The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 18:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But let them be with thee, and watch in the charge of the tabernacle, and in all the ceremonies thereof. A stranger shall not join himself with you.

Douay-Rheims

וְנִלְו֣וּ עָלֶ֔יךָ וְשָֽׁמְר֗וּ אֶת־מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙ אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד לְכֹ֖ל עֲבֹדַ֣ת הָאֹ֑הֶל וְזָ֖ר לֹא־יִקְרַ֥ב אֲלֵיכֶֽם׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Cyrill of Alexandria

5th centuryChurch Father

The Levites are thus designated to serve as assistants or attendants to the priesthood. They are to be vigilant for Aaron, overseeing all the components of the tabernacle of meeting and remaining watchful for the children of Israel. This role signifies their supportive function. Aaron and his sons are placed over the tabernacle, tasked with the responsibility to safeguard all the elements of the tabernacle of meeting, including the inner veil, which symbolizes the sacred and enigmatic matters associated with those who approach the Divine altar. This imagery clearly points to Christ, whom the Father has appointed over His household, 'His house being us' (Heb. 3:6).

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.