TRV
Translation
King James Version
That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,
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,
World English Bible Messianic
Moses commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Moses commanded the Leuites, which bare the Arke of the couenant of the Lord, saying,
Young's Literal Translation
that Moses commandeth the Levites bearing the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, saying,
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In the KJVVerse 5,754 of 31,102
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Commentary on Deuteronomy 31 verses 22–30
22 ¶ Moses therefore wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel.
23 And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.
24 And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,
25 That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,
26 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.
27 For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?
28 Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.
29 For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.
30 And Moses spake in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song, until they were ended.
Here, I. The charge is given to Joshua, which God has said (v. 14) he would give him. The same in effect that Moses had given him. The same in effect that Moses had given him (v. 7): Be strong and of a good courage, v. 23. Joshua had now heard from God so much of the wickedness of the people whom he was to have the conduct of as could not but be a discouragement to him: "Nay," says God, "how bad soever they are, thou shalt go through thy understanding, for I will be with thee. Thou shalt put them into possession of Canaan. If they afterwards by their sin throw themselves out of it again, that will be no fault of thine, nor any dishonour to thee, therefore be of good courage."
II. The solemn delivery of the book of the law to the Levites, to be deposited in the side of the ark, is here again related (v. 24-26), of which before, v. 9. Only they are here directed where to treasure up this precious original, not in the ark (there only the two tables were preserved), but in another box by the side of the ark. It is probable that this was the very book that was found in the house of the Lord (having been somehow or other misplaced) in the days of Josiah (Ch2 34:14), and so perhaps the following words here, that it may be a witness against thee, may particularly point at that event, which happened so long after; for the finding of this very book occasioned the public reading of it by Josiah himself, for a witness against a people who were then almost ripe for their ruin by the Babylonians.
III. The song which follows in the next chapter is here delivered to Moses, and by him to the people. He wrote it first (v. 22), as the Spirit of God indited it, and then spoke it in the ears of all the congregation (v. 30), and taught it to them (v. 22), that is, gave out copies of it, and ordered the people to learn it by heart. It was delivered by word of mouth first, and afterwards in writing, to the elders and officers, as the representatives of their respective tribes (v. 28), by them to be transmitted to their several families and households. It was delivered to them with a solemn appeal to heaven and earth concerning the fair warning which was given them by it of the fatal consequences of their apostasy from God, and with a declaration of the little joy and little hope Moses had in and concerning them. 1. He declares what little joy he had had of them while he was with them, v. 27. It is not in a passion that he says, I know thy rebellion (as once he said unadvisedly, Hear now, you rebels), but it is the result of a long acquaintance with them: you have been rebellious against the Lord. Their rebellions against himself he makes no mention of: these he had long since forgiven and forgotten; but they must be made to hear of their rebellions against God, that they may be ever repented of and never repeated. 2. What little hopes he had of them now that he was leaving them. From what God had now said to him (v. 16) more than from his own experience of them, though that was discouraging enough, he tells them (v. 29), I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves. Many a sad thought, no doubt, it occasioned to this good man, to foresee the apostasy and ruin of a people he had taken so much pains with, in order to them good and make them happy; but this was his comfort, that he had done his duty, and that God would be glorified, if not in their settlement, yet in their dispersion. Thus our Lord Jesus, a little before his death, foretold the rise of false Christs and false prophets (Mat 24:24), notwithstanding which, and all the apostasies of the latter times, we may be confident that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church, for the foundation of God stands sure.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 22–30. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 31:25 serves as a crucial introductory statement, setting the stage for a solemn command issued by Moses in the final moments of his leadership. It meticulously identifies the recipients of this charge: the Levites, specifically those consecrated to the sacred duty of bearing the Ark of the Covenant. This verse not only highlights Moses' unwavering divine authority but also underscores the unique and profound responsibility of the Levites in safeguarding the most holy object in Israelite worship, which embodied God's presence and His Law. It prepares the reader for the weighty instructions that follow, emphasizing the continuity of divine revelation and the solemn stewardship required of its custodians.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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' established authority and the Levites' sacred role. More importantly, it employs Foreshadowing, setting the stage for the crucial command elaborated in the very next verse (Deuteronomy 31:26), concerning the placement of the Book of the Law beside the Ark. This introductory verse also utilizes Metonymy, where "the ark of the covenant" stands in for God's presence, His covenant relationship with Israel, and the very essence of His revealed will. The specific 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 profound spiritual stewardship.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 31:25, though concise, is replete with profound theological implications. It underscores the deep 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 unwavering demand for holiness, obedience, and faithfulness from His people. It also establishes a foundational 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, security, and blessing are intrinsically tied to God's covenant presence among them, mediated through His Law and the appointed custodians of His sacred things.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 31:25 invites us to ponder the profound value and unassailable authority of God's Word. Just as the Ark and the Law were to be handled with the utmost reverence and meticulous care by the Levites, so too should believers today approach the Bible as the sacred, authoritative, and living revelation of God. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a deep, practical, and transformative respect for Scripture, allowing it to profoundly shape our lives, guide our decisions, and inform our understanding of God's character and will. For those in positions of spiritual leadership, it serves as a powerful reminder of the solemn, weighty duty to faithfully teach, diligently protect, and accurately pass on God's truth to the next generation, ensuring its purity, accessibility, and transformative power. Ultimately, it calls each of 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
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 that budded). Its paramount importance stemmed from its direct association with God Himself, serving as the physical locus of His dwelling among Israel. The Levites, particularly the Kohathite clan, were divinely appointed to bear the Ark because of its extreme holiness and the danger associated with improper handling. This task was not merely a physical transport but a sacred trust, requiring ritual purity and careful adherence to God's commands, as tragically illustrated by Uzzah's death (2 Samuel 6:6-7). Their exclusive role underscored the absolute necessity of 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 is deeply intertwined with the overarching theme of the Law that permeates the entire book of Deuteronomy. The book itself is a re-presentation and exposition of the Law, delivered to a new generation on the eve of entering the Promised Land. Moses' act of writing down the Law (Deuteronomy 31:9) and then entrusting it to the Levites to be placed beside the Ark (Deuteronomy 31:26) highlights its perpetual authority, enduring significance, and foundational role in Israel's life. The Law was not merely a set of rules but the very foundation of Israel's covenant relationship with God, guiding their worship, national identity, and daily conduct. By ensuring its placement with the Ark, Moses ensured that God's Word would remain central to Israel's existence, serving as a constant witness, guide, and source of blessing or judgment for all future generations.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 31:25, with its profound emphasis on the Ark as the tangible symbol of God's presence and the Levites' sacred duty to bear it alongside the Law, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Ark symbolized God dwelling among His people, yet it was confined to a physical space, veiled from common access, and accessible only through specific rituals performed by a select few. In Christ, God's presence is no longer localized or veiled but fully, perfectly, and personally embodied in the person of Jesus, the Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" (John 1:14). He is the true and perfect "Ark" of God's new covenant, the very presence of God walking among humanity, revealing the Father fully. Furthermore, just as the Levites were entrusted with bearing the Law, Christ perfectly fulfilled the Law, not by abolishing it, but by bringing it to its intended purpose and demonstrating its righteous demands through His life of perfect obedience (Matthew 5:17). He is the mediator of a new and better covenant, written not on stone tablets but on the hearts of believers by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31-34; 2 Corinthians 3:6). Through His once-for-all sacrifice, Christ became our great High Priest, entering the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood, securing eternal redemption for all who believe (Hebrews 9:11-12). We, as believers in Christ, are now "living stones" and a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5), indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), 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, profound, and profoundly personal way.