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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 1:53 But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/1-53.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/04_Num_01_53.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 1:53 - The Exemption of the Levites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony." /><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/1-53.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/1-53.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/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 53</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="/ad13.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/1-52.htm" title="Numbers 1:52">◄</a> Numbers 1:53 <a href="/numbers/1-54.htm" title="Numbers 1:54">►</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/1.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/1.htm">New International Version</a> The Levites, however, are to set up their tents around the tabernacle of the covenant law so that my wrath will not fall on the Israelite community. The Levites are to be responsible for the care of the tabernacle of the covenant law.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/numbers/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> But the Levites will camp around the Tabernacle of the Covenant to protect the community of Israel from the LORD’s anger. The Levites are responsible to stand guard around the Tabernacle.” <a href="/esv/numbers/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the people of Israel. And the Levites shall keep guard over the tabernacle of the testimony.” <a href="/bsb/numbers/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.” <a href="/kjv/numbers/1.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/numbers/1.htm">New King James Version</a> but the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel; and the Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle of the Testimony.” <a href="/nasb_/numbers/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there will be no divine wrath against the congregation of the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall be responsible for service to the tabernacle of the testimony.” <a href="/nasb/numbers/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that there will be no wrath on the congregation of the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle of the testimony.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/numbers/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle of the testimony.” <a href="/lsb/numbers/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony so that there will be no wrath on the congregation of the sons of Israel. So the Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle of the testimony.” <a href="/amp/numbers/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony, so that there will be no wrath against the congregation of the Israelites. The Levites shall be in charge of the tabernacle of the Testimony.” <a href="/csb/numbers/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the Israelite community.” <a href="/hcsb/numbers/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the Israelite community.&#8221 <a href="/asv/numbers/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> But the Levites shall encamp round about the tabernacle of the 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 the testimony. <a href="/cev/numbers/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But the Levites will camp around the sacred tent to make sure that no one goes near it and makes me furious with the Israelites. <a href="/erv/numbers/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of the 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 the testimony. <a href="/gwt/numbers/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The Levites will camp all around the tent of God's words. In this way [the LORD] won't be angry with the community of Israel. So the Levites will be in charge of the tent of God's words." <a href="/gnt/numbers/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> But the Levites shall camp around the Tent to guard it, so that no one may come near and cause my anger to strike the community of Israel." <a href="/isv/numbers/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> But the descendants of Levi are to encamp on all sides of the Tent of Meeting so that divine wrath won't fall on the congregation of Israel. The descendants of Levi are to take care of the Tent of Meeting." <a href="/msb/numbers/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.? <a href="/net/numbers/1.htm">NET Bible</a> But the Levites must camp around the tabernacle of the testimony, so that the LORD's anger will not fall on the Israelite community. The Levites are responsible for the care of the tabernacle of the testimony." <a href="/nheb/numbers/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But the Levites shall camp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be responsible for the Tabernacle of the Testimony." <a href="/wbt/numbers/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But the Levites shall pitch around the tabernacle of testimony; that there may 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="/web/numbers/1.htm">World English Bible</a> But the Levites shall encamp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel. The Levites shall be responsible for the Tabernacle of the Testimony.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and the Levites encamp around the Dwelling Place of the Testimony; and there is no wrath on the congregation of the sons of Israel, and the Levites have kept the charge of the Dwelling Place of the Testimony. <a href="/ylt/numbers/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the Levites encamp round about the tabernacle of the testimony; and there is no wrath on the company of the sons of Israel, and the Levites have kept the charge of the tabernacle of the testimony. <a href="/slt/numbers/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the Levites shall encamp round about the dwelling of testimony; and there shall not be anger upon the assembly of the sons of Israel: and the Levites shall watch the watch of the dwelling of testimony.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But the Levites shall pitch their tents round about the tabernacle, lest there come indignation upon the multitude of the children of Israel, and they shall keep watch, and guard the tabernacle of the testimony. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Moreover, the Levites shall fix their tents all around the tabernacle, lest there be an indignation over the multitude of the sons of Israel. And they shall stand watch as guardians over the tabernacle of the testimony.” <a href="/nabre/numbers/1.htm">New American Bible</a> but the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the covenant to ensure that God’s wrath will not fall upon the Israelite community. The Levites shall keep guard over the tabernacle of the covenant. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of the testimony, that there be no wrath against the congregation of the children of Israel; and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of the testimony. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Levites shall be setting up around the Tabernacle of the Testimony and there shall not be wrath on the assembly of the children of Israel and the Levites shall keep watch of the Tabernacle of the Testimony."<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of the 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 the testimony.' <a href="/sep/numbers/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> But let the Levites encamp round about the tabernacle of witness fronting it, and so there shall be no sin among the children of Israel; and the Levites themselves shall keep the guard of the tabernacle of witness. <a href="/parallel/numbers/1-53.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=393" 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/1.htm">The Exemption of the Levites</a> …52The Israelites are to camp by their divisions, each man in his own camp and under his own standard. 53<a href="/hebrew/3881.htm" title="3881: wə·hal·wî·yim (Conj-w, Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Desc. of Levi. Or Leviy; patronymically from Leviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi.">But the Levites</a> <a href="/hebrew/2583.htm" title="2583: ya·ḥă·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline; by implication, to decline; specifically, to pitch a tent; gen. To encamp.">are to camp</a> <a href="/hebrew/5439.htm" title="5439: sā·ḇîḇ (Adv) -- Circuit, round about. Or cbiybah; from cabab; a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly around.">around</a> <a href="/hebrew/4908.htm" title="4908: lə·miš·kan (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Dwelling place, tabernacle. From shakan; a residence; specifically, the Tabernacle.">the tabernacle</a> <a href="/hebrew/5715.htm" title="5715: hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- Testimony. Feminine of ed; testimony.">of the Testimony</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: wə·šā·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">and watch over it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">so that no</a> <a href="/hebrew/7110.htm" title="7110: qe·ṣep̄ (N-ms) -- A splinter, rage, strife. From qatsaph; a splinter; figuratively, rage or strife.">wrath</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">will fall</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/5712.htm" title="5712: ‘ă·ḏaṯ (N-fsc) -- Congregation. Feminine of ed in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage.">the congregation</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.">of Israel.</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.">So the Levites</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></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.">are responsible</a> <a href="/hebrew/4908.htm" title="4908: miš·kan (N-msc) -- Dwelling place, tabernacle. From shakan; a residence; specifically, the Tabernacle.">for the tabernacle</a> <a href="/hebrew/5715.htm" title="5715: hā·‘ê·ḏūṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- Testimony. Feminine of ed; testimony.">of the Testimony.”</a> 54Thus the Israelites did everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.…<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/40-36.htm">Exodus 40:36-38</a> 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. <a href="/numbers/3-7.htm">Numbers 3:7-8</a> They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. / They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. <a href="/numbers/18-5.htm">Numbers 18:5</a> And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. <a href="/deuteronomy/10-8.htm">Deuteronomy 10:8</a> At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. <a href="/joshua/3-3.htm">Joshua 3:3-4</a> and commanded the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, you are to set out from your positions and follow it. / But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between yourselves and the ark. Do not go near it, so that you can see the way to go, since you have never traveled this way before.” <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/35-3.htm">2 Chronicles 35:3</a> To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel. <a href="/ezekiel/44-10.htm">Ezekiel 44:10-16</a> 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. ... <a href="/hebrews/9-6.htm">Hebrews 9:6-8</a> 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. / By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. <a href="/hebrews/8-5.htm">Hebrews 8:5</a> The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” <a href="/hebrews/9-1.htm">Hebrews 9:1-5</a> Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. / A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, ... <a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a> you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. <a href="/revelation/1-6.htm">Revelation 1:6</a> who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen. <a href="/revelation/5-10.htm">Revelation 5:10</a> You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” <a href="/revelation/21-3.htm">Revelation 21:3</a> And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.shall pitch<a href="/numbers/1-50.htm">Numbers 1:50</a> But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.<a href="/numbers/3-7.htm">Numbers 3:7</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.<a href="/numbers/18-3.htm">Numbers 18:3</a> And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor ye also, die.there be<a href="/numbers/8-19.htm">Numbers 8:19</a> And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel: that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come nigh unto the sanctuary.<a href="/numbers/16-46.htm">Numbers 16:46</a> And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.<a href="/numbers/18-5.htm">Numbers 18:5</a> And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.and the<a href="/numbers/3-7.htm">Numbers 3:7,8</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… <a href="/numbers/8-24.htm">Numbers 8:24-26</a> This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: … <a href="/numbers/18-3.htm">Numbers 18:3-5</a> And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor ye also, die… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/1-16.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/numbers/1-52.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-12.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/numbers/1-49.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/1-16.htm">Community</a> <a href="/numbers/1-16.htm">Company</a> <a href="/numbers/1-18.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/numbers/1-50.htm">Encamp</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-37.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/numbers/1-47.htm">However</a> <a href="/numbers/1-52.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/1-2.htm">Israelite</a> <a href="/numbers/1-51.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/numbers/1-52.htm">Pitch</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-15.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/numbers/1-52.htm">Round</a> <a href="/numbers/1-50.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/1-51.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/numbers/1-52.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/numbers/1-50.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-28.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/3-7.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/numbers/2-3.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/numbers/3-7.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/numbers/1-54.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/3-7.htm">Community</a> <a href="/numbers/3-7.htm">Company</a> <a href="/numbers/2-2.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/numbers/2-2.htm">Encamp</a> <a href="/numbers/5-21.htm">Fall</a> <a href="/numbers/2-33.htm">However</a> <a href="/numbers/1-54.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/3-12.htm">Israelite</a> <a href="/numbers/2-2.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/numbers/2-2.htm">Pitch</a> <a href="/numbers/3-7.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/numbers/2-2.htm">Round</a> <a href="/numbers/2-2.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/2-2.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/numbers/2-2.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/numbers/4-5.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/numbers/11-10.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 1</div>1. <a href="/numbers/1-1.htm">God commands Moses to number the people</a> 5. <a href="/numbers/1-5.htm">The princes of the tribes</a> 17. <a href="/numbers/1-17.htm">The number of every tribe</a> 47. <a href="/numbers/1-47.htm">The Levites are exempted for the service of the Lord</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/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>But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony The Levites were set apart for the service of the tabernacle, a role that underscored their unique position among the tribes of Israel. The tabernacle, also known as the "Tent of Meeting," was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The Levites' encampment around the tabernacle symbolized their role as guardians and mediators between God and Israel. This arrangement emphasized the holiness of the tabernacle and the need for it to be protected from defilement. The Levites' proximity to the tabernacle also highlights their role in maintaining the sanctity of worship and ensuring that the divine instructions were followed precisely.and watch over it The Levites were tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the tabernacle, which included its setup, maintenance, and transportation. This duty required vigilance and dedication, as any negligence could lead to severe consequences. The phrase "watch over it" implies a continuous and active role in safeguarding the sacred space. This responsibility reflects the broader biblical theme of stewardship, where those chosen by God are entrusted with the care of His holy things. The Levites' role can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament concept of spiritual oversight, where leaders are called to watch over the church, the body of Christ.so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel The presence of the Levites around the tabernacle served as a protective measure to prevent divine wrath from descending upon the people. This phrase underscores the seriousness of approaching God with reverence and the potential consequences of failing to do so. The wrath mentioned here is a reminder of God's holiness and the need for His commands to be followed meticulously. This concept is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as the incident with Nadab and Abihu (<a href="/leviticus/10.htm">Leviticus 10:1-2</a>), where improper worship led to immediate judgment. The Levites' role in preventing wrath highlights the importance of mediation and intercession, themes that are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who intercedes on behalf of believers.So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony. The Levites' responsibility for the tabernacle was a divine mandate that set them apart for a sacred purpose. The "tabernacle of the Testimony" refers to the tabernacle as the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Law, or Testimony. This responsibility was not just a matter of physical upkeep but also involved spiritual oversight, ensuring that the worship of God was conducted according to His instructions. The Levites' role as caretakers of the tabernacle can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest and caretaker of the new covenant. This connection is further explored in the book of Hebrews, where Jesus is described as the mediator of a better covenant, offering eternal redemption for His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/l/levites.htm">Levites</a> A tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties and the care of the tabernacle. They were descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. 2. <a href="/topical/t/tabernacle_of_the_testimony.htm">Tabernacle of the Testimony</a> The portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, containing the Ark of the Covenant. It was central to Israelite worship and community life. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israelite_community.htm">Israelite Community</a> The collective group of the twelve tribes of Israel, chosen by God to be His people and to follow His commandments. 4. <a href="/topical/w/wrath.htm">Wrath</a> Refers to the divine judgment or anger of God that could fall upon the Israelites if they failed to follow His commands, particularly concerning the sanctity of the tabernacle. 5. <a href="/topical/c/camp.htm">Camp</a> The arrangement of the Israelite tribes around the tabernacle, with the Levites encamped closest to it, signifying their special role and responsibility.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_levites.htm">The Role of the Levites</a> The Levites were chosen for a special purpose, emphasizing the importance of being set apart for God's work. This calls believers to recognize and fulfill their unique roles within the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_centrality_of_worship.htm">The Centrality of Worship</a> The tabernacle was central to Israel's worship, reminding us of the importance of keeping God at the center of our lives and communities. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_wrath.htm">Guarding Against Wrath</a> The Levites' duty to protect the tabernacle from defilement serves as a reminder to guard our hearts and lives against sin, which can lead to God's discipline. <a href="/topical/r/responsibility_and_accountability.htm">Responsibility and Accountability</a> The Levites were accountable for the care of the tabernacle, teaching us the importance of being responsible stewards of what God has entrusted to us. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_order.htm">Community and Order</a> The structured camp around the tabernacle illustrates the need for order and community in our spiritual lives, encouraging us to live in harmony and unity with fellow believers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 1</a> <a href="/q/who_were_the_kohathites,_gershonites,_merarites.htm">Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites?</a> <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> <a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_the_large_choir.htm">2 Chronicles 5:12-13 - Can the enormous Levitical choir and musical ensemble be supported by any historical or logistical data, given ancient population and resource limits?</a> <a href="/q/main_themes_of_bible's_books.htm">What are the main themes of the Bible's books?</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>(53) That there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel.--The word kezeph (wrath) is used to denote some immediate visitation of the hand of God, as, e.g., the plague. Thus, after the plague which broke out in consequence of the sin of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, we read in <a href="/numbers/18-5.htm" title="And you shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more on the children of Israel.">Numbers 18:5</a> "that there be no wrath (kezeph) any more upon the children of Israel." In <a href="/numbers/8-19.htm" title="And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel: that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come near to the sanctuary.">Numbers 8:19</a> the word negeph (plague) is used in the same sense as kezeph is used here. (Cf. <a href="/joshua/9-20.htm" title="This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be on us, because of the oath which we swore to them.">Joshua 9:20</a>; <a href="/2_kings/3-27.htm" title="Then he took his oldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering on the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land.">2Kings 3:27</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/27-24.htm" title="Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.">1Chronicles 27:24</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 53. - That there be no wrath upon the congregation - that no man, not being a Levite, intrude himself through ignorance or presumption upon the sacredness of the tabernacle, and so bring death upon himself, and displeasure upon the people. The Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle. Out of this command grew the Levitical guard of the temple, which afterwards played a considerable part in the history of Israel (<a href="/2_kings/11.htm">2 Kings 11</a>). <a href="/commentaries/numbers/1-53.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But the Levites וְהַלְוִיִּ֞ם (wə·hal·wî·yim) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3881.htm">Strong's 3881: </a> Levites -- descendant of Levi are to camp יַחֲנ֤וּ (ya·ḥă·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2583.htm">Strong's 2583: </a> To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp around סָבִיב֙ (sā·ḇîḇ) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5439.htm">Strong's 5439: </a> A circle, neighbour, environs, around the tabernacle לְמִשְׁכַּ֣ן (lə·miš·kan) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4908.htm">Strong's 4908: </a> A residence, the Tabernacle of the Testimony הָעֵדֻ֔ת (hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5715.htm">Strong's 5715: </a> Testimony and watch over it, וְשָׁמְרוּ֙ (wə·šā·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to so that no וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no wrath קֶ֔צֶף (qe·ṣep̄) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7110.htm">Strong's 7110: </a> A splinter, rage, strife shall fall יִהְיֶ֣ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the Israelite בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son congregation. עֲדַ֖ת (‘ă·ḏaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5712.htm">Strong's 5712: </a> A stated assemblage So the Levites הַלְוִיִּ֔ם (hal·wî·yim) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3881.htm">Strong's 3881: </a> Levites -- descendant of Levi are responsible מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת (miš·me·reṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4931.htm">Strong's 4931: </a> A guard, watch, charge, function for the tabernacle מִשְׁכַּ֥ן (miš·kan) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4908.htm">Strong's 4908: </a> A residence, the Tabernacle of the Testimony.” הָעֵדֽוּת׃ (hā·‘ê·ḏūṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5715.htm">Strong's 5715: </a> Testimony <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/1-53.htm">Numbers 1:53 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/1-53.htm">Numbers 1:53 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/1-53.htm">Numbers 1:53 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/1-53.htm">Numbers 1:53 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/1-53.htm">Numbers 1:53 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/1-53.htm">Numbers 1:53 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/1-53.htm">Numbers 1:53 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/1-53.htm">Numbers 1:53 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/1-53.htm">Numbers 1:53 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/1-53.htm">Numbers 1:53 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/1-53.htm">OT Law: Numbers 1:53 But the Levites shall encamp around (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/1-52.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 1:52"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 1:52" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/1-54.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 1:54"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 1:54" /></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>