The Kohathites must not go in to look at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die. (Numbers 4:20)Like Leviticus, this section impresses upon the reader the holiness of God. The Kohathite clan (one of three family lines descended from the sons of Levi) was being told: We're getting ready to move out. It's your job to pack and carry the Ark of the Covenant, but you're not allowed to look at it or touch it. Sounds like a disadvantage to me. They were charged with packing and carrying not only the Ark, but all the holy furnishings and implements of the tabernacle.
Special instructions were given regarding the Ark of the Covenant. They were to take the curtain the separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (between the Ark of the Covenant and the Altar of Incense, along with the Table and the Golden Lamp), using it as the initial covering of the Ark. They would take the curtain and (probably walking backward) drape it over the Ark. Over that went two more layers of coverings: one rainproof and the other ornamental.
Why the drama? Was God being picky? On the contrary, this was to highlight the holiness of God and the special nature of anything (including not just things, but also people, tasks and events) dedicated to his service.
Are you giving the things of God the respect they deserve?
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