Num 18:1-7 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Num 18:1-32: 18:1-32 The instructions given here arose from the need demonstrated in ch 17 for clear boundaries between the people and the priests and Levites. The distinctive privileges of the Levites were matched by significant responsibilities. One very important aspect of their work was to safeguard the Tabernacle from unauthorized entry (ch 16 ). Summary for Num 18:1-4: 18:1-4 The Lord gave special authority to Aaron , his sons (the priests), and his relatives (the Levites ), all of whom were held responsible for offenses against the sanctuary . But the priests alone were held responsible for their own violations of God’s instructions for their service.

Summary for Num 18:1-32: 18:1-32 ^a The instructions given here arose from the need demonstrated in ch 17 ^b for clear boundaries between the people and the priests and Levites. The distinctive privileges of the Levites were matched by significant responsibilities. One very important aspect of their work was to safeguard the Tabernacle from unauthorized entry (ch 16 ^c).
Summary for Num 18:1-4: 18:1-4 ^d The Lord gave special authority to Aaron, his sons (the priests), and his relatives (the Levites), all of whom were held responsible for offenses against the sanctuary. But the priests alone were held responsible for their own violations of God’s instructions for their service.
Summary for Num 18:3-4: 18:3-4 ^e all their assigned duties: See 1:47-53 ^f; 3:5-38 ^g; 4:1-33 ^h.

• they must be careful: The Levites could go near only when the sacred objects were covered for transport.
Summary for Num 18:5-7: 18:5-7 ⁱ Only the priests (Aaron and his descendants) could perform sacred duties inside the sanctuary proper or approach the altar, a sacred space that deserved special reverence. Only the high priest could serve in the Most Holy Place. The Levites were to serve only in the courtyard, away from the altar, except when it was time to assemble or disassemble the Tabernacle (ch 4 ^j). 18:5 ^k Aaron and the priests were the people’s representatives before the Lord, so their actions had consequences for all of Israel (cp. 16:18-21 ^l).
Summary for Num 18:6-7: 18:6-7 ^m Levites ... your special assistants: As explained in Num 3–4 ⁿ; see also 3:9 ^o; 8:16 ^p, 19 ^q.
18:7 ^r Any unauthorized person ... will be put to death: This verse warned Israelites at all levels in the sacred hierarchy to avoid areas where they were not allowed. Certain sacred places were off limits to those not qualified in a technical religious sense. Access to the most sacred areas was restricted, set apart for the holiest members of the religious community. Those who broke that taboo violated God’s holiness at the cost of their lives (see also 1:51 ^s, 53 ^t; 3:10 ^u, 29-38 ^v; 4:1-20 ^w).