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Numbers 18:3 - Priestly duties, sacred boundaries, life-protecting.

Numbers 18:3 - במדבר 18:3

Hebrew Text

וְשָׁמְרוּ מִשְׁמַרְתְּךָ וּמִשְׁמֶרֶת כָּל־הָאֹהֶל אַךְ אֶל־כְּלֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ וְאֶל־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ לֹא יִקְרָבוּ וְלֹא־יָמֻתוּ גַם־הֵם גַּם־אַתֶּם׃

English Translation

And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tent: only they shall not come near the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor you, die.

Transliteration

Veshamru mishmarteha umishmeret kol-ha'ohel akh el-klei hakodesh ve'el-hamizbe'ach lo yikravu velo-yamutu gam-hem gam-atem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָֽׁמְרוּ֙ מִֽשְׁמַרְתְּךָ֔ וּמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת כׇּל־הָאֹ֑הֶל אַךְ֩ אֶל־כְּלֵ֨י הַקֹּ֤דֶשׁ וְאֶל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙ לֹ֣א יִקְרָ֔בוּ וְלֹֽא־יָמֻ֥תוּ גַם־הֵ֖ם גַּם־אַתֶּֽם׃
וְשָֽׁמְרוּ֙ מִֽשְׁמַרְתְּךָ֔ וּמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת כׇּל־הָאֹ֑הֶל אַךְ֩ אֶל־כְּלֵ֨י הַקֹּ֤דֶשׁ וְאֶל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙ לֹ֣א יִקְרָ֔בוּ וְלֹֽא־יָמֻ֥תוּ גַם־הֵ֖ם גַּם־אַתֶּֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 18:3) is part of Hashem's instructions to Aharon regarding the roles and responsibilities of the Kohanim and Levi'im in the Mishkan. It delineates the boundaries between the sacred duties of the Kohanim and the supporting roles of the Levi'im.

Explanation of the Text

The verse states: "And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tent"—referring to the Levi'im, who are assigned to assist the Kohanim in guarding and maintaining the Mishkan. However, "only they shall not come near the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar"—this establishes a clear prohibition against the Levi'im performing the innermost sacred services reserved exclusively for the Kohanim.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "they shall keep thy charge" refers to the Levi'im guarding the Mishkan under the direction of the Kohanim. The warning "that neither they, nor you, die" emphasizes the severe consequences of overstepping these boundaries—death for both the Levi'im who encroach and the Kohanim who fail to prevent it.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (3:9), the Rambam codifies this prohibition, stating that a Levi who performs the avodah (Temple service) is liable for death at the hands of Heaven, just as a non-Kohen who does so. This underscores the divine severity of violating these roles.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Korach 11) connects this verse to the rebellion of Korach, illustrating how the improper desire to usurp the Kohen's role leads to catastrophe. The boundaries set here are meant to preserve harmony and sanctity within the service of Hashem.

Practical Implications

  • The Levi'im are entrusted with peripheral duties (e.g., guarding, transporting), but not the inner avodah.
  • The Kohanim must vigilantly ensure these boundaries are respected to prevent severe consequences.
  • This division of labor reflects the broader principle of seder (order) in divine service.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 17b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the roles and restrictions of the Levites and priests in the Temple service, emphasizing the boundaries set for approaching sacred objects.
📖 Sanhedrin 83b
Referenced in a broader discussion about the laws of ritual purity and the consequences of unauthorized approach to sacred items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 18:3 mean?
A: Numbers 18:3 instructs the Levites to assist the Kohanim (priests) in guarding the Mishkan (Tabernacle) but warns them not to approach the sacred vessels or the altar. This separation was to prevent them from dying, as these holy items could only be handled by the Kohanim. Rashi explains that this verse emphasizes the division of responsibilities between the Kohanim and Levites in the service of the Mishkan.
Q: Why is Numbers 18:3 important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the boundaries and roles within the Mishkan service. The Kohanim had unique privileges and responsibilities regarding the holiest items, while the Levites assisted in guarding but were forbidden from direct contact. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:8) discusses how these laws applied later in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) as well, showing their lasting significance.
Q: What can we learn from Numbers 18:3 today?
A: From this verse, we learn the importance of respecting boundaries and roles in sacred matters. Just as the Levites had to recognize the unique role of the Kohanim, we must respect the distinctions in spiritual leadership and holiness. The Talmud (Yoma 23a) teaches that this principle applies to maintaining proper conduct and reverence in places of worship.
Q: Who were the 'they' in Numbers 18:3?
A: The 'they' in this verse refers to the Levites, who were assigned to assist the Kohanim in the Mishkan. Rashi clarifies that while the Levites were responsible for guarding and maintaining the Mishkan, they were strictly prohibited from handling the most sacred objects, which were reserved only for the Kohanim.
Q: Why were the Levites forbidden from touching the holy vessels?
A: The Levites were forbidden from touching the holy vessels and altar because these items required a higher level of sanctity and could only be handled by the Kohanim, who were specially consecrated for this role. The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 18:3) explains that violating this boundary would result in death, emphasizing the seriousness of maintaining holiness and proper order in divine service.