Thematic Bible: Carried in front of the people of israel in the line of march

And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey, and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey to search out a resting place for them. And the cloud of the LORD was over them by day, when they went out of the tents. And when the ark went forth, Moses said, "Rise up LORD and let thine enemies be scattered, and let them that hate thee flee before thee." read more.
And when the ark rested, he said, "Return LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel."

and commanded the people, saying, "When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests that are Levites bearing it: then depart ye from your places and follow after it. So yet that there be a space between you and it, about a two thousand cubits by measure. And come not nigh unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not gone by it in times past." And Joshua said unto the people, "Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD shall show wonders among you." read more.
Then Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and go before the people." And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.