The word thus translated is used in Numbers for the sacred service of the Levites only. The meaning of the word is always honorable, and refers also to the holy ministrations of angels (Heb. 1:14). In its various forms it is used of certain kinds of secular service of special importance or responsibility, of Joshua the personal servant of Moses (Ex. 24:13; 33:11), and of the personal ministry of Elisha for Elijah (1 Kings 19:21).

 “Testimony” refers to the Ten Commandments. It is found 61 times in the OT. When it is used in connection with the ark, the veil, Aaron’s rod, an individual, or the congregation as a whole, the emphasis and importance lie with the Ten Commandments (see on Ex. 25:16). The high honor of the ark was not due to anything inherent within that piece of furniture itself, but to the fact that it was the resting place of the two tables of stone inscribed with the Ten Commandments. The word “testimony” is occasionally translated “witness” (Num. 17:7, 8; 2 Chron. 24:6). The words “witness” and “testimony” (Ex. 25:16; 38:21; 40:3) are suggestive of the fact that the Ten Commandments speak of the moral and ethical nature of Jehovah’s character, and that He looks for the same characteristics to be manifested in His people.