“But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.”
Numbers 4:20 is a part of the instructions given to the Levites regarding their responsibilities in the Tabernacle. The Levites were a tribe of Israel chosen by God to serve as priests and perform various duties related to the worship and maintenance of the Tabernacle.
In this verse, God commands the Levites not to enter the area of the Tabernacle to see or inspect the holy things after they have been covered. The “holy things” refer to the sacred objects and articles used in the Tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, and the various utensils.
The reason behind this prohibition is that the holy things were covered by specific coverings and veils, signifying their sacred nature and separating them from common use. The Levites were not to intrude or satisfy their curiosity by uncovering the holy things, as doing so would result in death.
This command served as a reminder of the sanctity of the holy items and the seriousness with which God expected them to be treated. It demonstrated the need for reverence and obedience to God’s instructions in matters concerning worship and the handling of sacred objects.
Furthermore, this command also highlighted the importance of the Levites’ role as intermediaries between the people and God. They were entrusted with the responsibility of caring for and transporting the holy objects, but they were not allowed to view them uncovered. This limitation emphasized their role as servants and not as individuals with unrestricted access to the sacred items.
For believers today, Numbers 4:20 can serve as a reminder of the need for reverence and respect in matters of worship and the handling of sacred things. It teaches us to approach God’s presence with humility and obedience, acknowledging His holiness and our role as servants.
It also emphasizes the importance of boundaries and obedience to God’s specific instructions. The Levites were given clear guidelines regarding their responsibilities, and they were expected to follow them faithfully. In our own lives, God’s Word provides us with guidance and instructions, and it is essential for us to follow them diligently and respect the boundaries set by God.
Application:Numbers 4:20 conveys the command given to the Levites not to enter and view the holy things when they are covered. It highlights the need for reverence, obedience, and respect for the sacred objects in the Tabernacle. As believers, we can apply these principles to our own lives, recognizing the importance of reverence in worship and obedience to God’s instructions.
