Numbers 18:7

But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death."

Study Bible

But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood
This phrase establishes the exclusive nature of the Aaronic priesthood. Aaron and his descendants were chosen by God to serve as priests, a role that was not open to others. This exclusivity underscores the holiness and separation required for those who serve directly in God's presence. The priesthood is a hereditary office, passed down through Aaron's lineage, emphasizing the importance of family and lineage in Israelite society. This also foreshadows the New Testament concept of Jesus as our High Priest, who fulfills and surpasses the Aaronic priesthood (Hebrews 4:14-16).

for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil
The altar and the veil are central elements of the tabernacle, representing the means of atonement and the separation between God and humanity. The altar is where sacrifices were made, symbolizing the need for atonement and reconciliation with God. The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, signifying the holiness of God and the barrier sin creates between God and man. In the New Testament, the tearing of the veil at Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) signifies the removal of this barrier, granting believers direct access to God through Christ.

and you are to perform that service
This phrase highlights the active role of the priests in the worship and sacrificial system. The service of the priests was not just a privilege but a duty, requiring diligence and obedience. This service included offering sacrifices, maintaining the tabernacle, and teaching the people God's laws. It reflects the broader biblical theme of service to God as an act of worship and obedience, which is echoed in the New Testament call for believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift
The priesthood is described as a gift from God, emphasizing that it is not earned or deserved but granted by divine grace. This gift comes with responsibilities and privileges, highlighting the concept of stewardship. The idea of the priesthood as a gift also points to the grace of God in choosing and equipping individuals for His service. In the New Testament, the concept of spiritual gifts given to believers for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) parallels this idea.

but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.
This severe warning underscores the holiness of God and the sanctity of the tabernacle. Only those consecrated and appointed by God could approach the sacred space, reflecting the seriousness of sin and the need for purity in worship. This restriction highlights the separation between the holy and the common, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. In the New Testament, the concept of holiness is expanded, with all believers called to be a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), yet the reverence for God's holiness remains paramount.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel, chosen by God to lead the priestly duties and serve as a mediator between God and the Israelites.

2. Aaron's Sons
The descendants of Aaron who were also appointed to serve as priests, continuing the priestly lineage.

3. The Altar
A sacred place where sacrifices and offerings were made to God, central to the worship practices of Israel.

4. The Veil
The curtain in the Tabernacle that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity.

5. Unauthorized Person
Anyone not appointed by God to perform priestly duties, highlighting the importance of divine appointment and order.

Teaching Points

Divine Appointment and Order
God establishes specific roles and responsibilities within His community. Recognizing and respecting these roles is crucial for maintaining order and holiness.

The Gift of Service
The priesthood is described as a gift, emphasizing that serving God and His people is a privilege and responsibility, not a right.

The Seriousness of Holiness
Approaching God requires reverence and obedience to His commands. Unauthorized approaches signify a lack of respect for God's holiness and order.

Christ as Our High Priest
Jesus fulfills the role of the ultimate high priest, granting believers direct access to God. This shifts the focus from a select group to the priesthood of all believers.

Guarding the Sacred
Just as the priests were to guard the sacred duties, believers today are called to guard their hearts and lives, ensuring they align with God's will and purpose.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of divine appointment in Numbers 18:7 apply to leadership roles within the church today?

2. In what ways can we view our own service to God as a gift, similar to the priesthood described in this passage?

3. How does the account of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10 reinforce the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience?

4. How does the New Testament concept of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9) change our understanding of access to God compared to the Old Testament priesthood?

5. What practical steps can we take to guard the sacred aspects of our faith and ensure we are living in alignment with God's commands?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28-29
These chapters detail the consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing the priesthood and their duties.

Leviticus 10
The account of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were struck down, illustrating the seriousness of unauthorized approaches to God.

Hebrews 5:1-4
Discusses the role of the high priest, chosen by God, and connects to the ultimate high priesthood of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
Describes believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament concept of all believers having access to God through Christ.