Book of Numbers - Chapter 18 - Verse 22

In this verse, God is warning the children of Israel that they must not come near the tabernacle of the congregation if they do not want to bear sin and face death. This commandment was given to ensure the purity and sanctity of the place where God's presence dwelled among the Israelites. The tabernacle was a sacred space where the Israelites gathered to worship and offer sacrifices to God. By staying away from the tabernacle, the people would avoid bringing sin into the holy space and risking their own lives through disobedience. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and respecting the presence of God and the need for obedience to His commandments. Through this warning, God is emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the consequences of disobedience, while also highlighting the need for reverence and holiness in approaching Him.

One theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Numbers emphasizes the holiness and sacredness of the tabernacle of the congregation. In the Old Testament, the tabernacle was the dwelling place of God, and only certain individuals, such as priests, were allowed to enter into its inner sanctum. The verse highlights the consequences of disobedience or unworthiness when approaching the tabernacle. The children of Israel were warned that if they came near the tabernacle in their sinful state, they would bear the burden of sin and face death. This serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect, acknowledging His holiness and the need for purification before coming into His presence.

Word studies on the Hebrew text of this verse reveal that the phrase "come nigh" signifies drawing close to or approaching the tabernacle. The term "congregation" refers to the assembly or gathering of the people of Israel. The use of the word "sin" in this context emphasizes the seriousness of any impurity or wrongdoing when coming before God. Additionally, the mention of death as a consequence underscores the severity of the offense and serves as a warning to the children of Israel to maintain their purity and obedience to God's commands.