But the Kohathites are not to go in to watch while the holy things are being covered, or they will die.
Numbers 4:20 NET
The Tabernacle was a portable worship center. It would be taken down whenever the Israelite camp moved during their wilderness wanderings and reassembled when they stopped.
The Kohathites were one of the Levitical clans and were responsible for carrying the Tabernacle furnishings during the move. But they were not allowed to see or handle these sacred objects. To do so would be to die.
So, to protect them, the priests would first cover the Tabernacle furnishings and then attach the carrying poles. Once that was done, the Kohathites could safely carry the sacred furnishings to their next destination.
The Danger of a Holy God
But why would they die if they saw them uncovered? Because these things were holy, used in the service of a holy God. The holiness of God was at the heart of Israelite worship practice. There was a sacredness to God and his presence. But there was also great danger if you got too close.
The holiness of God is like the sun. From a distance, it is life-sustaining. But if you get too close, it will burn you up. So, for Israel, being the people of God, a holy nation, was good. But to get too close to his presence was deadly.
Under the new covenant, the way into the Most Holy Place has been opened to those who have been sprinkled with the blood of Jesus and made holy. And we are invited to come into God’s presence (Heb. 10:19-22). But in the process, I am afraid we have lost something of the sacred, and dangerous, nature of our God.
The Need to Be Holy
How often are we guilty of trying to tame God, focusing on his love and neglecting his holiness? He is love (1 John 4:8). But he is also holy. And that holy nature will consume anything that comes into his presence that is not holy. That is why we are called to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).
We can approach God as our Abba, Father (Romans 8:15). But we should never forget who he is—a holy God. Come before him in worship and praise. But also, with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). As Mr. Tumnus in “The Chronicles of Narnia” says of Aslan: “He’s wild, you know. Not a tame lion.”
