Num 4:15 | JFB | STEP | 15. the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it, but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die —The mode of transport was upon the shoulders of the Levites (see on ), although afterwards wheeled vehicles were employed ( ). And it was allowed to touch the covering, but not the things covered, on the penalty of death, which was inflicted more than once ( ). This stern denunciation was designed to inspire a sentiment of deep and habitual reverence in the minds of those who were officially engaged about holy things.

Numbers 4:15

15. the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it, but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die—The mode of transport was upon the shoulders of the Levites (see on Nu 7:9), although afterwards wheeled vehicles were employed (2Sa 6:3; 1Ch 15:12). And it was allowed to touch the covering, but not the things covered, on the penalty of death, which was inflicted more than once (1Sa 6:19; 2Sa 6:6, 7). This stern denunciation was designed to inspire a sentiment of deep and habitual reverence in the minds of those who were officially engaged about holy things.