Numbers 18:7

But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death."

Study Bible

But only you and your sons
This phrase emphasizes the exclusivity of the priestly role assigned to Aaron and his descendants. In the Hebrew context, the word "only" (אַתָּה, 'attah) underscores the divine selection and sanctification of Aaron's lineage. Historically, this exclusivity was crucial for maintaining the sanctity and order of worship in Israel. The priesthood was not a position to be assumed lightly or by anyone outside the designated family, reflecting God's sovereign choice and the importance of obedience to His commands.

may perform the priestly duties and functions
The Hebrew word for "duties" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah) conveys the idea of service or labor, particularly in a sacred context. The priestly duties were not merely ceremonial but involved significant responsibility and dedication. This service was a divine calling, requiring purity, commitment, and reverence. The "functions" (שְׁמִירָה, shemirah) imply a guardianship or watchfulness, indicating that the priests were to be vigilant in their roles, safeguarding the holiness of the worship practices and the sanctuary.

associated with the altar and with the veil
The altar and the veil were central elements in the tabernacle, representing the means of atonement and the separation between God and man, respectively. The altar (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) was where sacrifices were offered, symbolizing reconciliation and worship. The veil (פָּרֹכֶת, paroket) separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, signifying the holiness of God and the barrier sin creates between humanity and the divine. The priests' roles in these areas were critical, as they mediated between God and the people, pointing to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.

I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift
The priesthood is described as a "gift" (מַתָּנָה, mattanah), highlighting the grace and favor of God in choosing Aaron's family for this sacred duty. This divine appointment was not earned but bestowed, reflecting God's sovereign will and purpose. The priesthood was a privilege and a responsibility, a means through which God would bless His people and maintain His covenant relationship with them. This gift also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of spiritual gifts given to believers for the edification of the Church.

Anyone else who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death
This severe warning underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him improperly. The sanctuary (מִקְדָּשׁ, miqdash) was a holy place, and only those consecrated and appointed by God could serve there. The phrase "must be put to death" (מוֹת יוּמָת, mot yumat) reflects the gravity of violating God's commands and the need for reverence and obedience. This principle teaches the importance of respecting God's holiness and the order He establishes, reminding believers of the reverence due to God in worship and service.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel, chosen by God to lead the priestly duties and serve as a mediator between God and the Israelites.

2. Aaron's Sons
The descendants of Aaron who were also appointed to serve as priests, continuing the priestly lineage.

3. The Altar
A sacred place where sacrifices and offerings were made to God, central to the worship practices of Israel.

4. The Veil
The curtain in the Tabernacle that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity.

5. Unauthorized Person
Anyone not appointed by God to perform priestly duties, highlighting the importance of divine appointment and order.

Teaching Points

Divine Appointment and Order
God establishes specific roles and responsibilities within His community. Recognizing and respecting these roles is crucial for maintaining order and holiness.

The Gift of Service
The priesthood is described as a gift, emphasizing that serving God and His people is a privilege and responsibility, not a right.

The Seriousness of Holiness
Approaching God requires reverence and obedience to His commands. Unauthorized approaches signify a lack of respect for God's holiness and order.

Christ as Our High Priest
Jesus fulfills the role of the ultimate high priest, granting believers direct access to God. This shifts the focus from a select group to the priesthood of all believers.

Guarding the Sacred
Just as the priests were to guard the sacred duties, believers today are called to guard their hearts and lives, ensuring they align with God's will and purpose.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of divine appointment in Numbers 18:7 apply to leadership roles within the church today?

2. In what ways can we view our own service to God as a gift, similar to the priesthood described in this passage?

3. How does the account of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10 reinforce the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience?

4. How does the New Testament concept of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9) change our understanding of access to God compared to the Old Testament priesthood?

5. What practical steps can we take to guard the sacred aspects of our faith and ensure we are living in alignment with God's commands?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 28-29
These chapters detail the consecration of Aaron and his sons, establishing the priesthood and their duties.

Leviticus 10
The account of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were struck down, illustrating the seriousness of unauthorized approaches to God.

Hebrews 5:1-4
Discusses the role of the high priest, chosen by God, and connects to the ultimate high priesthood of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9
Describes believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament concept of all believers having access to God through Christ.