דברי הימים א, פרק ו׳, פסוק ל״ד

A clear boundary was established within the Tabernacle, separating the duties of the Levites from those of the Priests. While the Levites were entrusted with sacred song and various supporting tasks, the central, inner holy service was reserved exclusively for the Priests [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Aaron and his descendants represent the leadership of this priesthood, with Aaron serving as the enduring symbol of the High Priest across all generations [רד״ק, מלבי״ם].

The Priests were tasked with offering sacrifices on the altar of burnt offerings and burning incense on the altar of incense. The specific focus on the incense is highly deliberate. Burning incense was a particularly cherished service, known to bring prosperity to the Priests. Furthermore, it carries a deep historical warning. Placed immediately after the description of the Levites' duties, the mention of incense recalls the rebellion of Korah and his followers, who were punished through the offering of incense. This serves as a lasting caution to the Levites never to usurp the roles of the Priests [חומת אנך].

The Priests were also appointed over all the most sacred work, a responsibility understood in several ways by the commentators. Some view this as a reference to the physical space of the Holy of Holies, an area strictly forbidden to the Levites and accessible only to the Priests [מצודת דוד]. Others explain that it refers to the sacrifices themselves, specifically those possessing the highest level of holiness, such as burnt, meal, sin, and guilt offerings [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A third approach narrows this sacred work to the unique service performed by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement [מלבי״ם].

Ultimately, the grand purpose of all this priestly service is to secure atonement for the Israelites. The various sacrifices offered by the Priests, particularly the sin and guilt offerings, were designed to cleanse the people and bring them forgiveness [רלב״ג, מלבי״ם].