Definition: And I have given the Levites [as] a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel: that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come nigh unto the sanctuary.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 8:19. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan for the Israelites and how to protect them. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: God is giving the Levites (basically priests) and Aaron’s sons – the leaders of the Jewish people – specific responsibilities within the Tabernacle, which was their home and sanctuary in the wilderness. His goal is to prevent a plague (a sickness or disaster) from spreading amongst the Israelites as they approach the Tabernacle. Let's break it down word by word: “And I have given…” : This sets up a statement of God’s action – he’s giving something to him. “…the Levites [as] a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel…” : This means God is giving special roles and responsibilities to the priests (Levites) and their descendants – the people of Israel. Think of them as helpers and leaders for the Israelites. “…to do the service of the children of Israel…” : This is the core of it - these Levites are meant to help the Israelites with their needs and duties, just like a servant would serve a king or ruler. It’s about providing support and guidance. "...and to make an atonement for the children of Israel…” : “Atonement” means forgiveness. God wants to make it okay for the people to be together in the Tabernacle again, so they don't have to worry about a plague. "...when the children of Israel come nigh unto the sanctuary..." : This is the key part! “Come nigh” means they are approaching or moving towards the Tabernacle. It’s like saying they are getting closer to their home and place of worship. In simpler terms: God is giving the priests and their descendants specific jobs within the Tabernacle to keep everyone safe, prevent illness, and allow them to return to their sacred space. Why is this important? This verse is a foundational part of Jewish tradition because it demonstrates God’s care for his people and establishes a system of leadership and protection. It's a powerful example of how God works to maintain peace and well-being for his chosen people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Talk about the significance of the Tabernacle itself?