Numbers 4:20

20 But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die.”

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 “Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be cut off from among the Levites.

19 In order that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and what he is to carry.

20 But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die.”

21 And the LORD said to Moses,

22 “Take a census of the Gershonites as well, by their families and clans,