Definition: Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 18:22. It's a really important rule set out by God for the Israelites as they were living in a temporary camp near his Tabernacle (which was essentially his house). Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “Don’t come too close to the Tabernacle – and you’ll be warned against making mistakes and dying.” Let's unpack that a little further: “Neither must…” : This is a crucial part. It means not only should they not approach, but also they shouldn’t . It's a prohibition. “…the children of Israel” : This refers to the Israelites – the people God had given to be his chosen people. “hereafter” : This word indicates that this rule applies forever , not just for a short time. “come nigh” : They are meant to come near . That’s a metaphorical way of saying they need to get close enough to experience the consequences of their actions. “…the tabernacle of the congregation” : This is the special, holy tent that God used for his presence and worship in the wilderness. It was a symbol of his holiness and closeness with them. “lest they bear sin…” : This means "if they do something wrong," or "if they make a mistake." It's about avoiding temptation and wrongdoing. “…and die” : This is the consequence – it’s a warning that approaching too closely will lead to death, both physically and spiritually. So, in short: God warned the Israelites that if they got too close to the Tabernacle, they were risking punishment for their actions. It was a reminder to be respectful of God's presence and to avoid temptation. Why is this important? This verse highlights God’s holiness and his desire to protect his people. It emphasizes the importance of reverence and obedience – showing respect to the divine by keeping away from sin. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail (like what "sin" means)? Provide a historical context for this verse? Connect it to other parts of the Bible?