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.

NUMBERS 3:38KJV
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Numbers 3:38 (KJV)

What does Numbers 3:38 mean?

Numbers 3:38 describes how Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons camped on the east side of the tabernacle, directly in front of its entrance, and were responsible for guarding and caring for the sanctuary on behalf of the Israelites; anyone else who came too close would be put to death. This verse shows the special duty and separation of the priestly family in protecting the holiness of the tabernacle.

God is instructing Moses about how the tribes of Israel are to camp around the tabernacle in the wilderness. The east side, facing the main entrance, was reserved for Moses and Aaron’s family, who were given the unique responsibility of “keeping the charge” of the sanctuary. The warning about outsiders approaching underlines the seriousness of their role and the sacredness of the tabernacle’s service.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 3:38

  • “Encamp” (חָנָה, chanah) means to set up camp or dwell. Here, it highlights the physical arrangement of the people around the tabernacle, showing order and purpose in where each group stayed.
  • “Charge” (מִשְׁמֶרֶת, mishmeret) refers to a duty or responsibility, especially one involving careful guarding. This word emphasizes that Moses, Aaron, and his sons were not just living near the sanctuary but were actively responsible for its protection and proper function.
  • “Stranger” (זָר, zar) means someone who is not part of Aaron’s priestly family. The term stresses that only those specifically appointed could approach or serve at the sanctuary, marking a clear boundary for holiness.

Why Numbers 3:38 matters

  • Numbers 3:38 clarifies that the priestly family had a unique and non-transferable role in protecting the sanctuary, which helps prevent misunderstandings about who could serve in the tabernacle.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of approaching God’s holy place without authorization, showing the importance of boundaries and respect for sacred things in Israel’s worship.
  • By placing Moses, Aaron, and his sons at the entrance, the verse connects leadership, worship, and access to God, making clear that spiritual leadership and responsibility were closely linked in Israel’s camp.

Where else these words appear

“nigh” Hebrew H7131 · used in 11 verses

  • Numbers 1:51 And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
  • Numbers 18:7 Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office unto you as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
  • 2 Samuel 18:25 And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.

“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 9:19 And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD, and journeyed not.
  • 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.

“eastward” Hebrew H4217 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 27:13 And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.
  • Joshua 16:6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah;
  • 2 Chronicles 4:4 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

“sanctuary” Hebrew H4720 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
  • Psalms 68:35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
  • Ezekiel 28:18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.