Numbers 4:17-20

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

Cut ye not off ... - a solemn admonition to Moses and Aaron to beware, lest, by any negligence on their part, disorder and improprieties should creep in, and to take the greatest care that all the parts of this important service be apportioned to the proper parties, lest the Kohathites should be disqualified for their high and honourable duties. The guilt of their death would be incurred by the superintending priests, if they failed to give proper directions, or allowed any irreverent familiarity with sacred things.