What responsibilities did God assign to the priests in Numbers 18:5? Text under the microscope “ ‘You are to attend to the duties of the sanctuary and the duties of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again.’ ” (Numbers 18:5) What the verse assigns to the priests • Guard and oversee every task connected with the sanctuary—the Holy Place and its furnishings (Exodus 27:20–21; Numbers 3:5–10). • Guard and oversee every task connected with the altar—the sacrifices, fire, blood, and ashes (Leviticus 6:8-13; Leviticus 9:7). • Serve as a spiritual shield for the nation, preventing divine wrath by maintaining holiness and order (Numbers 16:46-48). Breaking down the two-fold duty Sanctuary duties • Keep the lampstand lit continually (Exodus 27:20-21). • Replace the bread of the Presence weekly (Leviticus 24:5-9). • Burn incense morning and evening (Exodus 30:7-8). • Guard the entrance so no unauthorized person approaches (Numbers 3:10; 1 Samuel 6:19). Altar duties • Offer daily, weekly, monthly, and festival sacrifices (Numbers 28–29). • Tend the perpetual fire (Leviticus 6:12-13). • Sprinkle blood and place fat portions according to God’s pattern (Leviticus 1–7). • Remove ashes and keep the area ceremonially clean (Leviticus 6:10-11). Why these responsibilities matter • Holiness: God’s dwelling must remain distinct from all uncleanness (Leviticus 10:10). • Mediation: Sacrifices foreshadow the ultimate Mediator, Christ (Hebrews 7:23-27). • Protection: By strict obedience, priests spare Israel from the judgments that fell after the rebellions of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-3) and Korah (Numbers 16). Takeaway Numbers 18:5 concentrates priestly service into vigilant, hands-on care of the sanctuary and altar, a ministry that safeguards the entire community from God’s wrath by upholding His prescribed worship. |
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