The Ark must transported on their shoulders

Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה

• Sefer HaChinuch explains that the Ark had to be borne on the shoulder to highlight its unparalleled holiness. By elevating it above the ground and refusing wagons or animals, the Torah teaches that the Ark is not a burden but a sacred trust, embodying Hashem’s presence among Israel.

Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ

• Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:12) rules that the Ark’s transport is a matter of Temple law, establishing the Ark’s role as central to the Mikdash and requiring special care distinct from all other vessels. Carrying it improperly compromises the sanctity of the Mikdash.

Levites – לְוִיִּם

• Numbers 7:9 originally places the duty upon the sons of Kehat, since only a few kohanim existed then. Their role highlights the Levites’ historic responsibility for the holiest vessels during the wilderness era.

Priests – כֹּהֲנִים

• Later texts (Joshua 3:6; I Samuel 6:15; II Samuel 15:24; I Chronicles 23:13) show that kohanim became the ones who carried the Ark. The Sifri clarifies that this transfer of responsibility reflects their elevated sanctity, as Hashem commanded Aharon and his descendants.

Torah – תּוֹרָה

• The Ark contained the Tablets of the Covenant. Bearing it on the shoulder symbolizes that Torah itself must be upheld directly by human effort and honor, not relegated to carts or animals. This teaches respect for Torah as the foundation of Jewish life.

Covenant – בְּרִית

• Ramban notes that the Ark embodied the covenant between Hashem and Israel. Carrying it with reverence, without shortcuts, was a visible act of loyalty to that eternal bond, reminding all of the weight of the covenantal relationship.

Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

• The tragedy of Uzzah (II Samuel 6:6–7), who touched the Ark when it was transported incorrectly on a wagon, demonstrated the awe and caution demanded. Reverence means adhering strictly to Hashem’s command, without substituting human ideas of honor.

Community – קְהִלָּה

• When the Ark was carried, it was done in the presence of the entire people. This made the Ark a unifying center, symbolizing that the Torah belongs to all Israel. Its public movement underscored communal responsibility to honor Hashem.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• This mitzvah is entirely about man’s relationship with G-d. The Ark’s transport was not practical but sacred, serving as a direct expression of fidelity to Hashem’s command and reverence for His Torah.