Numbers 1:53

Verse

But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.”

American Standard Version (1901)

But the Levites shall encamp round about the tabernacle of the testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of the testimony.

Bible in Basic English

But the tents of the Levites are to be round the Tent of meeting, so that wrath may not come on the children of Israel: the Tent of meeting is to be in the care of the Levites.

Free Bible Version

But the Levites are to set up their camp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony to stop anyone making me angry with the Israelites. The Levites are responsible for looking after the Tabernacle of the Testimony.”

King James (Authorized) Version

But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.

One Unity Resource Bible

But the Levites [Descendants of United with] shall encamp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel [God prevails]: and the Levites [Descendants of United with] shall be responsible for the Tabernacle of the Testimony.”

Translation for Translators

But the male descendants of Levi must set up their tents around the Sacred Tent, in order to protect the other Israeli people from being punished [MTY] by Yahweh for coming close to the Sacred Tent. The descendants of Levi are the ones who must stand around the Sacred Tent to guard it.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

However, the Levites must set up their tents around the tabernacle of the covenant decrees so that my anger does not come upon the people of Israel. The Levites must care for the tabernacle of the covenant decrees.”

Noah Webster Bible

But the Levites shall pitch around the tabernacle of testimony; that there may be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.

World English Bible

But the Levites shall encamp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel. The Levites shall be responsible for the Tabernacle of the Testimony.”

Young's Literal Translation

and the Levites encamp round about the tabernacle of the testimony; and there is no wrath on the company of the sons of Israel, and the Levites have kept the charge of the tabernacle of the testimony.

Context

The Exemption of the Levites

⁵²The Israelites are to camp by their divisions, each man in his own camp and under his own standard.⁵³But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.”

Sermons

Left Behind

George Matheson

Summary

In Numbers 1:53, the Levites are instructed to camp around the tabernacle of the covenant law to prevent the Israelites from incurring God's wrath by coming near the sanctuary. This verse highlights the importance of order, obedience, and reverence in approaching God's presence. The Levites' role as protectors of the sacred space signifies the need for spiritual purity and respect when drawing near to the Lord. It serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the necessity of following His commands with reverence and awe.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony,.... Between the tabernacle and the camps of Israel, to guard the tabernacle and preserve the things in it, and to keep persons from going into it that should not, to pollute or plunder it: these were placed in like manner as the four living creatures round the throne, Rev 4:6; where the allusion seems to be to this situation of the Levites: that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel; that is, from the Lord, should any of them approach too near, or meddle with and touch what they had nothing to do with, or go where they should not; such wrath as came upon Uzzah for his error and transgression before observed: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony; the several things in it committed to their charge; see Num 3:8.