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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Numbers 3:38 describes the specific encampment position and sacred duties of Moses, Aaron, and his sons (the priests) around the Tabernacle, emphasizing the strict boundaries and severe consequences for unauthorized access to God's holy dwelling.

Context

This verse is part of Numbers Chapter 3, which details the organization and responsibilities of the Levite tribes. Each Levite clan was assigned a specific side around the portable sanctuary, the Tabernacle, to guard it and assist the priests. The east side, where the entrance to the Tabernacle court was located, was reserved for Moses, Aaron, and his priestly sons. This strategic placement underscored their supreme authority and direct responsibility for the sanctity of the dwelling place of God among His people during their wilderness journey.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Authority: The meticulous arrangement of the Israelite camp and the specific assignments for the Levites and priests highlight God's desire for order and structure in worship and community. Moses and Aaron's position signified their unique role as mediators between God and Israel.
  • The Holiness of God: The most prominent theme is the absolute holiness of God and the reverence required in His presence. The severe penalty for unauthorized approach ("the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death") serves as a stark reminder that God is not to be approached lightly or casually. This protected both God's honor and the people from divine judgment for profaning sacred things.
  • The Role of the Priesthood: Moses, Aaron, and his sons were entrusted with the "charge of the sanctuary," meaning they were responsible for its proper maintenance, the execution of sacrifices, and guarding its holiness on behalf of the entire nation. They were the authorized intermediaries.
  • Protection of the Sanctuary: The Levites, under the oversight of the priests, functioned as guardians. Their encampment around the Tabernacle created a protective barrier, ensuring that only those consecrated and authorized could perform the sacred duties within.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Keeping the charge" (Hebrew: mishmeret, מִשְׁמֶרֶת): This term signifies a watchful keeping, a sacred duty, a trust, or a guard. It emphasizes the serious responsibility placed upon Moses, Aaron, and his sons to maintain the sanctity and order of the sanctuary.
  • "Stranger" (Hebrew: zar, זָר): In this context, "stranger" does not necessarily mean a foreigner, but rather anyone who is unauthorized, unconsecrated, or not appointed for the specific priestly or Levite duties within the sanctuary. It refers to anyone outside the designated group permitted to draw near.

Practical Application

While the physical Tabernacle no longer stands and the old covenant priesthood has been fulfilled, the principles of God's holiness and the need for proper access remain vital.

  • Reverence for God: This verse reminds us of God's immutable holiness and the reverence due to Him. Though we now approach God through grace, not through strict physical barriers, His character remains holy and awesome.
  • Christ as Our Access: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is revealed as our Great High Priest, who has opened the way for us to boldly approach God's throne of grace (Hebrews 10:19-22). The strict boundaries of the Old Testament Tabernacle pointed to the need for a perfect mediator, which Christ provides.
  • Respect for Spiritual Authority: The clear roles and responsibilities in Numbers 3:38 underscore the importance of respecting the divine order God establishes, whether in the Old Testament or in the church today, for the proper functioning and health of the community.
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 3:10 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Numbers 18:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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.