Definition: Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest’s office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest’s office [unto you as] a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 18:7. It's a really important part of understanding the Old Testament laws about worship in Israel. Here’s what it means in plain language: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very strict rule for priests and their roles within the Temple – the central place of worship for Jews. Let’s look at each part: “Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest’s office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail” - This means that all priests are responsible for overseeing and maintaining everything related to the altar – the stone platform where sacrifices were made. “Within the vail” refers to the veil, which was a piece of cloth hanging down from the top of the altar. Basically, they're keeping it clean and ensuring it’s properly prepared for offerings. “and ye shall serve: I have given your priest’s office [unto you as] a service of gift” – This is where it gets a little complicated. The author (likely Moses) says that God has given this priestly role to you, the priests, as a privilege and a responsibility. It's not just about them doing their job; it’s about being the one who handles these important tasks. “and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.” - This is the most shocking part. The verse says that any foreigner (a traveler from another country) who comes to worship in Israel, must be killed. This is a very serious warning and a key element of the law’s purpose: to prevent the spread of idolatry – worshipping other gods. Putting it all together: The verse establishes that priests are specifically responsible for maintaining the altar and overseeing worship. Importantly, this responsibility is reserved only for the Jewish people. And crucially, this rule was established to protect Israel from foreign influences that might stray away from God’s true path. It’s a very protective measure – it's a way of safeguarding their faith and traditions. Why is this important? This verse highlights: Strict Separation: The law enforced a very clear separation between Jewish people and outsiders, emphasizing the importance of maintaining religious purity within Israel. Control & Protection: It demonstrates that God entrusted the responsibility of worship to a specific group, giving them authority over sacred spaces. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against idolatry and a measure taken to protect Jewish identity and traditions. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? Would you like me to relate it to a specific concept, like the story of the Tower of Babel, or perhaps discuss its historical context?