Numbers 18:22

Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.

Neither must the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} henceforth {H5750} come nigh {H7126} the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, lest they bear {H5375} sin {H2399}, and die {H4191}.

From now on, the people of Isra'el are not to approach the tent of meeting, so that they will not bear the consequences of their sin and die.

No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die.

And henceforth the children of Israel shall not come nigh the tent of meeting, lest they bear sin, and die.

Commentary

Numbers 18:22 sternly warns the general population of Israel against unauthorized approach to the Tabernacle of the Congregation. This divine command underscores the immense holiness of God's dwelling place and the strict boundaries set to protect both His sanctity and the lives of the people.

Context

This verse is part of a larger passage (Numbers 18) that outlines the specific responsibilities and privileges of the priests (Aaron and his sons) and the Levites. It immediately follows the dramatic events of Korah's rebellion, where unauthorized individuals challenged the divinely ordained priestly authority, resulting in severe judgment. God's clear instructions here reinforce the necessity of adhering to His established order for worship and service, preventing any recurrence of such presumption and its fatal consequences. The Levites were specifically appointed to guard the Tabernacle and assist the priests, acting as a crucial buffer between the common Israelites and the holy areas, as detailed in Numbers 18:3-4.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Separation: The primary message is the profound holiness of God and the sacred space where His presence dwelt. It demanded absolute respect and specific, divinely ordained access. This principle of separation protected both God's glory and the people from judgment due to irreverence.
  • Divine Authority and Order: God alone established the structure for worship and service. Any deviation from this order, particularly concerning access to His presence, was seen as a direct challenge to His authority.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The phrase "lest they bear sin, and die" highlights the severe repercussions of violating God's commands regarding His sanctuary. To "bear sin" (Hebrew: nasa' 'avon) means to incur guilt and be held accountable for iniquity, leading directly to divine judgment and death. This served as a powerful deterrent.
  • Mediation: The verse implicitly points to the necessity of mediation. Only the appointed priests could draw near, and the Levites served to protect the sanctity of the Tabernacle, preventing the Israelites from fatal transgression.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bear sin" translates the Hebrew nasa' 'avon (נָשָׂא Χ’ΦΈΧ•ΦΉΧŸ), which signifies not merely committing an offense, but carrying the guilt and suffering the consequences of that iniquity. It emphasizes the direct link between unauthorized action and divine punishment, highlighting the seriousness of infringing upon God's holy boundaries.

Practical Application

While the physical Tabernacle no longer exists, the principles of Numbers 18:22 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse reminds us of:

  • God's Enduring Holiness: God is still holy, and His presence is to be approached with reverence and awe.
  • The New Covenant Access: Unlike the Old Testament system, believers now have direct access to God through the finished work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to "come boldly unto the throne of grace." This access is a privilege earned not by our merit or strict adherence to physical boundaries, but by Christ's sacrifice, as explained in Hebrews 10:19-22, which speaks of the "new and living way" through His blood.
  • Respect for Spiritual Authority: The verse also subtly reminds us of the importance of order and respecting divinely established roles within the spiritual community, albeit in a New Covenant context that emphasizes service and mutual submission.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 22:9

    They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, lest they bear sin for it, and die therefore, if they profane it: I the LORD do sanctify them.

  • Numbers 3:38

    But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, [even] before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, [shall be] Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

  • Numbers 18:7

    Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office [unto you] as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

  • Numbers 1:51

    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.

  • Numbers 1:52

    And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts.

  • Leviticus 20:20

    And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife, he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.

  • Numbers 3:10

    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.
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