Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 18:3 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Numbers 18:3 is an important verse in the Bible that provides insight into the responsibilities of the Levitical priesthood and the holiness of God’s sanctuary. It serves as a reminder of God’s expectations for His servants, the priests, and it speaks to the role of service and accountability within the body of believers. The verse comes in a section of the Book of Numbers where God is giving specific instructions to the priests, emphasizing their unique duties and the sacredness of their role.
In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, and application of Numbers 18:3, and discuss how it can be applied to our daily lives. We will also explore the deeper spiritual principles embedded in this passage, drawing out timeless truths for Christians today.
The Context of Numbers 18:3 (KJV)
The Book of Numbers
The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible), traditionally attributed to Moses. It focuses on the journey of the Israelites from the wilderness to the Promised Land. Numbers is often characterized by its census data, the laws of God given to the people, and the recording of the people’s disobedience and God’s faithfulness in the midst of their rebellion.
Numbers also highlights the holiness of God, His covenant with Israel, and the establishment of a system for worship. This system includes the role of the priests and Levites, the people chosen to serve in the sanctuary and maintain the sacredness of worship.
The Levitical Priesthood
In Numbers 18, God gives detailed instructions about the responsibilities of the Levites and priests. The Levites were the tribe of Israel chosen to assist the priests in the worship of God, and Aaron, the brother of Moses, was chosen to be the high priest. This chapter outlines their duties in serving the sanctuary, maintaining the holiness of God’s dwelling place, and ensuring that sacrifices were properly offered.
God calls the priests to take on a very serious responsibility: to serve as intermediaries between Himself and the people. They are responsible for offering sacrifices, teaching the laws of God, and maintaining the purity of the sanctuary. The Levites, though not directly involved in priestly duties, were set apart to assist the priests in their work, ensuring that the worship of God was carried out with reverence and order.
The Context of Numbers 18:3
Before we dive into Numbers 18:3, we need to understand that it is part of a larger section in which God is giving instructions to Aaron and his sons (the priests) about their role in maintaining the sanctuary and their service to the people of Israel. The previous verses have described the sacred responsibilities of the priests and the Levites, as well as their importance in upholding the holiness of God’s name.
Numbers 18:3 falls within the portion where God tells the Levites how they should serve and what their role will be. In particular, the verse emphasizes that the priests and Levites are to bear the responsibility for the sanctuary and their priestly duties.
Numbers 18:3 (KJV)
Numbers 18:3 (KJV):
“And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor ye also die.”
At first glance, this verse may appear to simply be an instruction about the physical duties of the Levites and priests. However, there is more to this verse than meets the eye. To understand its full meaning, we need to break it down into key components.
Numbers 18:3 Meaning
“And They Shall Keep Thy Charge”
This part of the verse speaks to the Levites’ responsibility to serve under the priests, particularly Aaron. The phrase “keep thy charge” indicates that the Levites were entrusted with specific duties in the service of the tabernacle (the dwelling place of God among His people). They were to follow the instructions given to them and remain faithful in their service to God.
In the broader context, “charge” can be understood as the responsibility to maintain the sanctuary and the worship of God. The Levites were tasked with ensuring that everything in the tabernacle was kept in order and that worship was carried out correctly. They had to make sure that the sacred vessels, the altar, and all other items in the tabernacle were handled with reverence and care.
The phrase also implies a division of labor between the priests and the Levites. The priests had the primary responsibility for performing the sacrifices and other sacred rituals, while the Levites assisted them by taking care of the physical aspects of the sanctuary.
“And the Charge of All the Tabernacle”
This phrase refers to the entire tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary where the Israelites worshipped God during their journey in the wilderness. The tabernacle was where the Ark of the Covenant was kept and where the Israelites offered their sacrifices to God. The tabernacle was considered holy, and everything within it had to be handled with the utmost respect and care.
The Levites’ role in caring for the tabernacle was crucial because the holiness of the worship environment had to be maintained. It was their responsibility to protect and preserve the tabernacle and its sacred contents. The sanctity of the tabernacle was not just about physical cleanliness; it was a matter of spiritual obedience to God’s commands.
“Only They Shall Not Come Nigh the Vessels of the Sanctuary and the Altar”
This portion of the verse explains a clear limitation placed on the Levites. While they were responsible for caring for the tabernacle, there were certain areas and duties they could not perform. The Levites were not allowed to come near the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar. These items were sacred, and only the priests were permitted to handle them.
The altar and the sacred vessels (such as the altar of incense, the lampstand, the showbread table, and the Ark of the Covenant) were considered the holiest objects in the sanctuary. The priests, as the ones designated to perform sacrifices and offer incense, were the only ones who could approach these sacred items.
“That Neither They, Nor Ye Also Die”
The warning that the Levites and priests could die if they violated these boundaries was very serious. This part of the verse highlights the holiness of God and the danger of approaching His sacred things without proper authority. The priests and Levites were to maintain strict reverence for the sacredness of their roles. If they violated these laws, the consequences would be severe—death.
The threat of death underlines how seriously God took the sanctity of His worship. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The priests and Levites were set apart for a very specific purpose, and there was no room for error when it came to handling the things of God.
Numbers 18:3 Application in Life
The Responsibility of Servants in God’s House
While this verse specifically addresses the Levites and priests, the principle of serving in God’s house applies to all believers today. In the New Testament, Christians are all considered priests in a spiritual sense, as we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices and worship to God (1 Peter 2:5, 9). As believers, we have the responsibility to serve God faithfully, maintaining the holiness of His church and the proper worship of Him.
Like the Levites, we are called to assist in the ministry of the church, ensuring that all aspects of our worship and service are conducted with reverence and care. We must guard the sanctity of God’s work, just as the Levites were to guard the sanctuary.
The Holiness of God’s Work
The strict boundaries set around the sacred vessels and the altar reflect the holiness of God. Everything that is associated with God’s worship must be treated with the utmost respect. This principle holds true today in our approach to worship. God is holy, and we must approach Him with the reverence He deserves.
This passage encourages believers to reverence God in all things. Our worship, our ministries, and our lives must be offered in a manner that acknowledges God’s holiness. God’s work must not be treated casually. We are called to be intentional in our faith, offering our best to God.
The Role of Accountability in Ministry
The warning to the Levites in Numbers 18:3 also highlights the importance of accountability. The priests and Levites were given specific roles, and they were held responsible for their actions. Similarly, in the church today, those in ministry must be held accountable for their duties and conduct. Leaders should lead by example, ensuring that they honor God with their lives and that the church remains faithful to His word.
As Christians, we are all part of the body of Christ, and we must hold each other accountable in our service to God. This involves supporting one another, correcting when necessary, and encouraging one another in the faith.
Conclusion
Numbers 18:3 provides valuable insight into the role of the Levites and priests in the Old Testament, emphasizing the responsibility, holiness, and seriousness of their service in God’s sanctuary. The verse underscores the sanctity of God’s worship and the importance of reverence in serving Him.
For believers today, this passage reminds us of our responsibility to serve God faithfully, the holiness of His work, and the accountability we have in our service. We are all called to maintain the purity and sanctity of our faith and worship, approaching God with reverence and offering our lives as living sacrifices.
Let us be inspired by this passage to serve God with diligence and holiness, recognizing the sacredness of our calling and the seriousness of our responsibility in His kingdom.
You Might Be Interested In: