What is the meaning of Numbers 18:7? But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood • God narrows the priestly ministry to Aaron and his direct male descendants (Exodus 28:1; Numbers 3:10; Hebrews 5:4). • This exclusivity underscores that ministry is a divine calling, not a human career choice. • Accountability is built-in: the same family that enjoys the privilege also bears the responsibility (Leviticus 10:1-3). for everything concerning the altar • “Everything” includes placing the sacrifices, tending the fire, sprinkling the blood, and keeping the altar holy (Leviticus 1:7-9; 6:12-13). • At the altar sin is dealt with, so God insists on consecrated hands doing consecrated work (Hebrews 9:22). • By limiting access, the Lord protects both His holiness and the people from judgment (Numbers 16:46-48). and what is inside the veil • Inside the veil lay the ark, mercy seat, and the manifest presence of God (Exodus 26:33-34). • Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2, 29-34; Hebrews 9:6-7). • The severity of this restriction anticipates Christ’s unique high-priestly work, later opening “a new and living way through the veil” (Hebrews 10:19-20). and you are to perform that service • Priesthood is not theoretical; it demands diligence in ritual, teaching, and intercession (Malachi 2:7). • Obedience maintains the covenant order so blessing can flow to the nation (Deuteronomy 10:8; 2 Chronicles 31:10). • Faithfulness is still required of servants today: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift • The tasks are a divine “gift,” not a burden, highlighting grace (Numbers 18:20; Ephesians 2:8-10). • Service to God is privilege before it is duty; gratitude should color every act at the altar (Psalm 84:10). • Because the ministry is a gift, priests must steward it humbly and joyfully (1 Peter 5:2-3). but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death • “Outsider” refers to anyone not of Aaron’s line—Levite or Israelite—who presumes priestly duties (Numbers 3:38). • The death penalty highlights the lethal seriousness of divine holiness (2 Samuel 6:6-7; Acts 5:1-11). • By enforcing boundaries, God preserves life: better a few judged quickly than a nation consumed (1 Corinthians 11:30-32). • In Christ we gain access, yet only through His blood, never by self-assertion (Hebrews 10:29). summary Numbers 18:7 establishes the Aaronic priests as the sole authorized mediators, assigns them comprehensive altar and sanctuary duties, labels those duties a gracious gift, and warns outsiders that encroachment brings death. The verse magnifies God’s holiness, the exclusivity of His appointed means of approach, and the privilege wrapped in priestly service—all themes ultimately fulfilled and expanded for believers through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. |
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