3,887. Guarding the Temple

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 8:2

The mitzvah to guard the Temple applies all night long. Kohanim and Leviim serve as guards as per Numbers 18:2: “You and your sons with you shall be before the tent of the testimony,” meaning you shall be guards for it. Also, Numbers 18:4 says, “They shall keep the watch of the Tent of Meeting.” Furthermore, Numbers 3:38 teaches, “Those who camp to the east, before the Tent of Meeting – Moshe, Aharon and his sons, those who keep the watch of the Mikdash.

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 8:3

If someone negates this guarding, he violates a Torah prohibition as per Numbers 18:5: “Be careful to observe this holy guarding.” When the Torah tells us to “be careful” about something, it counts as a warning against violating a prohibition. Therefore, guarding the Temple fulfills a Torah obligation, while negating this guarding violates a prohibition.