Deuteronomy 31:25

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

Deuteronomy 31:25 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 31:25

That Moses commanded the Levites
These were not the common Levites, but the priests who were also Levites, to whom the law was given, ( Deuteronomy 31:9 ) ; and none but they might touch the ark, or go so near it as, they are bid to do, to put the law on the side of it; so Aben Ezra; it follows,

which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord;
as the priests are said to do, (See Gill on Deuteronomy 31:9); for though in journeying the Kohathites carried it, yet not until it was covered by the priests, for they must not touch it; as these must do when they put the law on the side of it, as they are ordered in ( Deuteronomy 31:26 ) .

saying;
as follows.

Deuteronomy 31:25 In-Context

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?