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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.

Even when it was captured the opposite side had to beg Israel to take it back.

I liked that story...great meaning behind it. but (chuckle) they thought they could get God’s blessings by having Israels images and their ark..

Yes, I’m sure some died. We know from the bible not all priests performed perfectly.

Yes, in fact soon after Aaron and his four sons were first consecrated as priests to the brand new Tabernacle, two of these priests were killed:

Lev. 10:1-7 1 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. 3 Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke of when he said: “ ‘Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.’ ” Aaron remained silent. 4 Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel, and said to them, “Come here; carry your cousins outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary.” 5 So they came and carried them, still in their tunics, outside the camp, as Moses ordered. 6 Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not let your hair become unkempt, and do not tear your clothes, or you will die and the Lord will be angry with the whole community. But your relatives, all the house of Israel, may mourn for those the Lord has destroyed by fire. 7 Do not leave the entrance to the Tent of Meeting or you will die, because the Lord’s anointing oil is on you.” So they did as Moses said.

Yeah, I'll BET they did as Moses said. :) I can't even imagine it. All of Israel had five consecrated priests, one high priest (Aaron) and his four sons. Almost immediately two of them are wiped out. Can't you just see all the other Levites just looking at each other? :)