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.

Study Bible

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 (1 Corinthians 12:4-31).

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 (Hebrews 4:14-16).

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 (Leviticus 10:1-2) and Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:6-7). 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 (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The high priest and brother of Moses, responsible for the sanctuary and its services.

2. Levites
The tribe set apart to assist the priests in the service of the tabernacle, but not allowed to perform priestly duties.

3. Sanctuary
The holy place where God's presence dwelt, containing sacred furnishings and the altar.

4. Altar
A sacred structure used for sacrifices and offerings to God, central to Israelite worship.

5. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence, where the Israelites worshiped during their journey in the wilderness.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Roles and Boundaries
God assigns specific roles and responsibilities within His community. Understanding and respecting these roles is crucial for maintaining order and holiness.

The Holiness of God
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.

Consequences of Disobedience
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.

Service in the Church
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.

Christ as Our High Priest
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.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the specific roles assigned to Aaron and the Levites about God's design for leadership and service in the church today?

2. How does the holiness of the sanctuary in Numbers 18:3 reflect the nature of God, and how should this influence our approach to worship?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are respecting the boundaries God has set in our lives, both spiritually and relationally?

4. How does the warning of death for improper approach to the sanctuary challenge us to take God's commands seriously in our own lives?

5. How does understanding Jesus as our high priest change the way we view our access to God and our role in His kingdom?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28-29
These chapters describe the consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing the priestly duties and the sacredness of their role.

Leviticus 10
The account of Nadab and Abihu, who were struck down for offering unauthorized fire, underscores the seriousness of approaching the sanctuary improperly.

Hebrews 9
This chapter discusses the earthly sanctuary and its regulations, drawing parallels to the heavenly sanctuary and the ultimate high priest, Jesus Christ.