Numbers 18:7
Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the veil; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office unto you as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
Numbers 18:7 · King James Version
Meaning
According to this verse, the priest's office is one of great importance and responsibility within the context of serving at the altar and behind the veil in the tabernacle. This verse emphasizes the significance of the priest's duties and the gravity of their role, highlighting that they have been given this office as a gift from God. The verse also warns against the infringement of this sacred position by stating that any stranger who comes near to perform the duties of the priest will face death. This directive underscores the exclusivity of the priesthood and the need for those serving in this capacity to be properly ordained and designated for this specific role. The language used in this verse emphasizes the solemnity and sanctity of the priestly office, reinforcing the idea that it is a gift bestowed by God and not something to be taken lightly or treated casually. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of the priesthood and the need for those who hold this office to fulfill their duties with reverence and dedication.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see a clear directive from God to Aaron and his sons regarding their role as priests. They are called to keep their priestly office for every aspect of the altar and within the veil of the tabernacle. The language used here emphasizes the importance of the priestly duties and the reverence required in serving God in this capacity. The word "office" itself implies a position of authority and responsibility, highlighting the sacred nature of the priestly role. The phrase "I have given your priest's office unto you as a service of gift" further emphasizes the appointment by divine authority and the privilege bestowed upon Aaron and his sons to serve in this capacity. The consequence of not respecting the sanctity of the priestly office is severe, as indicated by the warning that anyone who approaches inappropriately will be put to death. This underscores the importance of obedience and reverence in carrying out the duties of a priest as ordained by God.
Numbers 18:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
And thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priesthood for everything of the altar, and for that within the veil; and ye shall serve: I give you the priesthood as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
World English Bible
You and your sons with you shall keep your priesthood for everything of the altar, and for that within the veil. You shall serve. I give you the service of the priesthood as a gift. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death.”
Douay-Rheims
But thou and thy sons look ye to the priesthood: and all things that pertain to the service of the altar, and that are within the veil, shall be executed by the priests. If any stranger shall approach, he shall be slain.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But thou, and thy sonnes with thee shall keepe your Priestes office for all things of the altar, and within the vaile: therefore shall ye serue: for I haue made your Priestes office an office of seruice: therefore the stranger that cometh neere, shalbe slayne.