Definition: But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 4:20. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage about God's presence and protecting his people. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that God wants to keep certain people completely separate from the sacred areas of worship – specifically, the holy things. If they go into those areas, they risk death. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "But they shall not go in..." - This is a strong warning. It’s saying that no one should enter those spaces. "...to see when the holy things are covered..." – "Holy things" refers to things like the altar, the sanctuary, and other sacred objects used for worship. “Covered” means hidden or protected from view. "...lest they die." - This is the crucial part. It’s a warning about potential danger. “Lest” means "if only if" – it's a consequence of not respecting God’s presence and keeping away from the sacred spaces. What does this tell us about God? This verse speaks to several things: God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God is in complete control of his people, and he doesn’t want them to be tempted by worldly things or disrespect his presence. Protection: It highlights God's desire to protect his followers from harm. Respect for Sacredness: It emphasizes the importance of reverence and honoring God through proper behavior and avoiding temptation. Historical Context (Important!) This verse comes from a period in Israel’s history where they were living in a time of great upheaval, and there was a very powerful, secretive god named Baal. God showed his people that Baal was offering false gods and tempting them with their power. To protect them from falling into idolatry (worshiping other things instead of God), God instructed the Israelites to keep away from those areas where they were worshiping Baal. In short, this verse is a reminder that God wants to be in control and protective of his people, and he doesn’t want them to stumble or be harmed by temptation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the scripture? Discuss the historical context further?