3:3 the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. See Ex. 25:10–22; Deut. 10:5. The ark plays a prominent role in chs. 3; 4; 6; and 8. It signifies not only the presence of the Lord (Num. 10:33–36), but specifically His covenant, which means His commitment to His promises as well as the consequent obligations of Israel. See notes 1:5; 24:25.

the Levitical priests. See Deut. 10:8.