“but they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die.” Numbers 4:20
As we saw in yesterday’s reading, God had set aside the Levites for service towards the Tabernacle. Today we see how the three Levite Families, those from Kohath, Gershon, and Merari, were assigned their particular Duties. At the beginning of today’s Chapter, we see that the Kohathites are assigned transportation of the “most holy things”. This would include the Ark, the Table of Shewbread, the Altar of Incense, and the Lampstand. Today’s Verse indicates “How Serious” this Job was to be; it could be deadly. They were to carry Items that if they saw “even for a moment” they would die! So how were they to accomplish this?
First, Aaron and his sons were to go in and cover each of the Items so they would not be seen. Most specifically we are told that the Curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place was used to cover the Ark. Then, poles were inserted into each of these so that they could be carried and not be touched. Then, and only then, were the Kohathites to approach them and begin their role of transporting them to their next location. And, this was done by foot, not by wagon or cart, like the other Items. This Indeed was Serious Work!
Two things scream out in this Verse; God is Holy and Man is Sinful! MAN CANNOT approach God unless the most careful Standard is met. So what does God do? He sets apart a People for Himself, and within that People, those that would be set apart to Serve Him. He DID this to provide a WAY for these Sinful People to come near Him, AND, how it had to be adhered to. Today is NO DIFFERENT!!! God is still Holy! We are still Sinful! AND, God has still provided a WAY! There is Only ONE WAY and it is through Jesus Christ ALONE!!! May this cause us all to Bow and Worship thanking God for this Provision today!