4 And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.

Other Translations of Numbers 18:4

New International Version

4 They are to join you and be responsible for the care of the tent of meeting-all the work at the tent-and no one else may come near where you are.

English Standard Version

4 They shall join you and keep guard over the tent of meeting for all the service of the tent, and no outsider shall come near you.

The Message

4 They are to work with you in taking care of the Tent of Meeting, whatever work is involved in the Tent. Outsiders are not allowed to help you.

New King James Version

4 They shall be joined with you and attend to the needs of the tabernacle of meeting, for all the work of the tabernacle; but an outsider shall not come near you.

New Living Translation

4 The Levites must join you in fulfilling their responsibilities for the care and maintenance of the Tabernacle, but no unauthorized person may assist you.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 18:4

Commentary on Numbers 18:1-7

(Read Numbers 18:1-7)

The people complained of their difficulty and peril in drawing near to God. God here gives them to understand, that the priests should come near for them. Aaron would see reason not to be proud of his preferment, when he considered the great care and charge upon him. Be not high-minded, but fear. The greater the trust of work and power that is committed to us, the greater danger there is of betraying that trust. This is a good reason why we should neither envy others' honours, nor desire high places.