But the Kohathites are not to go in to watch while the holy things are being covered, or they will die.”

Moses said to the Gadites and the Reubenites, “Must your brothers go to war while you remain here?

“After this, the Levites will go in to do the work of the tent of meeting. So you must cleanse them and offer them like a wave offering.

“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is ready to journey, then the Kohathites will come to carry them; but they must not touch any holy thing, or they will die. These are the responsibilities of the Kohathites with the tent of meeting.

but in order that they will live and not die when they approach the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons will go in and appoint each man to his service and his responsibility.

And he will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the Lord by the decision of the Urim. At his command they will go out, and at his command they will come in, he and all the Israelites with him, the whole community.”