Parashat Naso: Soldiers, Levites, and the Ark of Responsibility

In Parashat Naso, the sons of Kehat from the tribe of Levi are specifically commanded to carry the Ark of the Covenant on their shoulders, as it is written:

“But to the sons of Kehat he gave none [of the carts], because the service of the holy things belonged to them: they bore them on the shoulder” (Numbers 7:9).

Carrying the Ark on the shoulders is not just a recommendation or an ideal practice, rather it is a strict obligation. The people of Israel learned the gravity of this command through tragedy during the time of King David, when transporting the Ark on a cart led to the death of Uzzah.

The obvious question arises: Why? At first glance, placing the Ark on a wagon or cart seems more respectful towards the ark: it raises the Ark from the ground, prevents its unnecessary shaking, and eases the burden on the carriers themselves. So why then did the Torah insist on having the Levites carry the Ark specifically on their shoulders?

This can be clearly understood if we ask any soldier who served in the military in a combat position. During their service, every combat soldier is required to walk and run countless miles under the heavy weight of a loaded stretcher. Pain, frustration, resentment, and even cursing are all common phenomenons  under the immense pressure and hardship of carrying a loaded stretcher. Under such physical burden, a person’s true character is tested: how does one react? Does one maintain their spirit, restraint, and values despite the difficulty?

Perhaps precisely for this reason the Torah commanded the Levites to carry the Ark of the Covenant on their shoulders. By doing so, they serve as a living example for all of Israel. They embody an ideal of devotion, discipline, and nobility, especially in times of hardship. A person’s true greatness is not measured when everything is easy and comfortable, but rather when one faces burden and hardship. Does such a person still uphold their integrity, avoid anger, and act peacefully toward others?

The tribe of Levi—and according to Maimonides, the priests in particular—were chosen for this role because they demonstrated complete loyalty to the Torah and God’s command, even when it required standing against their own brethren. After the sin of the Golden Calf, they were the only ones who responded to Moshe’s call, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me” (Exodus 32:26), and took up arms, even when it meant confronting their fellow Israelites. Rashi emphasizes that it was through this act that they were sanctified for priesthood: “Through this you were initiated to be priests for the Almighty.” This sends a clear and strong message: true loyalty to values requires a willingness to bear a burden, even when it is heavy and uncomfortable.

The prophet Malachi further underscores this principle:

“My covenant was with him [Levi], life and peace I gave to him. True teaching was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin.” (Malachi 2:5–6)

Because the tribe of Levi walked in awe before God and fostered peace among people, they were chosen to be a symbol of moral strength: to carry the Ark not only in the physical sense, but also spiritually. Even under the pressure and physical weight of the Ark, they do not curse or break down, but rather continue to carry their burden with calmness, dedication, and faith; in doing so, they set a living example for the rest of Israel.

As Rav Saadiah Gaon explains, the Ten Commandments, housed within the Ark, represent the foundation of the entire Torah. Hillel the Elder claimed to encapsulate the Torah with a single phrase: “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. This is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary – go and learn it!”

Thus, the heart of the Torah is one’s relationship with others. Therefore, when the Ark—which symbolizes the entire Torah—is carried on the shoulders of the Levites, it represents the practical application of the Torah’s values in the real world. The carriers of the Ark do not let physical difficulty weaken their commitment. In doing so, they illustrate the principle that the Torah is truly a way of life that demands dedication and action at all times, and under all conditions.

After all, the Torah is not an abstract theory: it is a call to a life of devotion, morality, and integrity. The obligation to carry the Ark on the Levites’ shoulders teaches that true greatness and holiness is found specifically in moments of tribulation and adversity. May it be God’s will that we too, shall merit to carry the burden of Torah with love, devotion, and peace — between man and God, and between man and his fellow. Shabbat Shalom!