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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 18:3 And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/18-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/04_Num_18_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 18:3 - Duties of Priests and Levites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die." /><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/18-3.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/18-3.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/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 3</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="/ad3.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/18-2.htm" title="Numbers 18:2">◄</a> Numbers 18:3 <a href="/numbers/18-4.htm" title="Numbers 18:4">►</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/18.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/18.htm">New International Version</a> They are to be responsible to you and are to perform all the duties of the tent, but they must not go near the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar. Otherwise both they and you will die. <a href="/nlt/numbers/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> But as the Levites go about all their assigned duties at the Tabernacle, they must be careful not to go near any of the sacred objects or the altar. If they do, both you and they will die. <a href="/esv/numbers/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> They shall keep guard over you and over the whole tent, but shall not come near to the vessels of the sanctuary or to the altar lest they, and you, die. <a href="/bsb/numbers/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. <a href="/kjv/numbers/18.htm">King James Bible</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. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/18.htm">New King James Version</a> They shall attend to your needs and all the needs of the tabernacle; but they shall not come near the articles of the sanctuary and the altar, lest they die—they and you also. <a href="/nasb_/numbers/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And they shall perform duties for you and the duties of the whole tent, but they shall not come near the furnishings of the sanctuary and the altar, or both they and you will die. <a href="/nasb/numbers/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220And they shall thus attend to your obligation and the obligation of all the tent, but they shall not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary and the altar, or both they and you will die. <a href="/nasb77/numbers/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And they shall thus attend to your obligation and the obligation of all the tent, but they shall not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary and the altar, lest both they and you die. <a href="/lsb/numbers/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And they shall thus keep your responsibility and the responsibility of all the tent, but they shall not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary and the altar, so that neither they nor you will die. <a href="/amp/numbers/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And the Levites shall attend to your duty [as assistants] and to the duties of all the tent (tabernacle); only they shall not approach the articles of the sanctuary and the altar, or both they and you will die. <a href="/csb/numbers/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> They are to perform duties for you and for the whole tent. They must not come near the sanctuary equipment or the altar; otherwise, both they and you will die. <a href="/hcsb/numbers/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> They are to perform duties for you and for the whole tent. They must not come near the sanctuary equipment or the altar; otherwise, both they and you will die. <a href="/asv/numbers/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the Tent: only they shall not come nigh unto the vessels of the sanctuary and unto the altar, that they die not, neither they, nor ye. <a href="/cev/numbers/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You must see that they perform their duties. But if they go near any of the sacred objects or the altar, all of you will die. <a href="/erv/numbers/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the Tent: only they shall not come nigh unto the vessels of the sanctuary and unto the altar, that they die not, neither they, nor ye. <a href="/gwt/numbers/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> They will work for you, doing whatever work is necessary for the whole tent. But they must not come near the altar or the furnishings in the holy place, or they will die, and you will die, too. <a href="/gnt/numbers/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> They are to fulfill their duties to you and their responsibilities for the Tent, but they must not have any contact with sacred objects in the Holy Place or with the altar. If they do, both they and you will be put to death. <a href="/isv/numbers/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> They are to take care of your concerns and all the responsibilities involved with the tent. But they're not to approach the holy vessels or the altar. That way, neither you nor they will die. <a href="/msb/numbers/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. <a href="/net/numbers/18.htm">NET Bible</a> They must be responsible to care for you and to care for the entire tabernacle. However, they must not come near the furnishings of the sanctuary and the altar, or both they and you will die. <a href="/nheb/numbers/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They shall keep your commands, and the duty of all the Tent: only they shall not come near to the vessels of the sanctuary and to the altar, that they not die, neither they, nor you. <a href="/wbt/numbers/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</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. <a href="/web/numbers/18.htm">World English Bible</a> They shall keep your commands and the duty of the whole Tent; only they shall not come near to the vessels of the sanctuary and to the altar, that they not die, neither they nor you. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And they have kept your charge, and the charge of all the tent; only, they do not come near to the vessels of the holy place and to the altar, and they do not die, either they or you; <a href="/ylt/numbers/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And they have kept thy charge, and the charge of all the tent; only, unto the vessels of the sanctuary and unto the altar they do not come near, and they die not, either they or you; <a href="/slt/numbers/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they watched thy watches, and the watches of all the tent: but to the vessels of the holy place, and to the altar they shall not come near, and they shall not die, also they, also ye.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the Levites shall watch to do thy commands, and about all the works of the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary nor the altar, lest both they die, and you also perish with them. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the Levites shall stand watch by your precepts, and for all the works of the tabernacle; yet in such a manner that they shall not approach the vessels of the Sanctuary and of the altar, lest both they die, and you perish, at the same time. <a href="/nabre/numbers/18.htm">New American Bible</a> They shall discharge your obligations and those with respect to the whole tent; however, they shall not come near the utensils of the sanctuary or the altar, or else both they and you will die. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> They shall perform duties for you and for the whole tent. But they must not approach either the utensils of the sanctuary or the altar, otherwise both they and you will die.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And they shall keep your charge and the charge of all the tabernacle; but they shall not come near the vessels of the sanctuary and the vessels of the altar, that neither they, nor you also, die. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And they shall keep your guard and the guard of all the Tabernacle, however do not let them approach the holy garments and the articles of the altar, lest they and also you will die.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the Tent; only they shall not come nigh unto the holy furniture and unto the altar, that they die not, neither they, nor ye. <a href="/sep/numbers/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And they shall keep thy charges, and the charges of the tabernacle; only they shall not approach the holy vessels and the altar, so both they and you shall not die. <a href="/parallel/numbers/18-3.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=5642" 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/18.htm">Duties of Priests and Levites</a> …2But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. 3<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 they shall attend</a> <a href="/hebrew/4931.htm" title="4931: miš·mar·tə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- 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.">to your duties</a> <a href="/hebrew/4931.htm" title="4931: ū·miš·me·reṯ (Conj-w:: 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.">and to all the duties</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: hā·’ō·hel (Art:: N-ms) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent.">of the Tent;</a> <a href="/hebrew/389.htm" title="389: ’aḵ (Adv) -- Surely, howbeit. Akin to 'aken; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence only."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">but</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: yiq·rā·ḇū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">come near</a> <a href="/hebrew/3627.htm" title="3627: kə·lê (N-mpc) -- An article, utensil, vessel. From kalah; something prepared, i.e. Any apparatus.">to the furnishings</a> <a href="/hebrew/6944.htm" title="6944: haq·qō·ḏeš (Art:: N-ms) -- Apartness, sacredness. From qadash; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity.">of the sanctuary</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: wə·’el- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/4196.htm" title="4196: ham·miz·bê·aḥ (Art:: N-ms) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar.">the altar,</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.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">both</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">they</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: yā·mu·ṯū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">will die.</a> 4They are to join you and attend to the duties of the Tent of Meeting, doing all the work at the Tent; but no outsider may come near you.…<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/28-1.htm">Exodus 28:1-4</a> “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. / Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor. / You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with a spirit of wisdom, to make garments for Aaron’s consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest. ... <a href="/leviticus/10-1.htm">Leviticus 10:1-2</a> Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. <a href="/1_chronicles/23-28.htm">1 Chronicles 23:28-32</a> but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, / as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. / They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/29-11.htm">2 Chronicles 29:11</a> Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.” <a href="/hebrews/9-6.htm">Hebrews 9:6-7</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. <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="/1_corinthians/9-13.htm">1 Corinthians 9:13</a> Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? <a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">Hebrews 5:1-4</a> Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. / He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness. / That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. ... <a href="/1_samuel/6-19.htm">1 Samuel 6:19</a> But God struck down some of the people of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter. <a href="/2_samuel/6-6.htm">2 Samuel 6:6-7</a> When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled. / And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God. <a href="/1_chronicles/13-9.htm">1 Chronicles 13:9-10</a> When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark, because the oxen had stumbled. / And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God. <a href="/2_chronicles/26-16.htm">2 Chronicles 26:16-21</a> But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. / Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. / They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” ... <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="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. <a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Luke 1:8-9</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And they shall keep your charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come near the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor you also, die.only they<a href="/numbers/3-25.htm">Numbers 3:25,31,36</a> And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, … <a href="/numbers/4-19.htm">Numbers 4:19,20</a> But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden: … <a href="/numbers/16-40.htm">Numbers 16:40</a> To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is 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.neither<a href="/numbers/4-15.htm">Numbers 4:15</a> And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/16-46.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/numbers/8-13.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/numbers/16-29.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/numbers/15-40.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/numbers/17-13.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/17-13.htm">Die</a> <a href="/numbers/8-26.htm">Duties</a> <a href="/numbers/8-26.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/numbers/18-1.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/numbers/17-10.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/numbers/8-19.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/numbers/8-26.htm">Obligation</a> <a href="/numbers/17-11.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/numbers/17-13.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/numbers/8-26.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/numbers/18-1.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/numbers/18-1.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/numbers/18-2.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/18-2.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/exodus/14-3.htm">They</a> <a href="/numbers/16-39.htm">Vessels</a> <a href="/numbers/16-41.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/numbers/18-1.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/18-5.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/numbers/18-4.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/numbers/18-4.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/numbers/30-1.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/numbers/18-7.htm">Death</a> <a href="/numbers/18-22.htm">Die</a> <a href="/numbers/18-5.htm">Duties</a> <a href="/numbers/18-5.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/numbers/18-5.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/numbers/18-4.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/numbers/18-4.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Obligation</a> <a href="/numbers/20-9.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/numbers/18-32.htm">Overtake</a> <a href="/numbers/18-6.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/numbers/18-4.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/numbers/18-5.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/numbers/18-4.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/18-4.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-17.htm">They</a> <a href="/numbers/19-18.htm">Vessels</a> <a href="/numbers/18-29.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/numbers/18-4.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 18</div>1. <a href="/numbers/18-1.htm">The charge of the priests and Levites</a> 8. <a href="/numbers/18-8.htm">The priests, portion</a> 21. <a href="/numbers/18-21.htm">The Levites,</a> 25. <a href="/numbers/18-25.htm">The heave offering to the priests out of the Levites' portion</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/18.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/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; This phrase refers to the responsibilities assigned to the Levites, who were set apart to assist the priests, specifically Aaron and his sons, in the service of the Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting. The Levites were tasked with various duties, including the care and transportation of the Tabernacle and its furnishings during the Israelites' wilderness journey. This division of labor highlights the importance of order and structure in worship, as well as the need for a dedicated group to support the priestly functions. The Levites' role is a precursor to the New Testament concept of the church body, where different members have different gifts and roles (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm">1 Corinthians 12:4-31</a>).but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, This restriction underscores the holiness of the sanctuary and the altar, which were central to Israel's worship and sacrificial system. Only the priests, descendants of Aaron, were permitted to handle these sacred objects, emphasizing the separation between the holy and the common. This separation is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, illustrating the need for purity and reverence in approaching God. The furnishings of the sanctuary, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, and the lampstand, were symbols of God's presence and covenant with Israel. This restriction foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who grants believers direct access to God (<a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>).or both they and you will die. The severe consequence for violating this command highlights the seriousness of approaching God improperly. In the Old Testament, God's holiness is often associated with life and death, as seen in the accounts of Nadab and Abihu (<a href="/leviticus/10.htm">Leviticus 10:1-2</a>) and Uzzah (<a href="/2_samuel/6-6.htm">2 Samuel 6:6-7</a>). This warning served as a deterrent to ensure that the sanctity of the worship space was maintained. It also points to the necessity of a mediator between God and humanity, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ, who through His sacrifice, allows believers to approach God with confidence (<a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">Hebrews 10:19-22</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a> The high priest and brother of Moses, responsible for the sanctuary and its services. 2. <a href="/topical/l/levites.htm">Levites</a> The tribe set apart to assist the priests in the service of the tabernacle, but not allowed to perform priestly duties. 3. <a href="/topical/s/sanctuary.htm">Sanctuary</a> The holy place where God's presence dwelt, containing sacred furnishings and the altar. 4. <a href="/topical/a/altar.htm">Altar</a> A sacred structure used for sacrifices and offerings to God, central to Israelite worship. 5. <a href="/topical/t/tabernacle.htm">Tabernacle</a> The portable dwelling place for the divine presence, where the Israelites worshiped during their journey in the wilderness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_roles_and_boundaries.htm">The Importance of Roles and Boundaries</a> God assigns specific roles and responsibilities within His community. Understanding and respecting these roles is crucial for maintaining order and holiness. <a href="/topical/t/the_holiness_of_god.htm">The Holiness of God</a> The restrictions placed on the Levites highlight the holiness of God and the need for reverence when approaching Him. This calls for a heart of worship and respect in our own spiritual practices. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a> The warning of death for improper approach to the sanctuary serves as a reminder of the seriousness of disobedience to God's commands. It encourages us to seek obedience in our daily walk with God. <a href="/topical/s/service_in_the_church.htm">Service in the Church</a> Just as the Levites were called to serve, every believer is called to serve in the body of Christ. Identifying and fulfilling our God-given roles is essential for the health of the church. <a href="/topical/c/christ_as_our_high_priest.htm">Christ as Our High Priest</a> While the Levites and priests had specific duties, Jesus Christ fulfills the ultimate role of high priest, granting us access to God. This truth should deepen our appreciation for His sacrifice and intercession.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 18</a> <a href="/q/what_was_the_minimum_age_for_a_priest.htm">What was the minimum age for a priest?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_levites_start_at_25_or_30.htm">Why does Numbers 8:24-25 state Levites begin serving at age 25, while Numbers 4:3 says they start at age 30?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_levites_live_without_farmland.htm">If the Levites had no land inheritance (Joshua 21:2), how could they sustainably live in the granted cities without farmland?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_resolve_levite_priestly_shifts.htm">Deuteronomy 33:8-11 assigns the Levites to priestly duties, yet biblical accounts elsewhere suggest shifts in priestly lines; how do we resolve this discrepancy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - They shall keep thy charge, etc. See on Numbers 3:7, 8. That neither they, nor ye also, die. This warning does not seem to refer to the danger of the Kohathites seeing the sacred things (<a href="/numbers/4-15.htm">Numbers 4:15</a>), but of the other Levites coming near them; the further warning, "nor ye also," is added because if the carelessness or profanity of the priest led to sacrilege and death in the case of the Levite, it would be laid to his charge (cf. <a href="/numbers/4-18.htm">Numbers 4:18</a>). <a href="/commentaries/numbers/18-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And they shall attend וְשָֽׁמְרוּ֙ (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 to your duties מִֽשְׁמַרְתְּךָ֔ (miš·mar·tə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4931.htm">Strong's 4931: </a> A guard, watch, charge, function and all the duties וּמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת (ū·miš·me·reṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4931.htm">Strong's 4931: </a> A guard, watch, charge, function of the Tent; הָאֹ֑הֶל (hā·’ō·hel) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_168.htm">Strong's 168: </a> A tent but אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to they must not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no come near יִקְרָ֔בוּ (yiq·rā·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> To come near, approach to the furnishings כְּלֵ֨י (kə·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3627.htm">Strong's 3627: </a> Something prepared, any apparatus of the sanctuary הַקֹּ֤דֶשׁ (haq·qō·ḏeš) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6944.htm">Strong's 6944: </a> A sacred place, thing, sanctity or the altar, הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙ (ham·miz·bê·aḥ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4196.htm">Strong's 4196: </a> An altar or וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no both גַם־ (ḡam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and they הֵ֖ם (hêm) Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They and גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and you אַתֶּֽם׃ (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you will die. יָמֻ֥תוּ (yā·mu·ṯū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/18-3.htm">Numbers 18:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/18-3.htm">Numbers 18:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/18-3.htm">Numbers 18:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/18-3.htm">Numbers 18:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/18-3.htm">Numbers 18:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/18-3.htm">Numbers 18:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/18-3.htm">Numbers 18:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/18-3.htm">Numbers 18:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/18-3.htm">Numbers 18:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/18-3.htm">Numbers 18:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/18-3.htm">OT Law: Numbers 18:3 They shall keep your commands and (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/18-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 18:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 18:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/18-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 18:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 18:4" /></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>