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.

NUMBERS 18:5KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 18:5 (KJV)

What does Numbers 18:5 mean?

Numbers 18:5 commands the Levites to carefully guard the sanctuary and the altar so that no further judgment or anger from God would come upon the Israelites. This verse emphasizes the importance of their responsibility in maintaining the holiness and safety of Israel’s worship space.

In this passage, God is speaking to Aaron, the high priest, giving instructions for the Levites who serve in the tabernacle. The Levites are assigned the crucial task of protecting the sanctuary (the holy place) and the altar, which are central to Israel’s worship. Their faithful service is meant to prevent any improper approach or violation that could bring God’s wrath on the people.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 18:5

  • "Keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This word means to guard, watch over, or carefully attend to. It highlights that the Levites’ role is not passive but requires active vigilance and dedication.
  • "Charge" (מִשְׁמֶרֶת, mishmeret): This term refers to a duty, responsibility, or assigned task. It stresses that the Levites have a specific, ongoing obligation to fulfill.
  • "Sanctuary" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means a holy or set-apart place. The Levites are to protect what is sacred, not just any space.
  • "Wrath" (קֶצֶף, qetsef): This word refers to anger or judgment, especially divine anger. The verse makes clear that neglecting these duties could result in serious consequences for the whole community.

Why Numbers 18:5 matters

  • Numbers 18:5 clarifies that the Levites’ service is not just ceremonial but is essential for the safety and well-being of all Israel, showing the seriousness of their calling.
  • The verse connects the Levites’ faithfulness directly to God’s response to the nation, highlighting the link between worship practices and the community’s relationship with God.
  • This instruction fits within a larger passage where God is setting boundaries and roles to prevent past mistakes, such as unauthorized people approaching the sanctuary, which had led to disaster before.

Where else these words appear

“wrath” Hebrew H7110 · used in 29 verses

  • 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:18 And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.
  • Isaiah 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

“charge” Hebrew H4931 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
  • Numbers 8:26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.