Otherwise, as it was before, when the Lord struck us because you were not present, so also it might be now, if we do what is illicit.
Other versions
King James Version
For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.English Standard Version
Because you did not carry it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule."New International Version
It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the LORD our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way."