Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them has the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.
Because their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;
And that they should have the oversight of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the oversight of the holy place, and the oversight of the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the LORD.
My sons, do not now be negligent: for the LORD has chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that you should minister unto him, and burn incense.
And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall move forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they move forward, every man in his place by their standards.
At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister to him, and to bless in his name, until this day.