1 Kings 8:3

all the elders The other representative persons mentioned in 1 Kings 8:1 are all no doubt to be included in this phrase.

the priests took up the ark This duty was usually performed by the Levites (cf. Numbers 2:31), but on very solemn occasions the priests undertook it (see Joshua 3:6; Joshua 6:6). At this time it was necessary that they should do so, for the ark was to be brought into the most holy place, whither the Levites (Numbers 4:20) were forbidden to enter. Moreover, the final conveyance of the ark to its special seat was a duty to call for the most sacred of God's ministers. It is worth while to compare with this passage the statement in 2 Chronicles 5:4. There it is said -and the Levitestook up the ark," and the narrative then continues, stating that the Levites -brought up" the ark, i.e. carried it during the transfer, but before its introduction into the Temple, the phrase changes and we read -the priestsbrought in the ark of the covenant into his place."