Can you even imagine the fear they must have felt then? I wonder did any actually die? I don’t offhand recall that. But also imagine being one of the priests outside with the rope in your hand,just in case....Hard to be a Priest back then I think..despite the honors bestowed.
Yes, I’m sure some died. We know from the bible not all priests performed perfectly. The Ark was separated from the people by curtains and veils, partitions, badger skin, other animal skins, layers of gold and jewels, all kinds of things. Even when it was captured the opposite side had to beg Israel to take it back.