Deuteronomy 31:25

25 that Moshe commanded the Levites, who bore 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 He gave Yehoshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Yisra'el into the land which I swore to them: and I will be with you.

24 It happened, when Moshe had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

25 that Moshe commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying,

26 Take this book of the law, and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against you.

27 For I know your rebellion, and your stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, you have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?