Numbers 4:20

20 But they must not go and look {for a moment} at the holy objects."

Numbers 4:20 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 4:20

But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are
covered
They were not to be present while they were packing up, test they should see any of them with their eyes; they were not to go in until they were quite covered out of sight; which may signify the hiding of the mysteries of grace in those things under the former dispensation, when even the Levites themselves were not admitted to a sight of them; see ( Ephesians 3:4 Ephesians 3:5 ) ;

lest they die;
by the immediate hand of God.

Numbers 4:20 In-Context

18 "You must not cut off the tribe of the clan of the Kohathites from the midst of the Levites.

19 Do this to them and they will live and not die when they come near the most holy things. Aaron and his sons will go and appoint them, each one to his task and burden.

20 But they must not go and look {for a moment} at the holy objects."

21 Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,

22 "{Take a census} of the descendants of Gershon also, according to {their families} and clans,

Footnotes

• [a]. Literally "as devouring"