Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 31:25
he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD:
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Moses issues this directive immediately after finishing the written record of the law. He addresses the Levites specifically as they prepare to transport the ark of the covenant.
The words — The Hebrew וַיְצַו (va-yetzav) translates to "and he commanded," marking a formal transfer of authority. The participle נֹשְׂאֵי (nose'e) literally means "those who carry," identifying the Levites by their assigned duty.
The thread — This commission aligns with Deuteronomy 31:9, where Moses previously entrusts the law to the same priestly tribe. The narrative continues in Deuteronomy 31:26, where the ark serves as the designated repository for the Book of the Law.
Why it lands — The text establishes the Levites as official custodians responsible for preserving Israel's covenant documents. It requires readers to recognize that sacred records demand designated guardians and secure placement to function as an enduring witness.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying,
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 31:9 So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel.