only the Levites could handle the tabernacle underscores God's holiness. We must approach God with reverence and respect, recognizing His purity and our need for sanctification.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_levites.htm">The Role of the Levites</a></b><br>The Levites' exclusive role in handling the tabernacle illustrates the importance of God-ordained roles within the church. Each believer has a unique calling and should serve faithfully in their God-given capacity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>The severe penalty for unauthorized access to the tabernacle serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience. It reminds us to take God's commands seriously and to live in obedience to His Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_presence_of_god_among_his_people.htm">The Presence of God Among His People</a></b><br>The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence with Israel. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within believers, calling us to live as His holy temple.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fulfillment_in_christ.htm">The Fulfillment in Christ</a></b><br>The tabernacle points forward to Jesus, who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. Through Christ, we have direct access to God, emphasizing the grace and mercy available to us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_levite_genealogies_match_history.htm">Numbers 3 - Do the Levite genealogies align with any known historical or archaeological evidence outside the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_differing_census_counts.htm">Numbers 3 - How do we reconcile these population figures with other biblical passages that present different census counts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_exclude_levites_in_numbers_1_47-53.htm">What rationale is given for excluding Levites from the census in Numbers 1:47-53, and how does this affect the overall population count?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_history_science_confirm_tabernacle_manpower.htm">Numbers 4 - Given the large census numbers in previous chapters, is there any historical or scientific basis to confirm the vast manpower needed for these Tabernacle tasks?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(51) <span class= "bld">And the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.</span>--The word <span class= "ital">zar </span>(stranger) here denotes one who was not of the tribe of Levi (<a href="/leviticus/22-10.htm" title="There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.">Leviticus 22:10</a>; <a href="/leviticus/22-12.htm" title="If the priest's daughter also be married to a stranger, she may not eat of an offering of the holy things.">Leviticus 22:12</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 51.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The stranger.</span> The word appears to mean here any unauthorized person (see <a href="/numbers/16-40.htm">Numbers 16:40</a>). This is the first intimation given of the extreme and awful sanctity of the tabernacle, as the tent of the Divine Presence. It is, however, quite of a piece with the anxious warnings against intrusion upon the holy mount at the time of the giving of the law (<a href="/exodus/19-21.htm">Exodus 19:21</a>, <span class="accented">sq.</span>). The great necessity for Israel was that he should understand and believe that <span class="accented">the Lord</span> before whom he had trembled at Sinai was really in the midst of him in all his travail and his danger. This could only be impressed <span class="cmt_word">upon</span> his dull mind and hard heart by surrounding the presence chamber of Jehovah with awful sanctities and terrors. At a subsequent period, when the religious reverence here thrown around the tabernacle had been transferred to, or rather concentrated upon, the ark alone, Uzzah was actually smitten for breaking this law (<a href="/1_chronicles/13-10.htm">1 Chronicles 13:10</a>). The tumult raised against St. Paul (<a href="/acts/21-27.htm">Acts 21:27</a>, <span class="accented">sq.</span>) was justified by a supposed violation of the same. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/1-51.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Whenever the tabernacle</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּשְׁכָּ֗ן</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miš·kān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4908.htm">Strong's 4908: </a> </span><span class="str2">A residence, the Tabernacle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is to move,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבִנְסֹ֣עַ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇin·sō·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5265.htm">Strong's 5265: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Levites</span><br /><span class="heb">הַלְוִיִּ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(hal·wî·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3881.htm">Strong's 3881: </a> </span><span class="str2">Levites -- descendant of Levi</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are to take it down,</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹרִ֤ידוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·rî·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and whenever it</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miš·kān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4908.htm">Strong's 4908: </a> </span><span class="str2">A residence, the Tabernacle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is to be pitched,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבַחֲנֹת֙</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇa·ḥă·nōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2583.htm">Strong's 2583: </a> </span><span class="str2">To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Levites</span><br /><span class="heb">הַלְוִיִּ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(hal·wî·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3881.htm">Strong's 3881: </a> </span><span class="str2">Levites -- descendant of Levi</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are to set it up.</span><br /><span class="heb">יָקִ֥ימוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·qî·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Any outsider</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַזָּ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·haz·zār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2114.htm">Strong's 2114: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside, to be a, foreigner, strange, profane, to commit adultery</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who goes near it</span><br /><span class="heb">הַקָּרֵ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(haq·qā·rêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">must be put to death.</span><br /><span class="heb">יוּמָֽת׃</span> <span class="translit">(yū·māṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/1-51.htm">Numbers 1:51 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/1-51.htm">Numbers 1:51 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/1-51.htm">Numbers 1:51 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/1-51.htm">Numbers 1:51 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/1-51.htm">Numbers 1:51 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/1-51.htm">Numbers 1:51 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/1-51.htm">Numbers 1:51 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/1-51.htm">Numbers 1:51 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/1-51.htm">Numbers 1:51 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/1-51.htm">Numbers 1:51 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/1-51.htm">OT Law: Numbers 1:51 When the tabernacle is to move (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/1-50.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 1:50"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 1:50" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/1-52.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 1:52"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 1:52" /></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>