Deuteronomy 31:25

KJV

That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

That Moses {H4872} commanded {H6680} the Levites {H3881}, which bare {H5375} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe gave these orders to the L'vi'im who carried the ark with the covenant of ADONAI:

Berean Standard Bible

he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD:

American Standard Version

that Moses commanded the Levites, that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 31:25 serves as a pivotal introductory statement, setting the stage for a crucial command issued by Moses in the twilight of his life. It highlights Moses' unwavering authority as God's chosen leader and underscores the unique and sacred role of the Levites, specifically those tasked with bearing the Ark of the Covenant, in safeguarding the most holy object in Israelite worship and, by extension, the divine Law associated with it. This verse prepares the reader for the solemn charge that follows, emphasizing the continuity of divine instruction and the solemn responsibility of its custodians.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Moses' final discourses to the Israelites, delivered on the Plains of Moab just before their entry into the Promised Land. The preceding chapters, particularly [Deuteronomy 29](/deuteronomy/29 "The Covenant in Moab") and [Deuteronomy 30](/deuteronomy/30 "Blessings and Curses"), recount Moses' renewed covenant stipulations, warnings, and promises of restoration. [Deuteronomy 31](/deuteronomy/31 "Joshua Commissioned and the Law Entrusted") specifically details Moses' preparations for his imminent death, including the commissioning of Joshua as his successor ([Deuteronomy 31:7-8](/deuteronomy/31-7 "Commissioning of Joshua")) and the writing down of the Law. Verse 25 acts as a direct prelude to Moses' instruction to the Levites in [Deuteronomy 31:26](/deuteronomy/31-26 "Placing the Law Beside the Ark"), where he commands them to place the Book of the Law beside the Ark of the Covenant, ensuring its perpetual presence as a witness against the people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in Israel's history, the nation stands on the cusp of a monumental transition from wilderness wandering to settled life in Canaan. Moses, the foundational leader and lawgiver, is about to depart. The Levites, particularly the Kohathite clan, held the unique and dangerous privilege of transporting the Ark of the Covenant, as detailed in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Kohathites' Duty to Carry the Ark"). This responsibility was not merely logistical; it was deeply spiritual, signifying their proximity to God's holy presence. The Ark itself was the central cultic object, representing God's throne, His presence among His people, and the very embodiment of the covenant made at Sinai. The cultural understanding of divine commands being passed through appointed intermediaries like Moses, and the meticulous care required for sacred objects, forms the backdrop for this verse.

* **Key Themes:** Several major themes converge in this verse. Firstly, **Divine Authority and Leadership** are paramount, as Moses, acting as God's authoritative mouthpiece, issues a command that carries the weight of divine instruction, underscoring the importance of adherence to God's revealed will. Secondly, the theme of **Custodianship of God's Word** is central. The Levites, specifically chosen for their sacred duties, are entrusted not only with the physical Ark but also with the Law itself, emphasizing their role as guardians and preservers of divine truth. This foreshadows the ongoing responsibility of spiritual leaders to uphold and transmit God's Word. Lastly, the **Centrality of the Ark of the Covenant** is highlighted. As the most holy object in Israel, first described in [Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10 "Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant"), the Ark symbolized God's dwelling presence among His people, His covenant faithfulness, and His judicial authority. Its mention here reinforces its foundational role in Israel's identity and worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levites (לֵוִי, _lēwî_):** This refers to the tribe of Levi, set apart by God for priestly and liturgical service. Within the Levites, specific clans had distinct duties; the Kohathites were uniquely responsible for carrying the Ark and other sacred furnishings of the tabernacle. Their designation here emphasizes their divinely appointed role as guardians of the most holy aspects of Israel's worship and covenant.
* **bare (נָשָׂא, _nāśā'_):** The Hebrew verb _nāśā'_ means "to lift, carry, bear." In this context, it denotes the physical act of transporting the Ark, but it carries a much deeper spiritual connotation of responsibility and sacred duty. It implies a careful, reverent handling of a holy object, highlighting the immense privilege and solemn obligation placed upon the Levites.
* **ark of the covenant (אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית, _ʾărôn habbərît_):** This phrase refers to the most sacred item in the Tabernacle (and later, the Temple). The "ark" (chest) contained the tablets of the Law, a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, symbolizing God's law, provision, and chosen priesthood. The "covenant" (בְּרִית, _bərît_) signifies the solemn agreement between God and Israel, emphasizing God's promises and Israel's obligations. Thus, the "ark of the covenant" embodies God's presence, His faithfulness to His promises, and the very foundation of His relationship with His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That Moses commanded the Levites,"**: This opening clause establishes Moses' authoritative position as God's chosen intermediary and lawgiver. His command is not merely human instruction but carries divine weight, underscoring the seriousness and binding nature of the directives that follow. The specific mention of "the Levites" immediately narrows the focus to those divinely appointed for sacred service, highlighting their unique role in the upcoming task.
* **"which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD,"**: This descriptive phrase identifies the specific group of Levites being addressed – those entrusted with the most sacred object in Israel. It serves as a reminder of their profound responsibility and privileged access to God's presence, which the Ark symbolized. The mention of "the LORD" (YHWH) further emphasizes that the Ark is not merely a religious artifact but the tangible representation of the sovereign God's covenant relationship with His people.
* **"saying,"**: This simple word acts as a direct transition, indicating that the verse is an introduction to Moses' actual command. It prepares the reader for the specific instructions that will be given, setting the stage for the solemn charge regarding the placement and preservation of the Book of the Law.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 31:25 primarily functions as an instance of **In medias res** and **Foreshadowing**. The phrase "That Moses commanded..." immediately plunges the reader into the midst of a significant event without extensive preamble, assuming prior knowledge of Moses' authority and the Levites' role. More importantly, it employs **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the crucial command elaborated in the very next verse ([Deuteronomy 31:26](/deuteronomy/31-26 "Placing the Law Beside the Ark")), regarding the placement of the Book of the Law beside the Ark. This introductory verse also uses **Metonymy**, where "the ark of the covenant" stands in for God's presence, His covenant, and the very essence of His relationship with Israel. The focus on the Levites "bearing" the Ark emphasizes their **Symbolic** role as guardians of God's holiness and truth, a responsibility that extends beyond mere physical transportation to spiritual stewardship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 31:25, though brief, is rich in theological implications. It underscores the profound reverence due to God's revealed Word and His sacred presence. The meticulous care prescribed for the Ark and, by extension, the Law, highlights God's demand for holiness and obedience from His people. It also establishes a paradigm for spiritual leadership: those entrusted with God's truth bear a weighty responsibility to preserve, protect, and faithfully transmit it across generations. The Ark's centrality reminds Israel that their identity and blessing are intrinsically tied to God's covenant presence among them, mediated through His Law.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Kohathites' Duty to Carry the Ark")
* [Joshua 3:3](/joshua/3-3 "Priests Carrying the Ark into the Jordan")
* [Hebrews 9:4](/hebrews/9-4 "Contents of the Ark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 31:25 invites us to consider the profound value and authority of God's Word. Just as the Ark and the Law were to be handled with the utmost reverence and care by the Levites, so too should believers today approach the Bible as the sacred, authoritative revelation of God. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a deep, practical respect for scripture, allowing it to shape our lives, guide our decisions, and inform our understanding of God. For those in positions of spiritual leadership, it serves as a powerful reminder of the solemn duty to faithfully teach, protect, and pass on God's truth to the next generation, ensuring its purity and accessibility. Ultimately, it calls us to cultivate a life that reflects the indwelling presence of God, living in reverence and obedience to His will, just as the Ark symbolized His presence among ancient Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Levites' sacred duty to "bear the ark of the covenant" inform our own responsibility to God's Word today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community, demonstrate a greater reverence for the Bible as God's authoritative revelation?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure that God's truth is faithfully preserved and passed on to future generations?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the Ark of the Covenant, and why was it so important for the Levites to bear it?**

Answer: The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's holy presence, His throne, and the very essence of His covenant with His people. It contained the tablets of the Law, representing God's divine instructions, as well as reminders of His provision (manna) and chosen leadership (Aaron's rod). Its importance stemmed from its direct association with God Himself. The Levites, particularly the Kohathite clan, were divinely appointed to bear the Ark because of its extreme holiness. This task was not merely a physical transport but a sacred trust, requiring ritual purity and careful adherence to God's commands, as seen in tragic instances like Uzzah's death ([2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6 "Uzzah and the Ark")). Their role underscored the need for holiness and reverence in approaching God's presence and His Word.

**How does Moses' command to the Levites here relate to the broader theme of the Law in Deuteronomy?**

Answer: Moses' command in [Deuteronomy 31:25](/deuteronomy/31-25 "Moses Commands the Levites") is deeply intertwined with the overarching theme of the Law in Deuteronomy. The entire book is a re-presentation and exposition of the Law, given to a new generation on the eve of entering the Promised Land. Moses' act of writing down the Law ([Deuteronomy 31:9](/deuteronomy/31-9 "Moses Writes the Law")) and then entrusting it to the Levites to be placed beside the Ark ([Deuteronomy 31:26](/deuteronomy/31-26 "Placing the Law Beside the Ark")) highlights its perpetual authority and significance. The Law was not merely a set of rules but the very foundation of Israel's covenant relationship with God, guiding their life, worship, and national identity. By placing it with the Ark, Moses ensured that God's Word would remain central to Israel's existence, serving as a constant witness and guide for future generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 31:25, with its focus on the Ark as the symbol of God's presence and the Levites' sacred duty to bear it alongside the Law, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Ark symbolized God dwelling among His people, yet it was confined to a physical space and accessible only to a select few. In Christ, God's presence is no longer localized but fully embodied in the person of Jesus, the Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). He is the true and perfect "Ark" of God's covenant, the very presence of God walking among humanity. Furthermore, just as the Levites bore the Law, Christ perfectly fulfilled the Law, not abolishing it but bringing it to its intended purpose ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the mediator of a new and better covenant, written not on stone tablets but on the hearts of believers by the Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "The New Covenant"); [2 Corinthians 3:6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "Ministers of the New Covenant")). Through His sacrifice, Christ became our great High Priest, entering the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Christ, the High Priest")). We, as believers, are now "living stones" and a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones")), indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), carrying God's presence and His Word not in a physical ark, but in our very beings, fulfilling the spirit of the Levites' ancient charge in a new and profound way.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 31:9

¶ And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.