King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:53 Mean?

“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.”

Context

And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts.

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.

And the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(53) **That there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel.**—The word *kezeph *(wrath) is used to denote some immediate visitation of the hand of God, as, *e.g., *the plague. Thus, after the plague which broke out in consequence of the sin of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, we read in Numbers 18:5 “that there be no wrath (*kezeph*) any more upon the children of Israel.” In Numbers 8:19 the word *negeph *(plague) is used in the same sense as *kezeph *is used here. (Cf. Joshua 9:20; 2Kings 3:27; 1Chronicles 27:24.) Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 1:53 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.