Numbers 1:51, commentary and pictures

The taking down of the tabernacle when the camp moved forward and the setting of it up at each halting place belonged to the Levites alone, and was not left to be done indiscriminately by any tribe or volunteer that might choose. They had charge of the tabernacle and all pertaining to it both in camp and on the journey, erecting it and encamping around it while the hosts of Israel pitched at a distance, and when Israel journeyed taking it down and bearing it with the ark and the candlestick and the other sacred articles of furniture, then setting it up again. The work was divided among the descendants of Levi's three sons, including a special family to bear the ark: the Kohathites on the south cared for the ark and other furnishings, the Merarites on the north were in charge of pillars, sockets, boards and structural parts, and the Gershonites in the rear were in charge of curtains and hangings. Moses and Aaron and his sons ministered before the tabernacle of witness in front, nearest to it.

God honored the Levites with sole charge of the tabernacle because they took no part in making and worshiping the golden calf and faithfully executed God's order upon the idolaters. Those appointed were specially chosen and fitted because they could appreciate the sacredness of the work, so sacred work was to be performed only by those God appointed. The appointed men were to impress upon the people the special sacredness of the ark and all that belongs to the most holy place, so that all would be looked upon with reverence for their holiness lest people be cut off from Israel.

The stranger who comes near and shall be put to death is any unauthorized person of another tribe who from curiosity or lack of order leaves his place and touches the sanctuary or its furniture, undertakes work assigned to another, or even comes near the appointed workmen. In all journeyings perfect order was required, and failure to comply with the requirements was punished with death, with no excuse of ignorance, since all had the same opportunity to know, so unwilling ignorance was as guilty as transgression after hearing. The rule guarded the tabernacle's holiness and teaches that God requires order, defined responsibilities, and harmony in His work: every worker must know his place, faithfully perform the special duties committed to him, and let alone what another worker was appointed to do.

The death penalty for violating those assignments has been abolished, but the lesson about orderly service remains. This honored service made the Levites ambitious for still higher office and greater influence with the congregation, leading them with Korah to seek the priesthood and government and to complain against Moses and Aaron that all the congregation are holy and the Lord is among them.