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Numbers 18:7 - Priestly duty: sacred, exclusive, divine gift

Numbers 18:7 - במדבר 18:7

Hebrew Text

וְאַתָּה וּבָנֶיךָ אִתְּךָ תִּשְׁמְרוּ אֶת־כְּהֻנַּתְכֶם לְכָל־דְּבַר הַמִּזְבֵּחַ וּלְמִבֵּית לַפָּרֹכֶת וַעֲבַדְתֶּם עֲבֹדַת מַתָּנָה אֶתֵּן אֶת־כְּהֻנַּתְכֶם וְהַזָּר הַקָּרֵב יוּמָת׃

English Translation

Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest’s office for everything that concerns the altar, and within the veil: and you shall serve: I have given your priest’s office to you as a service of gift: and the stranger that comes near shall be put to death.

Transliteration

Ve'atah uvanecha itcha tishmeru et-kehunatchem lekol-devar hamizbeach ulemibeit laparochet va'avadtem avodat matanah eten et-kehunatchem vehazar hakarev yumat.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַתָּ֣ה וּבָנֶ֣יךָ אִ֠תְּךָ֠ תִּשְׁמְר֨וּ אֶת־כְּהֻנַּתְכֶ֜ם לְכׇל־דְּבַ֧ר הַמִּזְבֵּ֛חַ וּלְמִבֵּ֥ית לַפָּרֹ֖כֶת וַעֲבַדְתֶּ֑ם עֲבֹדַ֣ת מַתָּנָ֗ה אֶתֵּן֙ אֶת־כְּהֻנַּתְכֶ֔ם וְהַזָּ֥ר הַקָּרֵ֖ב יוּמָֽת׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְאַתָּ֣ה וּבָנֶ֣יךָ אִ֠תְּךָ֠ תִּשְׁמְר֨וּ אֶת־כְּהֻנַּתְכֶ֜ם לְכׇל־דְּבַ֧ר הַמִּזְבֵּ֛חַ וּלְמִבֵּ֥ית לַפָּרֹ֖כֶת וַעֲבַדְתֶּ֑ם עֲבֹדַ֣ת מַתָּנָ֗ה אֶתֵּן֙ אֶת־כְּהֻנַּתְכֶ֔ם וְהַזָּ֥ר הַקָּרֵ֖ב יוּמָֽת׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

The Role and Sanctity of the Kehuna (Priesthood)

The verse (Bamidbar 18:7) emphasizes the exclusive role of the Kohanim (priests) in performing the sacred service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that the phrase "תִּשְׁמְרוּ אֶת־כְּהֻנַּתְכֶם" ("shall keep your priest’s office") means the Kohanim must vigilantly guard their unique responsibilities, ensuring no unauthorized person encroaches upon their duties. This includes both the outer altar service and the inner sanctum behind the Parochet (veil), where only the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) may enter on Yom Kippur.

The Divine Gift of the Kehuna

The Torah describes the priesthood as "עֲבֹדַת מַתָּנָה" ("a service of gift"). Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:1) teaches that the Kehuna is not an inherited privilege but a Divine appointment—a matana (gift) from Hashem to Aharon and his descendants. The Sforno adds that this gift comes with the condition that the Kohanim maintain the sanctity of their role through meticulous adherence to halacha (Jewish law).

The Prohibition Against Zarim (Unauthorized Persons)

The severe warning "וְהַזָּר הַקָּרֵב יוּמָת" ("the stranger that comes near shall be put to death") underscores the gravity of unauthorized individuals attempting priestly duties. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 83a) derives from this verse that a zar (non-Kohen) who performs avodah (Temple service) is liable for mitah bidei Shamayim (death by Divine decree). The Ramban explains that this stricture preserves the hierarchical kedusha (holiness) of the Mishkan, ensuring only those Divinely designated may serve.

Practical Implications in Halacha

  • Kohanic Duties: The Kohanim are entrusted with offerings (korbanot), the menorah, and the inner sanctum—each requiring purity and precision (see Mishnah Yoma 2:3).
  • Modern Applications: While the Beit HaMikdash is not standing, Kohanim retain certain privileges (e.g., duchaning, pidyon haben) as reminders of their sanctified role (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 128).
  • Boundaries of Kedusha: The prohibition against zarim teaches broader principles about respecting Divinely ordained roles, such as the distinction between Kohanim, Leviim, and Yisraelim (Rambam, Hilchot Bi’at HaMikdash 9:1).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 23b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the roles and responsibilities of the priests, particularly in relation to the service of the altar and the sanctity of the priestly duties.
📖 Sanhedrin 83b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the severe consequences for non-priests who attempt to perform priestly duties, emphasizing the exclusivity of the priestly service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 18:7 mean?
A: Numbers 18:7 establishes the exclusive role of the Kohanim (priests) in performing the Temple service, particularly regarding the altar and the area behind the Parochet (veil). It emphasizes that this is a sacred duty given specifically to them, and warns that unauthorized individuals who attempt to perform these duties will be severely punished.
Q: Why is the priesthood called a 'service of gift' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that the term 'service of gift' means the priesthood was granted to Aaron and his descendants as an eternal gift from Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:1) adds that this emphasizes the honor and privilege of serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Temple.
Q: Who is considered a 'stranger' (zar) in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 17a) defines a 'stranger' in this context as anyone who is not a Kohen - including Levites and Israelites. Even a Kohen who is disqualified (such as a Kohen with a physical blemish) is considered a 'stranger' regarding certain Temple services.
Q: How does this verse apply today without the Temple?
A: While we don't have the Temple today, the principle of respecting sacred roles continues. The Kohanim still maintain certain privileges (like the first aliyah to the Torah and duchaning). The verse also teaches us about the importance of proper boundaries in spiritual matters and respecting divinely appointed roles.
Q: What is the significance of the warning about death in this verse?
A: The severe punishment (death) for unauthorized service underscores the extreme sanctity of the Temple service. The Midrash (Sifrei) explains that this reflects how seriously we must treat holy matters. Just as the Kohanim had to follow precise procedures, we learn that approaching holiness requires proper preparation and authorization.