Ministers, Order, and Organization
599
it, and each tribe was required to pitch under its own standard. When
the ark moved, the armies journeyed, the different tribes marching
in order, under their own standards. The Levites were designated by
the Lord as the tribe in the midst of whom the sacred ark was to be
borne, Moses and Aaron marching just in front of the ark, and the
sons of Aaron following near them, each bearing trumpets. They were
to receive directions from Moses, which they were to signify to the
people by speaking through the trumpets. These trumpets gave special
sounds which the people understood, and directed their movements
accordingly.
A special signal was first given by the trumpeters to call the atten-
tion of the people; then all were to be attentive and obey the certain
sound of the trumpets. There was no confusion of sound in the voices
of the trumpets, therefore there was no excuse for confusion in move-
ments. The head officer of each company gave definite directions in
regard to the movements they were required to make, and none who
gave attention were left in ignorance of what they were to do. If any
failed to comply with the requirements given by the Lord to Moses,
and by Moses to the people, they were punished with death. It would
be no excuse to plead that they knew not the nature of these require-
ments, for they would only prove themselves willingly ignorant, and
would receive the just punishment for their transgression. If they did
not know the will of God concerning them, it was their own fault.
They had the same opportunities to obtain the knowledge imparted
as others of the people had, therefore their sin of not knowing, not
understanding, was as great in the sight of God as if they had heard
and then transgressed.
[652]
The Lord designated a special family of the tribe of Levi to bear
the ark; and others of the Levites were specially appointed of God
to bear the tabernacle and all its furniture, and to perform the work
of setting up and taking down the tabernacle. And if any man from
curiosity or from lack of order got out of his place and touched any part
of the sanctuary or furniture, or even came near any of the workmen,
he was to be put to death. God did not leave His holy tabernacle
to be borne, erected, and taken down, indiscriminately, by any tribe
who might choose the office; but persons were chosen who could
appreciate the sacredness of the work in which they were engaged.
These men appointed of God were directed to impress upon the people