Numbers 4:15

KJV

And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121} have made an end {H3615} of covering {H3680} the sanctuary {H6944}, and all the vessels {H3627} of the sanctuary {H6944}, as the camp {H4264} is to set forward {H5265}; after {H310} that, the sons {H1121} of Kohath {H6955} shall come {H935} to bear {H5375} it: but they shall not touch {H5060} any holy thing {H6944}, lest they die {H4191}. These things are the burden {H4853} of the sons {H1121} of Kohath {H6955} in the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Aharon and his sons have finished covering the holy furnishings and all the holy utensils, when the camp is about to move forward, then the descendants of K'hat are to come and carry them. But they are not to touch the holy things, so that they won't die. These things are the responsibility of the descendants of K'hat in the tent of meeting.

Berean Standard Bible

When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.

American Standard Version

And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp is set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tent of meeting.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 4:15 meticulously details the sacred and perilous duty of the Kohathite clan of Levites concerning the transportation of the Tabernacle's most holy furnishings during Israel's wilderness journey. This verse underscores the strict divine protocols for handling sacred objects, emphasizing the critical role of priestly mediation in preparing these items for transport and the severe consequences of unauthorized contact, thereby highlighting God's absolute holiness and the necessity of precise obedience in His service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 4:15 is situated within a broader section of Numbers (chapters 3-4) that meticulously outlines the organization and specific duties of the Levitical tribes—Gershon, Merari, and Kohath—in relation to the Tabernacle. Chapter 3 introduces the general responsibilities of the Levites, distinguishing them from the priests (Aaron and his sons). Chapter 4 then delves into the precise tasks for each clan, especially concerning the dismantling, transport, and reassembly of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness wanderings. Numbers 4:1-15 specifically addresses the Kohathites' role, which involves the most sacred items: the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, the Altars, and other sanctuary vessels. Crucially, this verse follows the explicit instructions given to [Aaron and his sons](/numbers/4-5 "Numbers 4:5 - Priestly Covering of Holy Objects") (the priests) to first cover these holy items with specific cloths before the Kohathites could even approach them. This priestly covering was an indispensable prerequisite, designed to protect both the sanctity of the objects and the lives of the Kohathites.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Numbers 4:15 is Israel's nomadic existence in the wilderness, where the Tabernacle served as the central locus of God's presence among His people. As the Israelites moved from encampment to encampment, the portable sanctuary had to be disassembled, transported, and reassembled with utmost care and precision. In the ancient Near East, temples and sacred objects were universally regarded with profound reverence, often believed to be imbued with the deity's presence. Any unauthorized or improper contact with such items was considered a grave offense, often punishable by death, reflecting the belief that divine power was both holy and potentially dangerous to the profane. The meticulous instructions in Numbers, therefore, reflect not only God's unique holiness but also a common cultural understanding of sacred space and objects, elevated by divine revelation to an unparalleled standard. The Tabernacle's design and the procedures for its handling reinforced the theological truth that God is utterly distinct from humanity, and access to His presence is granted only on His terms, through prescribed channels and rituals, as seen in the detailed instructions for the [Tabernacle's construction](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") and its service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holy thing (Hebrew, _qodesh'_):** This term refers to anything set apart, consecrated, or dedicated exclusively to God. It denotes an intrinsic sacredness, often implying a separation from the common or profane. In this context, "holy thing" encompasses the most sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle—the Ark, the Table, the Lampstand, the Altars—which were uniquely imbued with God's presence and thus required extreme reverence and specific handling protocols. Their holiness was not merely ceremonial but inherent, demanding a boundary between the divine and human.
* **Bear (Hebrew, _nasa'_):** The verb _nasa'_ means "to lift, carry, bear, take up." Here, it specifically refers to the physical act of carrying the Tabernacle furnishings. However, it also carries the connotation of "bearing a burden" or "taking responsibility." For the Kohathites, this was not merely a logistical task but a sacred responsibility, a divinely appointed "burden" (as stated at the end of the verse) that required careful adherence to God's commands. It signifies a weighty and solemn duty.
* **Lest they die (Hebrew, _va-metu'_):** This phrase emphasizes the severe, immediate, and divinely ordained consequence of violating the command. It underscores the absolute seriousness of God's holiness and the danger of treating sacred things lightly or presumptuously. This was not a mere ceremonial infraction but a matter of life and death, demonstrating God's unwavering demand for reverence and obedience in His presence. It serves as a stark warning against human presumption in approaching the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward;":** This clause establishes the critical precondition for the Kohathites' involvement. Before any movement, the priests (Aaron and his sons) must complete their specific task of covering all the holy furnishings within the sanctuary. This covering was not arbitrary but followed precise instructions (e.g., [Numbers 4:5-14](/numbers/4-5 "Numbers 4:5-14 - Priestly Covering Instructions")). The phrase "as the camp is to set forward" highlights the immediate context of travel and the necessity of this preparation for the journey.
* **"after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]:":** Only *after* the priests have completed their covering duty are the Kohathites permitted to approach and "bear" or carry the covered items. This strict sequence emphasizes the hierarchical order of service and the essential mediating role of the priesthood. The Kohathites' primary duty was physical transport, but only of items that had been rendered "safe" for them to handle by priestly intervention.
* **"but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die.":** This is the central prohibition and warning of the verse. Even though the items are covered, the Kohathites are forbidden from direct, unauthorized contact with the "holy thing" itself. The consequence for transgression is immediate death, underscoring the extreme holiness of God and the objects consecrated to Him. This boundary protects both God's honor and the lives of those serving Him.
* **"These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.":** This concluding statement summarizes the Kohathites' specific and weighty responsibility. The "burden" (מַשָּׂא, _massa'_) refers both to the physical load they carried and the solemn responsibility entrusted to them. It reaffirms their unique, divinely appointed role within the Tabernacle service, distinct from the other Levitical clans, emphasizing the sacredness and importance of their task.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 4:15 employs several literary devices to emphasize its critical message. **Conditional Statement** is evident in the "when... after that" structure, clearly outlining the precise sequence of actions required for the Tabernacle's transport. This highlights the divine demand for order and adherence to protocol. **Emphasis** is achieved through the stark warning "lest they die," which immediately follows the prohibition against touching holy things, underscoring the gravity of disobedience and the absolute holiness of God. The phrase "holy thing" is also a form of **Repetition** (implied from the preceding verses detailing specific holy objects), reinforcing the sacred nature of the items in question. Furthermore, the entire passage functions as **Instructional Narrative**, providing clear directives for a specific ritual act, thereby shaping the behavior and understanding of the community regarding divine presence and sacred space. The precise assignment of "burden" to the Kohathites also serves as a form of **Categorization**, clearly defining roles within the Levitical service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 4:15 profoundly illustrates several core theological truths: God's unapproachable holiness, the necessity of mediation to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, and the divine demand for order and obedience in worship and service. The severe consequence of "lest they die" underscores that God's holiness is not merely an abstract concept but a powerful, active reality that requires reverence and adherence to His revealed will. The priestly covering of the holy items before the Kohathites could bear them serves as a powerful type, demonstrating that human access to the divine, even for those specially appointed, is only possible through a divinely ordained mediator who prepares the way and makes safe what would otherwise be deadly. This principle of mediated access points forward to the ultimate and perfect mediation.

* [Exodus 19:12-13](/exodus/19-12 "Exodus 19:12-13 - Boundaries at Mount Sinai")
* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire")
* [1 Samuel 6:19](/1_samuel/6-19 "1 Samuel 6:19 - The Men of Beth Shemesh Struck Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 4:15, though set in the ancient Tabernacle service, offers timeless principles for our walk with God today. It calls us to cultivate a profound reverence for God's holiness, recognizing that while we no longer transport a physical Tabernacle, the God we worship remains utterly holy and distinct. Our approach to Him in worship, prayer, and daily living should reflect this awe, understanding that His presence is not to be trifled with or taken for granted. The strict command and its severe consequence serve as a potent reminder of the importance of obedience to God's revealed Word; disregarding His commands, whether explicit or implicit in His character, carries spiritual consequences. Furthermore, the passage highlights the beauty and necessity of God's ordained order and the importance of serving Him according to His will, not our own preferences or innovations. Just as the Kohathites had a specific, divinely appointed "burden," believers today are called to fulfill their unique roles within the body of Christ, serving according to God's gifts and guidance, always with humility and a deep respect for His sacred purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the absolute holiness of God, as depicted in Numbers 4:15, shape your understanding of worship and personal devotion today?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "touch holy things" without proper reverence or obedience to God's revealed will?**
* **How does the concept of "mediated access" in this verse deepen your appreciation for Jesus Christ as our ultimate High Priest?**
* **What "burden" or responsibility has God entrusted to you in His service, and how can you fulfill it with greater faithfulness and reverence?**

### FAQ

**Why were the rules for handling the Tabernacle items so strict, even leading to death?**

Answer: The strict rules, including the penalty of death for unauthorized contact, were essential to underscore God's absolute holiness and to protect His people from His unmediated presence. The Tabernacle and its furnishings were not mere religious artifacts; they were tangible symbols of God's dwelling among Israel, saturated with His divine presence. To approach them improperly was to treat God's holiness lightly, a direct affront to His nature. This severity taught Israel the profound difference between the Creator and creation, and the necessity of approaching a holy God only on His terms, through the prescribed means. It also served as a deterrent, ensuring that the people understood the immense gravity of their covenant relationship with a holy God, as seen in other instances like [Uzzah's death for touching the Ark](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6 - Uzzah and the Ark of God").

**Who were the Kohathites, and what was their specific role among the Levites?**

Answer: The Kohathites were one of the three main clans of the Levites, descended from Kohath, a son of Levi. Their specific and most sacred duty, as detailed in Numbers 4, was to transport the most holy furnishings of the Tabernacle: the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, the Altars of Incense and Burnt Offering, and other sacred vessels. Unlike the Gershonites (who carried the coverings and curtains) and the Merarites (who carried the framework and pillars), the Kohathites were entrusted with the items that symbolized God's immediate presence and the means of atonement. Their role was unique in its proximity to the holiest objects, though always under the direct supervision and prior preparation of the priests, Aaron and his sons.

**How does the "burden" mentioned at the end of the verse relate to the Kohathites' duty?**

Answer: The term "burden" (Hebrew: _massa'_) refers both to the physical weight of the items the Kohathites carried and, more significantly, to the weighty responsibility and solemn duty entrusted to them. It signifies a divinely appointed task that required meticulous care, strict adherence to instructions, and a profound understanding of the sacredness of what they were carrying. This "burden" was not merely a chore but a sacred privilege and a specific assignment within God's meticulously ordered Tabernacle service, distinguishing their role from the other Levitical families and emphasizing the importance of their contribution to the community's spiritual life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 4:15, with its stark warning against unauthorized contact with holy things and its emphasis on priestly mediation, powerfully foreshadows the work of Jesus Christ. The strict separation between the Kohathites and the uncovered holy objects, bridged only by the priests' covering, illustrates humanity's inherent inability to approach a holy God directly due to sin. The "lest they die" clause underscores the deadly consequence of sin in the presence of divine holiness. However, in Christ, we find the ultimate High Priest who has provided the perfect "covering" for us, not with cloths and skins, but with His own precious blood. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus has made atonement for our sins, effectively removing the barrier that once separated us from God. He is the new and living way, granting us bold and direct access to the very presence of God, as highlighted in [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest"). The "burden" of the Kohathites to bear the holy things is transformed in Christ, who bore the ultimate burden of sin for us, allowing us, through Him, to draw near to God's throne of grace with confidence, not fear, as [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence") proclaims. He is the fulfillment of all the Tabernacle's types, making us, through faith, a kingdom of priests able to approach the Holy One without perishing, because He has consecrated the way.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 6:6

¶ And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth [his hand] to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook [it].

2 Samuel 6:7

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for [his] error; and there he died by the ark of God.

Numbers 7:9

But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none: because the service of the sanctuary belonging unto them [was that] they should bear upon their shoulders.

Deuteronomy 31:9

¶ And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.

Numbers 10:21

And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and [the other] did set up the tabernacle against they came.

1 Chronicles 13:9

¶ And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

1 Chronicles 13:10

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.