Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
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 Numbers 7:9), although afterwards wheeled vehicles were employed (2 Samuel 6:3; 1 Chronicles 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 (1 Samuel 6:19; 2 Samuel 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.
This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath, etc.--They are mentioned first, from their close connection with Aaron; and the special department of duty assigned to them during the journeyings of Israel accorded with the charge they had received of the precious contents of the tabernacle. But these were to be previously covered by the common priests, who, as well as the high priest, were admitted on such necessary occasions into the holy place. This was an exception to the general rule, which prohibited the entrance of any but the high priest. But when the cloud removed from the tabernacle, the sanctuary might be entered by the common priests, as to them was reserved the exclusive privilege of packing the sacred utensils; and it was not till the holy things were thus ready for carriage, that the Kohathites were allowed to approach.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Numbers 7:6-9
Deuteronomy 31:9-13
Joshua 3:3-4
2 Samuel 6:3
1 Kings 8:2-6
1 Chronicles 15:2
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