Numbers 3:38
But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
Numbers 3:38 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the Lord instructs Moses, Aaron, and his sons to encamp before the tabernacle towards the east to keep charge of the sanctuary for the children of Israel. This shows the importance of having designated individuals responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the sacred space where God dwells among His people. The positioning of Moses, Aaron, and his sons symbolizes their leadership roles and their direct connection to God. Anyone who is not authorized and comes near the sanctuary risks being put to death, emphasizing the seriousness of approaching the sanctified area without permission. The verse serves as a reminder of the reverence and respect that should be shown towards God's presence and the need for proper order and organization within the community of believers.
Theological Overview
The verse emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to the regulations governing access to the tabernacle and the duties within. The eastern side of the tabernacle was designated for Moses, Aaron, and his sons to camp and oversee the sanctuary. This arrangement symbolizes the leadership role assigned to them by God. The mention of death for any unauthorized person approaching the sanctuary highlights the sacredness and holiness of the tabernacle. In theological interpretation, the verse demonstrates the significance of obedience and reverence to God's commands. It teaches the importance of following divine instructions in matters of worship and service. The severe consequence for unauthorized access serves as a reminder of the need for proper reverence and respect in approaching God's presence. The word studies within the verse emphasize the solemnity of the sanctuary and the distinctiveness of the roles assigned to Moses, Aaron, and his sons.
Numbers 3:38 in other translations
American Standard Version
And those that encamp before the tabernacle eastward, before the tent of meeting toward the sunrising, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
World English Bible
Those who encamp before the tabernacle eastward, in front of the Tent of Meeting toward the sunrise, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the requirements of the sanctuary for the duty of the children of Israel. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death.
Douay-Rheims
Before the tabernacle of the covenant, that is to say on the east side shall Moses and Aaron camp, with their sons, having the custody of the sanctuary, in the midst of the children of Israel. What stranger soever cometh unto it, shall be put to death.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Also on the forefront of the Tabernacle toward the East, before the Tabernacle, I say, of the Congregation Eastwarde shall Moses and Aaron and his sonnes pitch, hauing the charge of the Sanctuarie, and the charge of the children of Israel: but the stranger that commeth neere, shall be slayne.