Numbers 3:38

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But those that encamp {H2583} before {H6440} the tabernacle {H4908} toward the east {H6924}, even before {H6440} the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150} eastward {H4217}, shall be Moses {H4872}, and Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121}, keeping {H8104} the charge {H4931} of the sanctuary {H4720} for the charge {H4931} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}; and the stranger {H2114} that cometh nigh {H7131} shall be put to death {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who were to camp in front of the tabernacle on the east, in front of the tent of meeting toward the sunrise, were Moshe, Aharon and his sons who were in charge of the Holy Place. They carried out their responsibility on behalf of the people of Isra'el, and anyone else who involved himself was to be put to death.

Berean Standard Bible

Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.

American Standard Version

And those that encamp before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrising, 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 3:38 precisely delineates the sacred encampment location and the solemn responsibilities of Moses, Aaron, and his priestly sons on the east side of the Tabernacle. This strategic placement, directly before the entrance to the sanctuary, underscored their unique and divinely appointed role as authorized guardians of God's holy dwelling. The verse further emphasizes the absolute holiness of God and the strict boundaries of His presence by pronouncing a death penalty for any unauthorized individual who dared to approach the sacred space, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the Tabernacle and the integrity of Israel's worship and covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 3 systematically details the divine organization of the Levite tribes and their specific duties in serving the Tabernacle, consecrated by God to stand in place of Israel's firstborn, as established in [Numbers 3:11-13](/numbers/3-11-13 "Numbers 3:11-13 - Consecration of Levites"). Following the general census of the Levites by their respective clans—Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites—and the assignment of their particular charges related to the Tabernacle's components (e.g., the Gershonites' duties in [Numbers 3:25-26](/numbers/3-25-26 "Numbers 3:25-26 - Gershonite Duties")), this verse hones in on the preeminent position of Moses, Aaron, and his sons. While other Levite clans were strategically positioned on the north, south, and west sides, the east side, which contained the sole entrance to the Tabernacle court, was exclusively reserved for the highest spiritual authority. This meticulous arrangement vividly portrays a hierarchical structure of proximity to God's presence, with Moses and the priesthood occupying the apex, closest to the point of sacred access.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Numbers 3:38 is the wilderness journey of the Israelites, a period immediately following the momentous giving of the Law at Mount Sinai and the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle, as commanded by God in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). God's decision to dwell in the midst of His people, symbolized by the Tabernacle, necessitated an incredibly strict protocol for any interaction with His holy presence, a reality starkly illustrated by the judgment on Nadab and Abihu in [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Sin"). While ancient Near Eastern cultures often featured sacred spaces with restricted access, Israel's Tabernacle system, with its distinct layers of holiness and severe penalties for transgression, uniquely underscored the transcendent purity and absolute holiness of Yahweh. The prescribed encampment order, with the Levites forming a protective cordon around the Tabernacle and the priests positioned at its very entrance, served as a constant visual and practical reminder to the Israelites of God's holy character and the inherent dangers of presumptuous approach. This divinely ordained system was paramount for maintaining the covenant relationship between a holy God and His redeemed yet often wayward people.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 3:38 deeply contributes to several foundational themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch as a whole. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's Holiness and Transcendence**, emphasizing that Yahweh is utterly distinct from His creation and cannot be approached casually or irreverently. This verse also highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Authority**, demonstrating God's meticulous organization of His people and the clear delegation of responsibilities within the community, particularly concerning sacred service. The role of Moses, Aaron, and his sons underscores the theme of **Mediation and Priesthood**, as they are divinely appointed to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, ensuring proper worship and averting divine wrath. Finally, the severe penalty for unauthorized access reinforces the theme of **Covenant Fidelity and Consequences**, illustrating that blessings and curses are contingent upon obedience to God's revealed will and the maintenance of the sacred boundaries He establishes for His presence (cf. [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to be clearly conspicuous," refers to the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among Israel. More than just a tent, it was the focal point of Israel's worship and the tangible symbol of God's covenant relationship with His people. Its prominent placement and the strict regulations surrounding it, as highlighted in this verse, underscore its sacred significance as God's dwelling place.
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** While broadly meaning "son" or "descendant," in this context, "sons" specifically refers to the direct male offspring of Aaron, who were consecrated to serve as priests. This hereditary designation emphasizes the divinely ordained lineage through which the priestly office was maintained, highlighting the importance of proper succession and authorized personnel in handling sacred duties. Their inclusion alongside Moses and Aaron signifies their shared, unique authority and responsibility for the sanctuary.
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** In this specific context, "stranger" (H2114) does not denote a non-Israelite foreigner but rather refers to any individual who is unauthorized, unconsecrated, or not divinely appointed for the specific priestly or Levite duties within the sanctuary. It designates anyone outside the designated group (Moses, Aaron, his sons, and the Levites) permitted to draw near or perform sacred functions. The term emphasizes an inherent "otherness" or "profaneness" in relation to the sacred space, regardless of one's tribal affiliation, highlighting the absolute necessity of divine authorization for access to God's presence.
* **Put to death (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** This verb (H4191) signifies a literal, physical death. Its use here underscores the extreme severity of the consequence for unauthorized approach to the sanctuary. It is not merely a warning but a divine decree, reflecting the absolute holiness of God and the dire repercussions of profaning His presence or disregarding His established order. This penalty served as a powerful deterrent and a stark reminder of the sacred boundaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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":** This clause precisely identifies the specific geographical location—the east side, which contained the only entrance to the Tabernacle court—and the exclusive individuals assigned to encamp there. The repetition of "before the tabernacle" and "eastward" emphasizes the exactitude and critical nature of this placement. Moses, as the mediator of the covenant, and Aaron and his consecrated sons, as the high priestly family, were strategically positioned at the very point of access, signifying their unique and paramount role as the primary guardians and administrators of the sanctuary. Their presence here underscores their direct oversight of all entry and activity related to God's dwelling.
* **"keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel":** This phrase articulates the profound and weighty responsibility entrusted to the priestly family. They were given the "charge" (Hebrew: _mishmereth_), a sacred duty of watchful keeping, to maintain the sanctuary's holiness, order, and proper functioning, including its rituals and physical integrity. Crucially, this sacred duty was performed "for the charge of the children of Israel," meaning their vigilant oversight and adherence to divine protocol protected the entire nation from divine wrath that would result from defiling God's presence. They acted as divinely appointed intermediaries, bearing the responsibility for the nation's spiritual integrity and safety in relation to the Tabernacle.
* **"and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death":** This stark and unequivocal pronouncement highlights the absolute holiness of God and the severe, immediate consequences for unauthorized access. "The stranger" (Hebrew: _zar_), anyone not specifically consecrated for priestly or Levite service, faced instant death if they presumptuously approached the sanctuary beyond their permitted boundaries. This penalty served as a powerful and non-negotiable deterrent, underscoring that God's presence was not to be trifled with and that His holiness demanded strict adherence to His revealed protocols. It protected God's honor, maintained the sanctity of His dwelling, and preserved the people from incurring divine judgment through irreverence or presumption.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 3:38 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The verse utilizes **Repetition** through the phrases "before the tabernacle toward the east" and "before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward," which serves as a powerful form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the precise and critically important location of Moses and the priestly family. The stark declaration, "and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death," functions as a **Divine Decree**, an absolute and non-negotiable command that highlights the unyielding nature of God's holiness and the severe consequences of violating His sacred boundaries. This pronouncement also serves as a potent **Foreshadowing**, pointing to the ultimate need for a perfect mediator, as no human, save the designated priests, could approach God without fatal consequence, thereby hinting at a future, more perfect means of access. Furthermore, the entire ordered arrangement of the camp around the Tabernacle, culminating in this verse's specific assignment, is a powerful instance of **Symbolism**, visually representing God's ordered presence in the midst of His people and the necessary layers of separation required due to His absolute holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 3:38 powerfully articulates the foundational biblical truth of God's transcendent holiness and the absolute necessity of proper, divinely ordained access to His presence. The severe penalty for unauthorized approach underscores that God is not to be treated casually or presumptuously; His character demands reverence and awe. This verse establishes a clear and uncompromising distinction between the holy and the common, emphasizing that human sinfulness creates an impassable chasm that only God's gracious provision, through appointed mediation, can bridge. The priestly role of Moses, Aaron, and his sons as "keepers of the charge" foreshadows the enduring need for a perfect intermediary who can stand between a holy God and sinful humanity, ensuring both divine honor and human safety. This Old Testament principle of restricted access and divinely appointed mediation lays the crucial groundwork for understanding the New Testament revelation of Christ as the ultimate High Priest and the sole means of access to God.

* [Exodus 29:44](/exodus/29-44 "Exodus 29:44 - God's Consecration of the Tabernacle and Priests")
* [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1-3 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - The Judgment of Nadab and Abihu")
* [Hebrews 9:7-8](/hebrews/9-7-8 "Hebrews 9:7-8 - The High Priest's Annual Entry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 3:38, with its stark warning and precise regulations, serves as a timeless reminder of the awesome and unapproachable holiness of God. While the physical Tabernacle and its strict access laws belong to a past covenant, the underlying principle of God's unchangeable character remains profoundly relevant for believers today. We are called to approach God with deep reverence and awe, recognizing that His holiness is not diminished by grace but rather perfectly upheld and satisfied through the atoning work of Christ. This verse prompts us to consider the immense and undeserved privilege we now have in the New Covenant to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" ([Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")). It challenges us to never take God's presence or our access to Him for granted, but to cultivate a profound respect for His majesty and the immeasurable cost of our reconciliation. Furthermore, it encourages us to appreciate the spiritual authority and divine order God establishes within His church, recognizing that these structures are for the health, protection, and proper functioning of the community, guiding us in our corporate worship, service, and pursuit of holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the severity of the penalty for unauthorized access in Numbers 3:38 shape your understanding of God's absolute holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways might we, in a New Covenant context, inadvertently "come nigh" to God in a presumptuous, casual, or irreverent manner?**
* **How does the concept of "keeping the charge" apply to believers today in their roles within the church, their stewardship of spiritual gifts, and their personal walk with God?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of divine order, delegated authority, and the boundaries God establishes for the well-being of His people?**

### FAQ
**Why was the penalty for unauthorized access so severe, "put to death"?**

Answer: The severity of the penalty—death—underscored the absolute holiness of God and the vital importance of maintaining the sanctity of His dwelling place among His people. God's presence was pure and utterly unapproachable by sinful humanity without proper mediation and consecration. Any unauthorized approach was considered an act of profanation, a direct affront to God's character, which could bring swift judgment not only upon the individual but potentially upon the entire community. This strict boundary protected God's honor and also preserved the lives of the Israelites by teaching them the profound reverence due to their holy God, preventing them from incurring His wrath through casual or presumptuous behavior (cf. the judgment on Uzzah in [2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6-7 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death")). It was a constant, tangible reminder that God is not like human kings or deities, but is uniquely holy, righteous, and demands to be approached on His terms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 3:38, with its rigid boundaries, the strict requirement for consecrated personnel, and the death penalty for unauthorized access, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect mediator and a new covenant of access. The Old Testament Tabernacle system, with its intricate layers of separation and the limited access granted only to the consecrated priesthood, vividly illustrated humanity's inherent inability to approach a holy God due to the pervasive nature of sin. The "stranger" who faced death for presumptuously drawing near represents all humanity under the Old Covenant, inherently cut off from God's immediate and life-giving presence. However, this stern reality points forward to Jesus Christ, who is revealed as our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"). Unlike Aaron and his sons, whose lineage and ritual sacrifices were imperfect, temporary, and had to be repeated continually, Christ offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, eternally satisfying God's righteous demands. At His death, the temple veil was miraculously torn from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Tearing of the Temple Veil")), symbolizing the abolition of the old barriers and the opening of a "new and living way" into the very presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")). Through faith in Him, believers are no longer "strangers" but are made nigh by the precious blood of Christ, granted bold and confident access to the throne of grace ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Made Nigh by Christ's Blood"); [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approaching the Throne of Grace")). Thus, the strictness of Numbers 3:38 ultimately serves to magnify the boundless grace and perfect provision found in Christ, who fulfills the priestly charge and enables intimate, unhindered communion with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Numbers 1:53

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.

Numbers 2:3

¶ And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab [shall be] captain of the children of Judah.

Numbers 3:35

And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari [was] Zuriel the son of Abihail: [these] shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.

Numbers 3:29

The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward.

Numbers 18:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.

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.