More commentaries

Again, it is interesting how specific God is with His instructions to Aaron and Moses and the different tribes.

It is important to note, that the priests were given the responsibility of the Kohathites. It does not say whether or not the Kohathites themselves knew that they would die if they touched the holy things when they were being transported, only that the priests were responsible to make sure everything was covered. What would have happened if the priests hadn't met that responsibility? They would have been guilty of the death of other people. So it is with us, God has given us responsibilities of ministry and service, and holds their blood on our heads.

The second thing to note is that the body of Christ will not function correctly and properly if some of its parts decide to take leave of the body because they have issues with the other parts.

One kidney can expand and do the work of two if necessary. But what happens if both are not functioning? The other parts are not gifted and adapted to take that spot, to take on the responsibility. Can a heart do the work of kidney? Maybe, if it could change itself into a kidney, but then the body would be worse off because it would then not have a heart. Read here for more info on that subject. So it is, then, biblical and not just practical, that one part's problems become the whole body's problems.