Numbers 1:51

Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.

Study Bible

Whenever the tabernacle is to move
The Hebrew word for "tabernacle" is "מִשְׁכָּן" (mishkan), meaning "dwelling place." This term signifies God's presence among His people, a central theme in the wilderness journey. The phrase "is to move" indicates the transient nature of the Israelites' journey and the divine guidance they followed. The tabernacle's movement was not arbitrary but directed by God, symbolizing His leadership and the need for obedience to His commands.

the Levites are to take it down
The Levites, descendants of Levi, were set apart for sacred duties. The Hebrew root "לָוָה" (lavah) means "to join" or "to be attached," reflecting their role as those who are joined to God’s service. Their responsibility to "take it down" underscores their exclusive role in handling holy objects, emphasizing the sanctity and order God required in worship.

and whenever the tabernacle is to be set up
The setting up of the tabernacle was a significant event, marking a new phase in the Israelites' journey. The Hebrew verb "קָם" (qum) means "to arise" or "to stand," symbolizing the establishment of God's presence in a new location. This act was a reminder of God's faithfulness and the renewal of His covenant with His people at each stage of their journey.

the Levites shall do it
This reiteration of the Levites' duty highlights the importance of their role. It was not merely a logistical task but a sacred service. The Levites acted as mediators between God and the people, ensuring that the holiness of the tabernacle was maintained. Their service was a foreshadowing of Christ, our ultimate mediator.

Anyone else who approaches it
The phrase "anyone else" refers to those not consecrated for the task, emphasizing the holiness required to approach God. The Hebrew word "זָר" (zar) means "stranger" or "foreigner," indicating that only those appointed by God could perform these duties. This exclusivity underscores the seriousness of approaching a holy God and the need for purity and consecration.

must be put to death
This severe consequence reflects the holiness of God and the seriousness of His commands. The Hebrew phrase "מוֹת יוּמָת" (mot yumat) is a legal term indicating a divine mandate. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the reverence required in worship. This points to the ultimate penalty of sin and the need for atonement, fulfilled in Christ's sacrificial death.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levites
A tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties, particularly concerning the tabernacle and later the temple. They were chosen by God to serve in roles of spiritual leadership and service.

2. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary used by the Israelites as a place of worship during their journey through the wilderness. It was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

3. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and journeyed to the Promised Land.

4. The Wilderness Journey
The period during which the Israelites traveled from Egypt to Canaan, marked by God's guidance and provision, as well as their frequent disobedience and rebellion.

5. The Command to Protect the Tabernacle
A divine mandate that only the Levites were to handle the tabernacle, emphasizing the holiness and sanctity of God's dwelling place.

Teaching Points

The Holiness of God
The command that only the Levites could handle the tabernacle underscores God's holiness. We must approach God with reverence and respect, recognizing His purity and our need for sanctification.

The Role of the Levites
The Levites' exclusive role in handling the tabernacle illustrates the importance of God-ordained roles within the church. Each believer has a unique calling and should serve faithfully in their God-given capacity.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The severe penalty for unauthorized access to the tabernacle serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience. It reminds us to take God's commands seriously and to live in obedience to His Word.

The Presence of God Among His People
The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence with Israel. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within believers, calling us to live as His holy temple.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The tabernacle points forward to Jesus, who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. Through Christ, we have direct access to God, emphasizing the grace and mercy available to us.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the role of the Levites in handling the tabernacle teach us about the importance of respecting God's holiness in our worship today?

2. How can we apply the principle of God-ordained roles within the church to our own lives and ministries?

3. In what ways does the severe penalty for unauthorized access to the tabernacle challenge us to take God's commands seriously in our daily lives?

4. How does the presence of God in the tabernacle compare to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers today?

5. How does understanding the tabernacle as a foreshadowing of Christ's work enhance our appreciation of the New Covenant?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle, highlighting its significance as a holy place where God would meet with His people.

Leviticus 10
The account of Nadab and Abihu, who were struck down for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord, underscores the seriousness of approaching God's holy presence improperly.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament passage reflects on the tabernacle as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the new covenant, emphasizing the fulfillment of the law through Jesus.