1 Chronicles / Chapter 15

1 Chronicles 15

29 verses • Westminster Leningrad Codex

Translator's Introduction

What This Chapter Is About

David builds houses for himself in the City of David and prepares a place for the Ark of God, pitching a tent for it. He then declares that no one but the Levites may carry the Ark, for the LORD chose them to carry the Ark and to serve before him forever. David assembles all Israel at Jerusalem to bring the Ark up from the house of Obed-edom. He gathers the Levitical clan heads: Uriel chief of the Kohathites with 120 kinsmen, Asaiah chief of the Merarites with 220, Joel chief of the Gershomites with 130, Shemaiah of the Elizaphanites with 200, Eliel of the Hebronites with 80, and Amminadab of the Uzzielites with 112. David calls the priests Zadok and Abiathar and the six Levitical chiefs and orders them to consecrate themselves so they may bring the Ark up properly. He explains that the LORD's outbreak against them the first time was because the Levites did not carry it — they had not sought God according to the prescribed manner. The priests and Levites consecrate themselves. The Levites carry the Ark on their shoulders with poles, exactly as Moses commanded. David instructs the Levitical chiefs to appoint musicians: Heman, Asaph, and Ethan lead with bronze cymbals; others play harps and lyres. Chenaniah is the master of the processional music. Doorkeepers are assigned for the Ark. David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands go to bring the Ark from Obed-edom's house with celebration. When God helps the Levites carrying the Ark, they sacrifice seven bulls and seven rams. David is clothed in a robe of fine linen, as are the Levites, the musicians, and Chenaniah. David also wears a linen ephod. All Israel brings the Ark up with shouting, ram's horns, trumpets, cymbals, harps, and lyres. As the Ark enters the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul looks down from a window and sees King David dancing and celebrating, and she despises him in her heart.

What Makes This Chapter Remarkable

This chapter is largely the Chronicler's own composition, with only verses 25-29 having close parallels in 2 Samuel 6:12-16. It represents the Chronicler's theological correction of the chapter 13 disaster. Where chapter 13 recorded what went wrong, chapter 15 prescribes what went right — and the difference is Levitical order. David's speech in verse 13 is the interpretive key to the entire Ark narrative: 'Because you did not carry it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.' The phrase ka-mishpat ('according to the rule/ordinance') is the Chronicler's fundamental principle: worship must follow God's prescribed order, not human innovation. The elaborate organizational detail — six clan heads, specific numbers, named musicians, designated roles — is not bureaucratic filler but theological statement. Proper worship requires proper structure. The music ministry described here becomes the foundation for Temple worship, and the names Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (Jeduthun) will appear as psalm superscriptions throughout the Psalter.

Translation Friction

The relationship between the Levitical clans named here and the broader genealogical records creates some tension. The six groups — Kohathites (Uriel), Merarites (Asaiah), Gershomites (Joel), and three sub-Kohathite clans (Elizaphan, Hebron, Uzziel) — represent an organizational scheme not fully attested elsewhere. The identity of Chenaniah (Kenanyahu, v22) is debated: is he a musician, a transport supervisor, or a prophetic leader? The Hebrew sar ha-massa can mean 'chief of the carrying' (from massa, 'burden, carrying') or 'chief of the singing/oracle' (from massa, 'oracle, utterance'). The Chronicler's statement that David was clothed in a me'il buts ('robe of fine linen,' v27) differs from 2 Samuel 6:14's efod bad ('linen ephod'). The Chronicler adds the robe and then mentions the ephod separately, perhaps to counter the impression that David was insufficiently dressed.

Connections

David's declaration that only Levites may carry the Ark (v2) connects directly to Numbers 4:15 and 7:9, the Mosaic instructions for transporting holy objects. The phrase ka-mishpat (v13) echoes the Torah's regulatory language throughout Exodus-Deuteronomy. The appointment of Heman, Asaph, and Ethan as chief musicians (v17) establishes the guilds whose names appear in the superscriptions of Psalms 50, 73-83 (Asaph), Psalms 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87-88 (sons of Korah/Heman), and Psalms 39, 62, 77 (Jeduthun/Ethan). The seven bulls and seven rams (v26) echo the standard sacrificial numbers throughout the Torah. Michal's contempt (v29) parallels 2 Samuel 6:16 exactly and will not be resolved in Chronicles — the Chronicler simply records her disdain and moves on, omitting the confrontation scene of 2 Samuel 6:20-23.

1 Chronicles 15:1

וַיַּעַשׂ־ל֥וֹ בָתִּ֖ים בְּעִ֣יר דָּוִ֑יד וַיָּ֤כֶן מָקוֹם֙ לַאֲר֣וֹן הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים וַיֶּט־ל֖וֹ אֹֽהֶל׃

David built houses for himself in the City of David. He prepared a place for the Ark of God and pitched a tent for it.

KJV And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The plural batim ('houses') suggests a royal compound, not a single residence. The preparation of a maqom ('place') for the Ark indicates deliberate architectural planning — the Ark's location was not an afterthought but a primary consideration. The ohel ('tent') David pitches is not the Mosaic Tabernacle (which was at Gibeon, 16:39) but a new tent, a provisional dwelling for the Ark anticipating the Temple that Solomon will build.
1 Chronicles 15:2

אָ֚ז אָמַ֣ר דָּוִ֔יד לֹ֤א לָשֵׂאת֙ אֶת־אֲר֣וֹן הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים כִּ֖י אִם־הַלְוִיִּ֑ם כִּי־בָ֣ם ׀ בָּחַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֗ה לָשֵׂאת֙ אֶת־אֲר֣וֹן יְהֹוָ֔ה וּֽלְשָׁרְת֖וֹ עַד־עוֹלָֽם׃

Then David declared, "No one may carry the Ark of God except the Levites, for the LORD chose them to carry the Ark of the LORD and to serve him forever."

KJV Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of the LORD, and to minister unto him for ever.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. David's declaration draws on Numbers 4:15 (Kohathites shall carry the holy objects) and Deuteronomy 10:8 (the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the Ark of the covenant). The phrase ki bam bachar YHWH ('for the LORD chose them') uses the election verb bachar, the same verb used for God's choice of Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6) and of Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:44). The Levites are chosen people within the chosen people.
1 Chronicles 15:3

וַיַּקְהֵ֥ל דָּוִ֛יד אֶת־כׇּל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל אֶל־יְרוּשָׁלָ֑͏ִם לְהַעֲלוֹת֙ אֶת־אֲר֣וֹן יְהֹוָ֔ה אֶל־מְקוֹמ֖וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הֵכִ֖ין לֽוֹ׃

David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring the Ark of the LORD up to the place he had prepared for it.

KJV And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The second Ark assembly mirrors the first (13:5) but with a crucial difference: this time the preparations include Levitical organization, not just national enthusiasm. The phrase el meqomo asher hekhin lo ('to its place which he had prepared for it') indicates the tent of verse 1 is ready.
1 Chronicles 15:4

וַיֶּאֱסֹ֥ף דָּוִ֖יד אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י אַהֲרֹ֑ן וְאֶת־הַלְוִיִּֽם׃

David gathered the descendants of Aaron and the Levites:

KJV And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The distinction between benei Aharon ('sons of Aaron,' the priests) and ha-Levi'im ('the Levites,' the non-priestly service tribe) is fundamental to the Chronicler's organizational theology. Both groups are needed: priests for sacrificial duties, Levites for transport and music.
1 Chronicles 15:5

לִבְנֵ֖י קְהָ֑ת אוּרִיאֵ֣ל הַשָּׂ֔ר וְאֶחָ֖יו מֵאָ֥ה וְעֶשְׂרִֽים׃

Of the Kohathites: Uriel the chief, with 120 of his kinsmen;

KJV Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Uriel (Uri'el, 'God is my light') leads the Kohathite clan, who bore primary responsibility for carrying the most holy objects (Numbers 4:4-15). The 120 kinsmen represent the Kohathite contribution to the Levitical transport force.
1 Chronicles 15:6

לִבְנֵ֖י מְרָרִ֑י עֲשָׂיָ֣ה הַשָּׂ֔ר וְאֶחָ֖יו מָאתַ֥יִם וְעֶשְׂרִֽים׃

of the Merarites: Asaiah the chief, with 220 of his kinsmen;

KJV Of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Asaiah (Asayah, 'the LORD has made') leads the Merarite clan. The Merarites were responsible for the Tabernacle's structural components — boards, bars, pillars, sockets (Numbers 4:31-32).
1 Chronicles 15:7

לִבְנֵ֖י גֵּרְשׁ֑וֹם יוֹאֵ֣ל הַשָּׂ֔ר וְאֶחָ֖יו מֵאָ֥ה וּשְׁלֹשִֽׁים׃

of the Gershomites: Joel the chief, with 130 of his kinsmen;

KJV Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and thirty:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Joel (Yo'el, 'the LORD is God') leads the Gershomite (or Gershonite) clan. The Gershonites were responsible for the Tabernacle's fabric components — curtains, coverings, screens (Numbers 4:24-26).
1 Chronicles 15:8

לִבְנֵ֖י אֶלִֽיצָפָ֑ן שְׁמַֽעְיָ֣ה הַשָּׂ֔ר וְאֶחָ֖יו מָאתָֽיִם׃

of the Elizaphanites: Shemaiah the chief, with 200 of his kinsmen;

KJV Of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Elizaphan (Elitsafan) was a son of Uzziel, a Kohathite sub-clan (Exodus 6:22, Numbers 3:30). Shemaiah (Shema'yah, 'the LORD has heard') leads this branch with the largest contingent among the sub-clans.
1 Chronicles 15:9

לִבְנֵ֖י חֶבְר֑וֹן אֱלִיאֵ֣ל הַשָּׂ֔ר וְאֶחָ֖יו שְׁמוֹנִֽים׃

of the Hebronites: Eliel the chief, with 80 of his kinsmen;

KJV Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, and his brethren fourscore:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Hebron was another Kohathite sub-clan, descended from Hebron son of Kohath (Exodus 6:18). Eliel (Eli'el, 'my God is God') leads the smallest named contingent.
1 Chronicles 15:10

לִבְנֵ֖י עֻזִּיאֵ֑ל עַמִּינָדָ֣ב הַשָּׂ֔ר וְאֶחָ֖יו מֵאָ֥ה וּשְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָֽׂר׃

of the Uzzielites: Amminadab the chief, with 112 of his kinsmen.

KJV Of the sons of Uzziel; Amminadab the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twelve.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Uzziel was the youngest son of Kohath (Exodus 6:18). Amminadab (Amminadav, 'my kinsman is generous') leads 112 men. The total Levitical force for the Ark transport: 862 men from six clans, plus the priests — a substantial sacred workforce.
1 Chronicles 15:11

וַיִּקְרָ֣א דָוִ֔יד לְצָד֥וֹק וּלְאֶבְיָתָ֖ר הַכֹּהֲנִ֑ים וְלַלְוִיִּ֗ם לְאוּרִיאֵ֤ל עֲשָׂיָה֙ וְיוֹאֵ֣ל שְׁמַֽעְיָ֔ה וֶאֱלִיאֵ֖ל וְעַמִּינָדָֽב׃

David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar, and the Levites: Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab.

KJV And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. David calls both the priests (Zadok and Abiathar, co-high priests) and all six Levitical chiefs named in verses 5-10. This is a formal convocation of the entire sacred leadership. Zadok and Abiathar represent the two priestly lines that will serve until Solomon resolves the dual priesthood by dismissing Abiathar (1 Kings 2:26-27).
1 Chronicles 15:12

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֔ם אַתֶּ֛ם רָאשֵׁ֥י הָאָב֖וֹת לַלְוִיִּ֑ם הִֽתְקַדְּשׁוּ֙ אַתֶּ֣ם וַאֲחֵיכֶ֔ם וְהַעֲלִיתֶ֗ם אֵ֣ת אֲר֤וֹן יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶל־הֲכִינ֖וֹתִי לֽוֹ׃

He said to them, "You are the heads of the Levitical families. Consecrate yourselves — you and your kinsmen — and bring up the Ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it."

KJV And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

הִתְקַדְּשׁוּ hitqaddishu
"consecrate yourselves" — sanctify, set apart, purify, prepare for sacred service, make holy

Hitqaddishu from qadash ('to be holy') in the Hithpael (reflexive) means to make oneself holy — to undergo the ritual and moral preparation required for contact with the sacred. The verb implies both external actions (washing, ritual purity) and internal disposition (dedication to God's purposes). Its appearance here marks the decisive difference between the first Ark attempt and the second.

Translator Notes

  1. The command hitqaddishu ('consecrate yourselves') from qadash ('to be holy, to set apart') requires ritual preparation — washing, abstaining from impurity, dedicating oneself for sacred service. This consecration step was absent from the first attempt in chapter 13. The phrase el hakhinnoti lo ('to the place I have prepared for it') shows David has already done his part; now the Levites must do theirs.
1 Chronicles 15:13

כִּ֛י לְמַבָּרִ֥אשׁוֹנָ֖ה לֹ֣א אַתֶּ֑ם פָּרַ֨ץ יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙ בָּ֔נוּ כִּי־לֹ֥א דְרַשְׁנֻ֖הוּ כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃

"Because you were not the ones carrying it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us — because we did not seek him according to the prescribed rule."

KJV For because ye did not carry it at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The phrase ka-mishpat ('according to the rule/ordinance') is the theological hinge of the entire passage. It refers to the Mosaic instructions in Numbers 4:15 and 7:9 requiring Levitical shoulder-transport. The Chronicler's theology is clear: zeal without obedience is dangerous. David's willingness to name his own failure publicly is a mark of the leader the Chronicler wants to portray.
1 Chronicles 15:14

וַיִּתְקַדְּשׁ֖וּ הַכֹּהֲנִ֣ים וְהַלְוִיִּ֑ם לְהַעֲל֕וֹת אֶת־אֲר֥וֹן יְהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

The priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the Ark of the LORD, the God of Israel.

KJV So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The obedience is immediate: vayyitqaddishu ('they consecrated themselves') responds directly to David's command in verse 12. The full divine title aron YHWH Elohei Yisra'el ('the Ark of the LORD, the God of Israel') appears again, maintaining the gravity of the occasion.
1 Chronicles 15:15

וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ בְנֵי־הַלְוִיִּ֗ם אֵ֚ת אֲר֣וֹן הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר צִוָּ֛ה מֹשֶׁ֖ה כִּדְבַ֣ר יְהֹוָ֑ה בַּכְּתֵפָ֕ם בַּמֹּט֖וֹת עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃

The Levites carried the Ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, exactly as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD.

KJV And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. This verse is the correction of 13:7 in a single sentence. Where the first attempt used a cart, now the Levites carry the Ark ba-ketefam ba-motot aleihem ('on their shoulders with the poles upon them') — exactly as prescribed in Numbers 7:9 and Exodus 25:14. The phrase ka-asher tsivvah Mosheh kidvar YHWH ('as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD') traces the chain of authority: the LORD spoke, Moses commanded, the Levites obey. No improvisation, no pagan precedent — just Torah compliance.
1 Chronicles 15:16

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר דָּוִ֗יד לְשָׂרֵי֙ הַלְוִיִּ֔ם לְהַעֲמִ֖יד אֶת־אֲחֵיהֶ֣ם הַמְשֹׁרְרִ֑ים בִּכְלֵי־שִׁ֗יר נְבָלִ֤ים וְכִנֹּרוֹת֙ וּמְצִלְתַּ֔יִם מַשְׁמִיעִ֥ים לְהָרִ֖ים בְּקֽוֹל־שִׂמְחָֽה׃

David told the Levitical chiefs to station their kinsmen as musicians with instruments — harps, lyres, and cymbals — to sound out loudly with joyful celebration.

KJV And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The verb le-ha'amid ('to station, to appoint') from amad ('to stand') gives the musicians fixed positions — this is not spontaneous worship but organized liturgy. The phrase mashmi'im le-harim beqol simchah ('sounding, lifting up with a voice of joy') describes music that fills the air with celebration. The three instrument types — nevalim (harps), kinnorot (lyres), and metsiltayim (cymbals) — become the standard Temple orchestra.
1 Chronicles 15:17

וַיַּעֲמִ֣ידוּ הַלְוִיִּ֗ם אֵ֚ת הֵימָ֣ן בֶּן־יוֹאֵ֔ל וּמִן־אֶחָ֖יו אָסָ֣ף בֶּן־בֶּרֶכְיָ֑הוּ וּמִן־בְּנֵ֤י מְרָרִי֙ אֲחֵיהֶ֔ם אֵיתָ֖ן בֶּן־קוּשָׁיָֽהוּ׃

The Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his kinsmen, Asaph son of Berechiah; and from the Merarites, their kinsmen, Ethan son of Kushaiah.

KJV So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel, and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The three chief musicians represent the three Levitical clans: Heman (Kohathite), Asaph (Gershomite), and Ethan (Merarite). Heman (Heiman, 'faithful') son of Joel is traditionally identified with the author of Psalm 88. Asaph (Asaf, 'gatherer') son of Berechiah (Berekhyahu, 'the LORD blesses') is credited with Psalms 50 and 73-83. Ethan (Eitan, 'enduring') son of Kushaiah is identified with Jeduthun (Yedutun), credited with Psalms 39, 62, and 77.
1 Chronicles 15:18

וְעִמָּהֶ֖ם אֲחֵיהֶ֣ם הַמִּשְׁנִ֑ים זְכַרְיָ֡הוּ בֵּ֡ן וְיַעֲזִיאֵ֡ל וּשְׁמִ֡ירָמ֡וֹת וִיחִיאֵ֡ל וְעֻנִּ֡י אֱלִיאָ֡ב וּבְנָיָ֡הוּ וּמַעֲשֵׂיָ֡הוּ וּמַתִּתְיָ֡הוּ וֶאֱלִ֨יפְלֵ֜הוּ וּמִקְנֵיָ֨הוּ וְעֹבֵ֥ד אֱדֹ֛ם וִיעִיאֵ֖ל הַשֹּׁעֲרִֽים׃

With them were their kinsmen of the second rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Elipheleh, Mikneiah, and Obed-edom and Jeiel as gatekeepers.

KJV And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The 'second rank' (ha-mishneim) musicians and the gatekeepers (ha-sho'arim) form the supporting cast of the liturgical corps. Obed-edom appears here as both a gatekeeper and a musician — the same Obed-edom in whose house the Ark rested for three months (13:14). His transition from Ark-host to Temple servant demonstrates how blessing leads to service.
1 Chronicles 15:19

וְהַמְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים הֵימָ֥ן אָסָ֖ף וְאֵיתָ֑ן בִּמְצִלְתַּ֥יִם נְחֹ֖שֶׁת לְהַשְׁמִֽיעַ׃

The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals;

KJV So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The three chief musicians play metsiltayim nechoshet ('bronze cymbals') — percussion instruments that set the rhythm for the entire ensemble. The verb le-hashmi'a ('to cause to hear, to make audible') indicates the cymbals' role was to provide the foundational beat that the other instruments followed.
1 Chronicles 15:20

וּזְכַרְיָ֧ה וַעֲזִיאֵ֛ל וּשְׁמִירָמ֥וֹת וִיחִיאֵ֖ל וְעֻנִּ֣י וֶאֱלִיאָ֑ב וּמַעֲשֵׂיָ֧הוּ וּבְנָיָ֛הוּ בִּנְבָלִ֖ים עַל־עֲלָמֽוֹת׃

Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play harps tuned to alamoth;

KJV And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The phrase al alamot ('upon/according to alamoth') is a musical term whose exact meaning is debated. It may refer to a high-pitched register (from almah, 'young woman,' suggesting a soprano voice range), or to a specific musical mode or key. It appears also in the superscription of Psalm 46.
1 Chronicles 15:21

וּמַתִּתְיָ֣הוּ וֶאֱלִֽיפְלֵ֗הוּ וּמִקְנֵיָ֧הוּ וְעֹבֵ֥ד אֱדֹ֛ם וִיעִיאֵ֖ל וַעֲזַזְיָ֑הוּ בְּכִנֹּר֥וֹת עַל־הַשְּׁמִינִ֖ית לְנַצֵּֽחַ׃

Mattithiah, Elipheleh, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to play lyres tuned to the sheminith, to lead.

KJV And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The phrase al ha-sheminit ('upon the eighth') likely refers to a lower-pitched register or mode — an octave below the alamoth. The word le-natseach ('to lead, to direct, to excel') from natseach is the same term used in psalm superscriptions (la-menatseach, 'for the director/choirmaster'). These lyre players were section leaders, directing the musical performance.
1 Chronicles 15:22

וּכְנַנְיָ֥הוּ שַׂר־הַלְוִיִּ֖ם בְּמַשָּׂ֑א יָסֹר֙ בַּמַּשָּׂ֔א כִּ֥י מֵבִ֖ין הֽוּא׃

Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was in charge of the processional music. He directed the music because he was skilled in it.

KJV And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Chenaniah (Kenanyahu, 'the LORD establishes') held a unique role: sar ha-Levi'im be-massa ('chief of the Levites in the massa'). The word massa is ambiguous — from nasa ('to carry') it means 'the carrying/transport,' but from the same root in a different sense it means 'oracle' or 'lifting up the voice,' hence 'music/singing.' The phrase ki mevin hu ('for he was skilled/understanding') uses the verb bin ('to understand, to discern'), indicating Chenaniah had both musical expertise and organizational ability.
1 Chronicles 15:23

וּבֶרֶכְיָ֣ה וְאֶלְקָנָ֔ה שֹׁעֲרִ֖ים לָאָרֽוֹן׃

Berechiah and Elkanah were gatekeepers for the Ark.

KJV And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The sho'arim ('gatekeepers') for the Ark served as guardians during transport — they controlled access to the Ark during the procession. This role ensured that no unauthorized person approached the Ark, preventing a repeat of the Uzzah incident.
1 Chronicles 15:24

וּשְׁבַנְיָ֡הוּ וְיוֹשָׁפָ֡ט וּנְתַנְאֵ֡ל וַעֲמָשַׂ֡י וּ֠זְכַרְיָ֠הוּ וּבְנָיָ֤הוּ וֶאֱלִיעֶ֙זֶר֙ הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים מַחְצְצְרִ֣ים בַּחֲצֹצְר֔וֹת לִפְנֵ֖י אֲר֣וֹן הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים וְעֹבֵ֤ד אֱדֹם֙ וִיחִיָּ֔ה שֹׁעֲרִ֖ים לָאָרֽוֹן׃

Shebaniah, Jehoshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer — the priests — were blowing trumpets before the Ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were gatekeepers for the Ark.

KJV And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Seven priests (ha-kohanim) blow chatsotsrot ('trumpets') — a distinctly priestly instrument (Numbers 10:8: 'the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow the trumpets'). The trumpets lead the procession, marking this as a sacred liturgical event, not merely a military parade. Obed-edom appears again among the gatekeepers, further integrating him into the Levitical service structure.
1 Chronicles 15:25

וַיְהִ֤י דָוִיד֙ וְזִקְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְשָׂרֵ֖י הָאֲלָפִ֑ים הַהֹֽלְכִים֙ לְהַעֲל֤וֹת אֶת־אֲרוֹן֙ בְּרִ֣ית יְהֹוָ֔ה מִן־בֵּ֥ית עֹבֵ֖ד אֱדֹ֥ם בְּשִׂמְחָֽה׃

David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went to bring up the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom with celebration.

KJV So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The delegation combines royal (David), civic (elders), and military (commanders of thousands) leadership — all Israel is represented. The Ark is called aron berit YHWH ('Ark of the Covenant of the LORD'), emphasizing its identity as the container of the covenant tablets (Deuteronomy 10:1-5). The word simchah ('joy, celebration') indicates that fear has given way to confidence: the correct procedure produces celebration instead of catastrophe.
1 Chronicles 15:26

וַיְהִ֗י בֶּעְזֹ֣ר הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶ֨ת־הַלְוִיִּ֔ם נֹשְׂאֵ֖י אֲר֣וֹן בְּרִית־יְהֹוָ֑ה וַיִּזְבְּח֥וּ שִׁבְעָ֥ה פָרִ֖ים וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה אֵילִֽים׃

When God helped the Levites carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.

KJV And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The phrase be-ezor ha-Elohim et ha-Levi'im ('when God helped the Levites') is theologically rich: even the correct method requires divine assistance. The Levites carried the Ark, but God helped them carry it. The sacrifice of seven bulls and seven rams (shiv'ah farim veshiv'ah eilim) replaces the 2 Samuel 6:13 reading of a bull and a fattened calf every six steps. The number seven indicates completeness — a full, perfect sacrifice.
1 Chronicles 15:27

וְדָוִ֞יד מְכֻרְבָּ֣ל ׀ בִּמְעִ֣יל בּ֗וּץ וְכׇל־הַלְוִיִּם֙ הַנֹּשְׂאִ֣ים אֶת־הָאָר֔וֹן וְהַמְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים וּכְנַנְיָ֛ה הַשַּׂ֥ר הַמַּשָּׂ֖א הַמְשֹׁרְרִ֑ים וְעַל־דָּוִ֖יד אֵפ֥וֹד בָּֽד׃

David was robed in fine linen, as were all the Levites carrying the Ark, the musicians, and Chenaniah the music director. David also wore a linen ephod.

KJV And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The Chronicler adds the me'il buts ('robe of fine linen') to the efod bad ('linen ephod') found in 2 Samuel 6:14. The buts is a high-quality Egyptian linen associated with priestly and royal garments. By dressing David in both a robe and an ephod, the Chronicler may be addressing the implication in 2 Samuel that David was inadequately clothed (which provoked Michal's rebuke). The uniform of fine linen worn by David, the Levites, and the musicians creates a visual unity — everyone in the procession is dressed as a servant of God.
1 Chronicles 15:28

וְכׇל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל מַעֲלִים֙ אֶת־אֲר֣וֹן בְּרִית־יְהֹוָ֔ה בִּתְרוּעָ֖ה וּבְק֣וֹל שׁוֹפָ֑ר וּבַחֲצֹצְר֤וֹת וּבִמְצִלְתַּ֙יִם֙ מַשְׁמִיעִ֔ים בִּנְבָלִ֖ים וְכִנֹּרֽוֹת׃

All Israel brought the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD up with shouts of triumph, with the sound of the ram's horn, with trumpets, cymbals resounding, and with harps and lyres.

KJV Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The full ensemble is deployed: teru'ah (acclamation shout), shofar (ram's horn), chatsotsrot (trumpets), metsiltayim (cymbals), nevalim (harps), and kinnorot (lyres). The wall of sound represents the totality of Israel's joy. Every available instrument and voice participates. The phrase kol Yisra'el ('all Israel') frames the event as a national act of worship, not a private royal celebration.
1 Chronicles 15:29

וַיְהִ֗י אֲר֤וֹן בְּרִית־יְהֹוָה֙ בָּ֣א עַד־עִ֣יר דָּוִ֔יד וּמִיכַ֨ל בַּת־שָׁא֜וּל נִשְׁקְפָ֣ה בְהַחַלּ֗וֹן וַתֵּ֨רֶא אֶת־הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ דָּוִיד֙ מְרַקֵּ֣ד וּמְשַׂחֵ֔ק וַתִּ֥בֶז ל֖וֹ בְּלִבָּֽהּ׃

As the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD reached the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked down from a window and saw King David dancing and celebrating — and she despised him in her heart.

KJV And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing; and she despised him in her heart.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The Chronicler parallels 2 Samuel 6:16 closely but with minor differences: meraqqed umesacheq ('dancing and celebrating') replaces mefazzez umekharker ('leaping and whirling'). The verb raqqad ('to dance, to skip') is less intense than the Samuel verbs but still describes vigorous physical worship. Michal is again identified as bat Sha'ul ('daughter of Saul'), not 'wife of David' — framing her contempt as an extension of the house of Saul's values. The Chronicler omits the confrontation scene (2 Samuel 6:20-23) and the note about Michal's barrenness, ending the incident with her silent contempt. In Chronicles, the narrative moves directly to the celebration of chapter 16.
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