Numbers 3:8 kjv
And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.
Numbers 3:8 nkjv
Also they shall attend to all the furnishings of the tabernacle of meeting, and to the needs of the children of Israel, to do the work of the tabernacle.
Numbers 3:8 niv
They are to take care of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle.
Numbers 3:8 esv
They shall guard all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, and keep guard over the people of Israel as they minister at the tabernacle.
Numbers 3:8 nlt
They will also maintain all the furnishings of the sacred tent, serving in the Tabernacle on behalf of all the Israelites.
Numbers 3 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 1:53 | "...but the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the covenant law, so that wrath will not fall on the Israelite community..." | Levites guard Tabernacle against divine wrath |
| Num 3:7 | "They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community of Israelites in the service of the tabernacle of the Lord." | Levites serve Aaron and Israel at Tabernacle |
| Num 3:9 | "Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are wholly given to him out of the sons of Israel." | Levites given to priests for service |
| Num 4:15 | "And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects..." | Priests (Aaronites) oversee specific duties |
| Num 4:27 | "...by the mouth of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites..." | Specific duties for Gershonite Levites |
| Num 4:31 | "...the charge of their burdens, all their service in the tabernacle of meeting." | Duties for Merarite Levites specified |
| Num 8:19 | "...given as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the people of Israel, to do the service for the people..." | Levites gifted to do service for people |
| Num 18:3 | "But they shall not come near the furnishings of the sanctuary and of the altar, lest neither they nor you die." | Priests protect sanctuary from unauthorized access |
| Deut 10:8 | "At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord..." | Levi chosen for service and carrying Ark |
| Deut 18:5 | "For the Lord your God has chosen him and his sons out of all your tribes, to stand always to minister in the name of the Lord." | Chosen tribe for continual ministry |
| Exod 25:8 | "And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst." | Purpose of Tabernacle: God's dwelling |
| Lev 10:1-2 | "Now Nadab and Abihu... offered unauthorized fire before the Lord..." | Consequences of irreverent or unauthorized service |
| 2 Sam 6:6-7 | "...Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it... and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah..." | Sacredness demands strict adherence to rules |
| Psa 78:60 | "He forsook his dwelling at Shiloh, the tent where he dwelt among mankind." | Tabernacle as God's temporary dwelling |
| Psa 132:13-14 | "For the Lord has chosen Zion... This is my resting place forever..." | God chooses dwelling place; parallels Tabernacle/Temple |
| Isa 56:7 | "...for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples." | Temple's broader purpose; later form of Tabernacle |
| Heb 3:1 | "Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession." | Jesus as the ultimate Priest |
| Heb 8:2 | "...a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man." | Christ as minister of the true Tabernacle |
| Heb 9:11-12 | "But when Christ appeared as a high priest... he entered once for all into the holy places..." | Christ's perfect, singular service |
| Heb 10:19-22 | "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus..." | Believers' direct access in New Covenant |
| 1 Pet 2:9 | "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession..." | Believers as spiritual priests |
| Rev 1:6 | "...and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father..." | Believers designated as priests in Christ |
Numbers 3 verses
Numbers 3 8 Meaning
Numbers 3:8 outlines a fundamental duty for the Levites: they were consecrated to diligently safeguard all the sacred artifacts of the Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting. Furthermore, they bore the sacred responsibility on behalf of the Israelites to ensure the smooth and reverent operation of all service within the tabernacle, preventing the general populace from encountering the holy space in a manner that would bring judgment upon them. This verse underscores the Levites' pivotal role as guardians of the sacred and intermediaries for the nation's worship.
Numbers 3 8 Context
Numbers chapter 3 specifically details the census of the Levites, who were set apart from the other tribes of Israel for sacred service. Unlike the other tribes, who were counted for military purposes, the Levites were counted to assume duties related to the Tabernacle. This verse immediately follows the declaration that the Levites are "given to Aaron and his sons" (v. 9) and are to perform duties for the entire Israelite community. Historically, this setting is after the Exodus from Egypt and the establishment of the Sinaitic Covenant, where God established His dwelling (the Tabernacle) among His people, emphasizing His holy presence and the meticulous order required for worship and interaction with Him. The Levites' service ensures that the sacred space and objects are handled appropriately, acting as a buffer between a holy God and a sinful people, thus protecting Israel from God's wrath due to improper approach.
Numbers 3 8 Word analysis
- They: Refers collectively to the Levites, the descendants of Levi, who were separated from the other Israelite tribes for specific sacred duties related to the Tabernacle. This pronoun indicates their singular, assigned role.
- are to keep (Heb. shamar): This verb means to guard, watch, protect, preserve, observe, or take care of. It implies diligent oversight and careful stewardship, emphasizing the great responsibility placed upon the Levites to maintain the sanctity and integrity of the holy objects and areas. This isn't just passive possession but active maintenance and adherence to precise regulations.
- all: This term signifies completeness and universality. No item, however small, within the sacred precinct was exempt from the Levites' care. It emphasizes the meticulous nature of their duties and the all-encompassing holiness of the Tabernacle and its contents.
- the furnishings (Heb. keli): Refers to the various vessels, implements, and articles used in the Tabernacle. This includes not only major items like the Ark, table, lampstand, and altars, but also all the smaller instruments, utensils, and coverings associated with the Tabernacle's construction, worship, and portability. Each item, regardless of its size, was sanctified and thus required sacred handling.
- of the tent of meeting: This is one of the primary names for the portable sanctuary, emphasizing its purpose as the designated place where God would "meet" with Moses and the Israelites. It signifies communion between God and His people, made possible through regulated worship. This term, alongside "Tabernacle," highlights the spiritual and relational aspect of the structure.
- and the duties: This translates the Hebrew mishmeret, which means "a guard, watch, or post; an observance or duty." Here, it points to the specific responsibilities or charges given to the Levites concerning the performance of their office. It denotes the task entrusted to them.
- of the Israelites: This critical phrase signifies that the Levites carried out their duties on behalf of the general Israelite community. Because ordinary Israelites were forbidden to approach the sacred space and its objects directly (due to the holiness of God and their own impurity), the Levites stood in their stead, performing the necessary service that ensured the people could maintain their relationship with God without incurring divine judgment. They bore the charge or protected the charge that otherwise would have fallen to the entire assembly of Israel.
- to do: This emphasizes the active, practical nature of their role. It wasn't enough to simply oversee; they had to perform the actions and services themselves.
- all the service: This is the Hebrew abodah, which encompasses all forms of work, labor, and ministry. In this cultic context, it specifically refers to the full scope of ritual tasks, maintenance, transportation, and overall function required for the proper operation of the Tabernacle. It signifies comprehensive devotion and practical execution of sacred duties.
- of the tabernacle: This refers to the Tabernacle (Heb. mishkan, "dwelling place"), highlighting its identity as God's portable residence among His people. It emphasizes God's immediate presence and the sanctity derived from His inhabitation, reinforcing the critical importance of the Levites' assigned role in safeguarding this divine dwelling.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- They are to keep all the furnishings of the tent of meeting: This phrase outlines the core custodial role of the Levites. Their responsibility was the meticulous guardianship and maintenance of every sacred implement within God's dwelling place. This protection was essential due to the profound holiness of the items, safeguarding them from defilement and unauthorized contact.
- and the duties of the Israelites: This clarifies the purpose and scope of the Levites' custodianship. They did not serve just for themselves, but critically, they undertook this weighty responsibility on behalf of or for the entire nation of Israel. This arrangement shielded the ordinary Israelite from potential divine wrath that would result from inadvertent or unauthorized access to God's holy presence.
- to do all the service of the tabernacle: This final segment details the active manifestation of their "keeping" and "duties." It specifies that the Levites were fully immersed in performing every necessary task related to the Tabernacle – from setting it up and taking it down, to carrying its components, to maintaining its purity and order. This phrase underscores the comprehensive and laborious nature of their consecrated ministry.
Numbers 3 8 Bonus section
The detailed, precise nature of the Levites' duties, even down to handling specific poles and loops, speaks volumes about the meticulous character of God and the seriousness of approaching His holiness under the Old Covenant. Their constant vigil and mobility meant the Tabernacle was always cared for, whether at rest or in transit. This specific role, particularly "the duties of the Israelites," strongly highlights God's protective grace, even amidst His stern holiness, providing a designated path for a fallen people to commune with Him without incurring judgment. Their existence also underscored the idea of delegated authority and specific calling within God's redemptive plan.
Numbers 3 8 Commentary
Numbers 3:8 precisely defines a crucial aspect of the Levites' sacred calling. Having been separated to God as substitutes for the firstborn of Israel, their primary function was not priestly (which belonged to the sons of Aaron), but ministerial and custodial. This verse emphasizes their dual responsibility: physical safeguarding of the Tabernacle's holy objects and taking charge of the cultic service on behalf of the nation. The word "keep" (shamar) denotes a meticulous watch and preservation, indicating the gravity with which the Tabernacle's sanctity must be treated. The "furnishings" were not mere tools but extensions of God's presence, requiring reverent handling. Crucially, the phrase "duties of the Israelites" reveals the mediatorial nature of their service; they bore the heavy charge of upholding proper interaction with God's dwelling, effectively preventing God's holy wrath from falling upon an entire nation prone to inadvertent transgression. Their labor ensured the people's safety and access to regulated worship. This foreshadows a deeper spiritual truth: just as the Levites performed vital service for the old covenant community, Christ, the ultimate Minister and High Priest, performed and continues to perform a perfect and complete service on behalf of humanity, opening the way for all believers to access God directly in the new covenant without the need for such intermediaries.