Numbers 4:20

20 But the Kohathites must not go in to look at the holy things, 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 "Don't let the Kohathite families from Levi's tribe be destroyed.

19 This is what you must do so that they won't die when they come near the most holy things: Aaron and his sons will go into the holy place and tell each man what he will do and what he will carry.

20 But the Kohathites must not go in to look at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die."

21 The LORD said to Moses,

22 "Also take a census of the Gershonites. List them by households and families.