Holy Work

Numbers 1-4

The Kohathites clan of Levi was responsible for taking care of and transporting the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, bowls, pitchers, lamp stands, furniture, and even the special bread. The only problem was that they were not allowed to see or touch the objects... lest they die. Aaron and his sons would first double and triple wrap each object in a manner that God prescribed so that the Kohathites would be protected. Still, working for 20 years (from 30 to 50) doing a job where you were this close to the most sacred objects on earth, and you were responsible for them, yet you couldn't touch or see them must have been stressful. Perhaps this need for stability and maturity is why the Levites didn't begin their careers until they were 30, as opposed to the other tribes whose men were deemed ready for work (i.e., war) at the age of 20.