In all the journeyings of Israel, "the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them, . . . to search out a resting place 376 for them." Numbers 10:33. Borne by the sons of Kohath, the sacred chest containing God's holy law was to lead the van. Before it went Moses and Aaron; and the priests, bearing silver trumpets, were stationed near. These priests received directions from Moses, which they communicated to the people by the trumpets. It was the duty of the leaders of each company to give definite directions concerning all the movements to be made, as indicated by the trumpets. Whoever neglected to comply with the directions given was punished with death.

På alle Israels rejser drog "Herrens pagts ark" "i forvejen for at søge dem et sted, hvor de kunne holde hvil". 4. Mos. 10, 33. Den indviede kiste med Guds hellige lov skulle anføre toget, båret af Kehats sønner. Foran den gik Moses og Aron, og lige bagefter fulgte præsterne med sølvtrompeter. Disse præster fik deres ordrer af Moses og gav dem videre til folket ved hjælp af trompeterne. Lederne af hver stamme havde pligt til at give nøjagtig besked om alle de bevægelser, der skulle foretages, i overensstemmelse med de signaler, der blev givet med trompeterne. Enhver, der undlod at følge de givne anvisninger, straffedes med døden.