Book of Numbers - Chapter 18 - Verse 5

In this verse, the Lord commands the children of Israel to keep the charge of the sanctuary and the altar to avoid incurring his wrath. The sanctuary and the altar were central to the worship practices of the Israelites, and proper care and reverence were required to maintain the sanctity of these holy places. By keeping the charge of the sanctuary and the altar, the children of Israel were demonstrating their obedience to God's commandments and their commitment to worshiping him in the prescribed manner. Failure to uphold these responsibilities could result in anger and punishment from God, as he expected his people to honor and respect the sacred spaces he had designated for worship. This verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites of the importance of following God's instructions and maintaining the purity of their religious practices to avoid provoking his wrath.

In this verse from Numbers 18:5, the instructions given to the Levites emphasize their responsibility to maintain the sanctuary and the altar to prevent God's wrath from coming upon the children of Israel. The term "charge" in this context refers to the duties and responsibilities that the Levites are to carry out in order to maintain the sanctity and purity of the sanctuary. Additionally, the mention of the altar highlights the significance of the sacrificial system in the Israelite religious practices, as offerings were made on the altar to atone for sins and seek God's favor. By ensuring that the sanctuary and altar are properly cared for, the Levites were playing a crucial role in facilitating the relationship between the Israelites and God. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and diligence in fulfilling one's role within the community of faith, as neglecting their responsibilities could lead to divine punishment. It illustrates the concept of divine justice and the need for faithful service in upholding the worship practices prescribed by God.