Ella 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Numbers 18:7 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Numbers 18:7 is part of a significant passage in the Book of Numbers that deals with the responsibilities and duties of the priests and Levites in ancient Israel. This verse highlights the sacredness of their role and sets the foundation for understanding how Israel was to maintain proper worship and relationship with God. In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, and applications of Numbers 18:7 to help us understand how this verse relates to both the people of Israel and us today.
The Context of Numbers 18:7 (KJV)
The Book of Numbers: Overview
The Book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. It covers the period of the Israelites’ journey from their escape from Egypt to the edge of the Promised Land. The name “Numbers” refers to the two censuses taken in the book to count the number of Israelites, but it also contains essential laws, instructions, and events that shape the identity and journey of the nation of Israel.
One of the major themes in the Book of Numbers is the role of priests and Levites in Israel’s worship and religious life. The Levites were set apart to assist the priests, and the priests were chosen to perform sacred duties related to the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among His people.
The Role of the Priests and Levites
In Numbers 18, God gives specific instructions to the priests and Levites. God makes it clear that the priests, led by Aaron and his descendants, would have the special responsibility to serve in the sanctuary and handle the sacred items used in worship. The Levites, on the other hand, were assigned the task of assisting the priests, guarding the tabernacle, and serving in various capacities related to worship.
The importance of these roles was foundational for Israel’s relationship with God. The priests represented the people before God, offering sacrifices and interceding on their behalf. The Levites were involved in the physical care and maintenance of the tabernacle and other sacred aspects of Israel’s worship.
Numbers 18:7 in the Context of the Chapter
Numbers 18 outlines the division of duties between the priests and the Levites. Verse 7 is part of a broader discussion about the responsibilities of the priests to maintain the sacredness of the sanctuary and the altar. God instructs the priests to take on their duties with great care, as their role was essential in ensuring that Israel could maintain its covenant with God. They were not to be distracted or take their duties lightly.
This context helps us understand the significance of Numbers 18:7, as it calls attention to the importance of the priesthood and the sacred work they were entrusted with in maintaining the worship of God.
Numbers 18:7 (KJV)
Numbers 18:7 (KJV):
“Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest’s office for every thing of the altar, and within the veil; 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.”
This verse outlines several key responsibilities and instructions regarding the priesthood in ancient Israel. It emphasizes the sacredness of the priest’s office and sets clear boundaries about who may approach the altar and the Tabernacle.
Numbers 18:7 Meaning
“Therefore Thou and Thy Sons with Thee Shall Keep Your Priest’s Office”
The phrase “keep your priest’s office” refers to the duty of the priests to serve God in their sacred roles. The priesthood was not simply a profession or job; it was a divinely appointed office that carried with it great responsibility. This office was to be passed down from father to son, as it was through Aaron‘s descendants that the priesthood would continue.
The priesthood was set apart to serve God, and it was to be treated with the utmost reverence. This wasn’t just about performing duties, but about maintaining holiness and obedience to God’s instructions. The priests’ work involved ministering to God on behalf of the people, and their role was a continual act of service to God.
“For Everything of the Altar, and Within the Veil”
The altar and the veil were both central elements of the worship system. The altar was where sacrifices were offered to God, and it was a symbol of atonement and reconciliation. The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (also known as the Holy of Holies), where God’s presence dwelled. The priest’s responsibility included offering sacrifices on the altar and making atonement for the people, as well as ministering in the area closest to the presence of God.
The phrase “everything of the altar” indicates that the priests were responsible for all aspects of the sacrificial system, which involved more than just the offerings but also maintaining the sanctity of the space and the rituals that took place there. “Within the veil” emphasizes that the priests’ role extended to the holiest parts of the sanctuary, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and that too was only on the Day of Atonement.
The responsibility of the priesthood was intense and sacred, requiring strict adherence to God’s commands. These duties were not to be taken lightly, as they were crucial to the spiritual well-being of the nation of Israel.
“I Have Given Your Priest’s Office Unto You as a Service of Gift”
The priesthood was not a reward or privilege for the priests, but rather a gift from God. This was a sacred service given to the priests, who were expected to carry out their duties with a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and obedience. The role of the priesthood was an act of grace from God, and it was a reminder that the priests were chosen not because of their own merit but because of God’s divine will.
By referring to the priest’s office as a “service of gift,” God emphasizes the sacredness of this role. It was not to be taken for granted. The priests were to offer their service freely, with joy and reverence, knowing that they were working on behalf of the Lord.
“And the Stranger That Cometh Nigh Shall Be Put to Death”
This part of the verse underscores the exclusivity of the priestly duties. Only those who were appointed by God to serve in the priesthood—specifically, the descendants of Aaron—were allowed to approach the altar and minister in the sanctuary. Anyone who was not a qualified priest (a “stranger”) who attempted to enter these sacred areas would face severe punishment, even death.
This warning served as a deterrent, ensuring that only those who were properly chosen and consecrated by God could perform these sacred duties. It also highlighted the holiness and sacredness of the worship space and the importance of maintaining God’s order.
Numbers 18:7 Application in Life
The Sanctity of Our Service to God
Just as the priests in ancient Israel were given sacred duties, we, as believers in Christ, are also called to serve God in a holy and reverent manner. In the New Testament, Christians are referred to as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). This means that all believers are called to serve God and to represent Him in the world.
This passage teaches us that our service to God is not just about external actions, but about having the right heart attitude. Just as the priests were to carry out their duties with humility and obedience, we are to serve God with dedication, purity, and reverence. Whether in our church service, our relationships, or in our day-to-day lives, everything we do should reflect our commitment to God.
The Importance of Obedience and Reverence in Worship
The strict instructions for the priests and Levites in Numbers 18 remind us that worship is not to be treated casually. We are to approach God with awe and respect. In our modern context, this means we should not treat our worship or our spiritual life as something trivial. It should be the center of our lives, reflecting holiness and dedication.
The passage calls us to examine how we approach God in our own worship. Are we doing so with the proper reverence? Do we recognize the holiness of the act of worship and the sacredness of God’s presence?
The Concept of Spiritual Service
Just as the priests were given their office as a gift from God, we too are given the opportunity to serve God through our spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit has given each believer gifts to be used for the service of the church and the glory of God. This service is a privilege and should be carried out with joy and commitment.
Guarding the Sacredness of God’s Work
The severe penalty for those who approached the altar without proper authorization shows the importance of maintaining the holiness of God’s work. While we no longer have a physical temple or altar, the principle still applies: we are to guard the sanctity of our faith and ensure that we do not allow irreverence or disrespect to infiltrate our relationship with God.
Conclusion
Numbers 18:7 reveals profound insights into the nature of service to God and the sacredness of the priesthood. Just as the priests and Levites were entrusted with sacred duties, we too are called to serve God with humility, obedience, and reverence. Our spiritual service is a gift from God, and we are to approach it with gratitude and seriousness.
In our daily lives, we are reminded that worship is not just about external rituals, but about an inner commitment to honor God in all we do. As we live as a royal priesthood, we must keep the holiness of our calling at the forefront, guarding our hearts and actions in service to the Lord. Through Jesus Christ, we are now able to approach God with confidence, knowing that our service is pleasing to Him when done with a pure heart.
As we reflect on this verse, may we be inspired to offer our lives as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1).
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