Numbers 18:22
No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die.
No longer
This phrase indicates a change from a previous practice or allowance. Historically, the Israelites had access to the Tent of Meeting, but due to repeated disobedience and rebellion, God instituted stricter boundaries. The Hebrew root here suggests a cessation or end, emphasizing the seriousness of the new command.

may the Israelites
The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. This collective term underscores the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. The Israelites were set apart from other nations, and their actions were to reflect their unique status. The Hebrew word "Yisra'el" carries the meaning of "God prevails," reminding the people of their identity and divine purpose.

come near
The phrase "come near" is significant in the context of worship and access to God's presence. In Hebrew, "qarab" implies drawing close or approaching, often used in sacrificial contexts. This restriction highlights the holiness of God and the need for reverence and purity when approaching Him.

the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, or Tabernacle, was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It was the center of worship and the place where God communicated with Moses. The Hebrew term "Ohel Mo'ed" signifies a place of appointed meeting, emphasizing the sacredness and divine appointment of this space.

or they will incur guilt
The concept of incurring guilt is tied to the Hebrew word "asham," which involves bearing responsibility for wrongdoing. This phrase serves as a warning of the spiritual and communal consequences of disobedience. It underscores the seriousness of approaching God without proper authorization or purity.

and die
The consequence of death for unauthorized access to the Tent of Meeting reflects the holiness and justice of God. In the Hebrew context, "muwth" (to die) is not just physical death but also spiritual separation from God. This severe penalty serves as a deterrent and a reminder of the sanctity of God's presence.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were given the Law through Moses.

2. The Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

3. The Levites
A tribe set apart by God to perform duties related to the Tabernacle, including its care and the facilitation of worship.

4. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the Law from God and communicated His commands to the people.

5. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest, who was responsible for the priestly duties and the spiritual leadership of the Israelites.
Teaching Points
The Holiness of God
God's holiness requires reverence and obedience. The Israelites were warned not to approach the Tent of Meeting to prevent incurring guilt and death, emphasizing the need for respect towards God's commands.

The Role of Mediation
The Levites and priests served as mediators between God and the people, foreshadowing Christ's role as our ultimate mediator. This highlights the importance of intercession and the privilege of having direct access to God through Jesus.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The warning to the Israelites serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. It encourages believers to live in accordance with God's will, understanding that sin separates us from His presence.

The Privilege of Access
In Christ, believers have the privilege of approaching God with confidence. This access should not be taken lightly but should inspire gratitude and a desire to live a life pleasing to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the restriction placed on the Israelites regarding the Tent of Meeting teach us about the nature of God's holiness?

2. How does the role of the Levites as mediators in the Old Testament compare to the role of Jesus as our mediator in the New Testament?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we approach God with the reverence and respect He deserves in our daily lives?

4. How does understanding the consequences of disobedience in the Old Testament context help us appreciate the grace offered through Christ?

5. Reflect on the privilege of having direct access to God through Jesus. How can this truth impact your prayer life and relationship with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 10
This chapter describes the death of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord, illustrating the seriousness of approaching God's presence improperly.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament passage explains the role of the high priest and the significance of the Tabernacle, drawing parallels to Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

1 Peter 2
This passage speaks of believers as a royal priesthood, highlighting the shift from the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament understanding of all believers having access to God through Christ.
The Provision for the PriestsD. Young
People
Aaron, Israelites, Levi, Levites, Moses
Places
Wilderness of Paran
Topics
Bear, Congregation, Consequences, Death, Die, Future, Henceforth, Lest, Meeting, Nigh, Sin, Sons, Tabernacle, Tent
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 18:22

     6606   access to God

Numbers 18:21-24

     7266   tribes of Israel

Numbers 18:21-29

     8488   tithing

Library
Service a Gift
... I have given your priest's office unto you as a service of gift.'--NUM. xviii. 7. All Christians are priests--to offer sacrifices, alms, especially prayers; to make God known to men. I. Our priesthood is a gift of God's love. We are apt to think of our duties as burdensome. They are an honour and a mark of God's grace. 1. They are His gift-- (a) The power to do. All capacities and possessions from Him. (b) The wish to do. 'Worketh in you to will.' (c) The right to do, through Christ. 2.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Whether Angels Grieve for the Ills of those whom they Guard?
Objection 1: It would seem that angels grieve for the ills of those whom they guard. For it is written (Is. 33:7): "The angels of peace shall weep bitterly." But weeping is a sign of grief and sorrow. Therefore angels grieve for the ills of those whom they guard. Objection 2: Further, according to Augustine (De Civ. Dei xiv, 15), "sorrow is for those things that happen against our will." But the loss of the man whom he has guarded is against the guardian angel's will. Therefore angels grieve for
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
(the Temple at Jerusalem, b.c. 4) ^C Luke II. 21-39. ^c 21 And when eight days [Gen. xvii. 12] were fulfilled for circumcising him [The rite was doubtless performed by Joseph. By this rite Jesus was "made like unto his brethren" (Heb. ii. 16, 17); that is, he became a member of the covenant nation, and became a debtor to the law--Gal. v. 3] , his name was called JESUS [see Luke i. 59], which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. [Luke i. 31.] 22 And when the days of their
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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