Numbers 18:5

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 ye shall keep {H8104} the charge {H4931} of the sanctuary {H6944}, and the charge {H4931} of the altar {H4196}: that there be no wrath {H7110} any more upon the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

You will take charge of all the holy things and the altar, so that there will no longer be anger against the people of Isra'el.

And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again.

And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar; that there be wrath no more upon the children of Israel.

Commentary

Numbers 18:5 outlines a critical mandate for the Aaronic priesthood and the Levites, emphasizing their solemn responsibilities in maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and its sacred objects to prevent divine judgment from falling upon the Israelite community.

Context

This verse is part of God's detailed instructions concerning the duties and provisions for the priests (Aaron and his sons) and the Levites. Coming directly after the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram—a severe incident where unauthorized individuals challenged the divinely appointed priestly authority—God explicitly clarifies the roles. The purpose is to establish clear boundaries and prevent further instances of divine "wrath" (judgment) due to the misuse or unauthorized approach to the holy things of the Tabernacle.

Key Themes

  • Guardianship of Holiness: The central command is to "keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar." This highlights the immense responsibility of the priests and Levites to meticulously protect God's holy dwelling place, its sacred furnishings, and the altars from defilement, unauthorized access, or neglect. It was a matter of life and death, both for the individuals involved and for the nation.
  • Divine Order and Authority: God established a specific, unchangeable order for worship and service in Israel. This verse reinforces that only those divinely appointed—the priests and Levites—were permitted to perform these sacred duties, ensuring proper reverence and the correct functioning of the sacrificial system.
  • Averting Wrath: The explicit purpose of their diligent service is "that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel." This reveals that the faithful execution of their duties acted as a crucial protective measure, mediating between a holy God and a sinful people, thereby preventing further divine judgment from descending upon the community.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "charge" is mishmeret, which conveys the idea of a watch, guard, or specific responsibility. It implies active safeguarding and diligent oversight of something precious and vulnerable. The word for "wrath" is qetseph, denoting strong displeasure, indignation, often accompanied by swift and destructive consequences. Its presence here underscores the grave danger of violating God's holy ordinances and the importance of adherence to His established order.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament priestly system and Tabernacle have been fulfilled in Christ, the principles of Numbers 18:5 offer enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Reverence for God's Presence: This verse reminds us of the profound holiness of God and the seriousness with which we should approach Him. Though believers now have direct access to God through Christ, a deep sense of awe and respect for His majesty remains paramount.
  • Responsibility in Spiritual Service: Christians are called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), with spiritual responsibilities to God and to one another. Neglecting these duties or treating spiritual matters lightly can have consequences, both for individuals and for the wider community of faith.
  • Christ as the Ultimate Mediator: Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the perfect High Priest who entered the true sanctuary (heaven) and offered the ultimate, singular sacrifice. Through His finished work on the cross, He has definitively removed God's wrath from those who believe (Romans 5:9), ensuring that for His people, there is truly "no wrath any more."
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 27:21

    In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which [is] before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: [it shall be] a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

  • Numbers 16:46

    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.

  • Leviticus 24:3

    Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the LORD continually: [it shall be] a statute for ever in your generations.

  • Jeremiah 23:15

    Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.

  • 1 Timothy 5:21

    I charge [thee] before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

  • Numbers 8:2

    Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick.

  • Leviticus 10:6

    And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled.
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