1 Chronicles 15 summary meaning ai explained commentary

1 Chronicles 15 meaning explained in AI Summary

This chapter details the second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, after the first attempt ended in tragedy (Uzzah's death in chapter 13). Key events include:

David's Preparation (v. 1-15): Learning from past mistakes, David gathers the Levites and instructs them on their specific roles in transporting the Ark according to God's law. He emphasizes the importance of ritual purity and obedience.
The Procession Begins (v. 16-24): The Levites carefully lift the Ark and place it on a new cart, accompanied by musicians and singers. David, filled with joy, dances before the Lord with all his might.
Michal's Disdain (v. 25-29): David's wife Michal witnesses his exuberant worship and despises him in her heart, leading to a confrontation and consequences for her later.
Arrival in Jerusalem (v. 25-29): The procession reaches Jerusalem, and the Ark is placed in the tent David had prepared for it. The chapter ends with sacrifices, blessings, and celebration.

Overall Themes:

Obedience to God's Law: The emphasis on following God's instructions for handling the Ark highlights the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.
Joy in the Lord: David's unrestrained joy reflects the appropriate response to God's presence and blessings.
Consequences of Disrespect: Michal's scornful reaction to David's worship demonstrates the danger of prioritizing human judgment over honoring God.

This chapter sets the stage for David's desire to build a permanent temple for the Ark, a theme that continues in subsequent chapters.

1 Chronicles 15 bible study ai commentary

1 Chronicles 15 is a narrative of redeemed worship, demonstrating a crucial transition from human-devised failure to divinely-ordered success. After the disastrous first attempt to move the Ark of the Covenant, David learns that approaching God's holiness requires strict adherence to His commands, not just good intentions. The chapter details the meticulous preparations, the sanctification of the Levites, and the exultant, music-filled procession that successfully installs the Ark in Jerusalem, establishing it as the nation's spiritual heart and modeling a pattern of reverent, joyful worship for all future generations.

1 Chronicles 15 context

The immediate context is the aftermath of Uzzah's death (1 Chronicles 13), a national trauma that halted the Ark's journey to Jerusalem. For three months, the Ark resided at the house of Obed-edom, bringing immense blessing. This period served as a time of reflection for David, leading him to investigate the scriptural "due order" for handling the sacred object. Historically, David is consolidating his kingdom, and bringing the symbol of God's presence and covenant to his new capital, Jerusalem, is a pivotal act to unify the nation politically and spiritually. The Chronicler, writing to the post-exilic community, uses this event to underscore the supreme importance of the Levitical priesthood and the proper, God-ordained temple rituals, providing a blueprint for the restored community's own worship.

1 Chronicles 15:1-3

And David made for himself houses in the city of David. And he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it. Then David said, “No one may carry the ark of God except the Levites, for the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister to him forever.” And David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the LORD to its place, which he had prepared for it.

In-depth-analysis

Correction of Error: David's opening statement, "No one may carry the ark of God except the Levites," is a direct public admission and correction of the fatal error made in chapter 13, where the Ark was placed on an ox-cart.
Two Dwellings: David prepares two distinct new structures: "houses" (plural) for his royal court and a single, unique "tent" for the Ark. This tent is separate and distinct from the Tabernacle of Moses, which was at Gibeon at this time. This act centralizes Yahweh's presence in his new capital.
Permanent Ministry: The phrase "minister to him forever" establishes the Levitical role not as a temporary task but as a permanent, divinely-instituted vocation central to Israel's life.
Due Order: "Prepared a place" signifies thoughtful, reverent preparation, contrasting sharply with the previous impromptu attempt. David now understands that God's presence requires a prepared space and a prepared people.

Bible references

Numbers 4:15: 'And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary... the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die.' (The specific law David had previously broken and now follows).
Deuteronomy 10:8: 'At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD...' (The original mandate for the Levites' role).
2 Samuel 6:12-13: 'So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing... they sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal.' (The parallel account, highlighting the joy and sacrifices).

Cross references

Ex 25:14 (how to carry ark); Deut 31:9 (Levites carry ark); Jos 3:3 (priests/Levites carry ark); 1 Chron 23:26 (Levites no longer carry tabernacle).

1 Chronicles 15:4-10

And David gathered together the sons of Aaron and the Levites: of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, with 120 of his brothers; of the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, with 220 of his brothers; of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, with 130 of his brothers; of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, with 200 of his brothers; of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, with 80 of his brothers; of the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, with 112 of his brothers.

In-depth-analysis

Meticulous Organization: The Chronicler provides a detailed, structured list of the Levitical families and their leaders. This is not just a roster; it's a polemic for divinely-ordained order. It shows the re-establishment of the proper hierarchy for worship.
Principal Families: Kohath, Merari, and Gershom are the three main sons of Levi. The inclusion of Elizaphan, Hebron, and Uzziel (all descendants of Kohath) emphasizes the specific duty of the Kohathites to carry the most holy things (Num 4).
Numerical Significance: The large numbers of Levites summoned (over 800) demonstrate the scale and importance of the event. This was a national act of worship, mobilizing a significant portion of the religious leadership.

Cross references

Ex 6:16-19 (Levitical genealogy); Num 3:17-32 (duties of Levitical clans); 1 Chron 6 (detailed genealogies of Levi).

1 Chronicles 15:11-13

Then David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar, and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab, and said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites. Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it. 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.”

In-depth-analysis

Word: Parats (פָּרַץ): "broke out" or "made a breach". This is the same root used to name the place of Uzzah's death, Perez-uzza ("Breach of Uzzah," 1 Chron 13:11). David directly links the consequence to the cause.
Word: Mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט): "rule" or "due order." This legal and covenantal term signifies that their failure was not just a procedural mistake but a violation of God's established ordinance.
Personal and Corporate Responsibility: David says "the LORD... broke out against us," taking corporate responsibility. However, he places the specific procedural fault on the Levites: "Because you did not carry it." This is a call to accountability for those tasked with the duty.
Consecration Required: The command to "Consecrate yourselves" (hitqaddeshu) is essential. Holiness of heart and ritual purity were prerequisites for approaching the holy presence of God. It was not enough to simply perform the right actions; the people performing them had to be rightly prepared.

Bible references

1 Chronicles 13:10-11: 'And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah... And David was angry because the LORD had broken out against Uzzah.' (The original failure David is now explaining).
Exodus 19:22: 'And also let the priests who come near the LORD consecrate themselves, lest the LORD break out against them.' (Shows the long-standing principle that approaching God requires sanctification).
Hebrews 12:28-29: '...let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.' (A New Testament echo of the need for reverence when approaching a holy God).

Cross references

Lev 10:3 (be treated as holy); Num 8:5-22 (Levitical consecration); 2 Sam 6:13 (parallel account).

1 Chronicles 15:14-15

So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD.

In-depth-analysis

Obedience in Action: This is the narrative's turning point. The abstract "rule" (mishpat) from v. 13 is now translated into concrete, obedient action.
The Correct Method: "On their shoulders with the poles" is the visual antithesis of the ox-cart. It signifies bearing the burden of God's presence personally and reverently, not outsourcing it to an animal or technology. This action itself is an act of worship.
Chain of Authority: The verse establishes a clear line of divine authority: God's Word → Moses' Command → David's implementation → The Levites' obedience. The Chronicler emphasizes that legitimate worship is always rooted in divine revelation.

Bible references

Exodus 25:12-14: 'You shall cast four rings of gold for it... and you shall make poles of acacia wood... and you shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark by them.' (The explicit command from God to Moses).
Numbers 7:9: 'But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because they had the service of the holy things, which they carried on their shoulders.' (Highlights that carts were given to other Levites, but intentionally withheld from the Kohathites).

Cross references

Deut 31:25 (Levites commanded to carry); Jos 3:14-17 (Levites carrying the ark into Jordan).

1 Chronicles 15:16-24

David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brothers as the singers who should play loudly on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy. ... [the verses list Heman, Asaph, and Ethan/Jeduthun as leaders, with other musicians, and Obed-edom and Jehiah as gatekeepers]

In-depth-analysis

Worship as Ordered Joy: The worship is not just corrected; it is also exuberant. David organizes a full orchestra and choir. This establishes a precedent for organized, skilled, and joyful musical worship in Israel.
The Three Leaders: Heman, Asaph, and Ethan (also known as Jeduthun) become the founding fathers of the temple musician guilds. Many Psalms are later attributed to them (e.g., Psalm 50, 73-83 to Asaph; Psalm 88 to Heman; Psalm 89 to Ethan).
Specific Instruments: The mention of nəḇālîm (harps/lutes), kinnōrōṯ (lyres), and məṣiltayim (cymbals) shows a sophisticated musical culture. The instruction "to play loudly" (lǝharim bǝqol simchah) literally means "to lift up the voice with joy."
Obed-edom's New Role: Obed-edom, the man who housed the Ark, is now integrated into its permanent service as a "gatekeeper" (or doorkeeper). His reverence for the Ark is rewarded with a perpetual role in its service. This demonstrates that faithfulness is rewarded with greater responsibility.
Polemics: By meticulously naming the Levitical musicians, the Chronicler is legitimizing the roles of the musicians in the Second Temple of his own day, tracing their spiritual lineage back to David himself.

Bible references

Psalm 150:3-5: 'Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! ... praise him with loud clashing cymbals!' (Describes the very type of worship David institutes here).
1 Chronicles 25:1-7: 'David and the chiefs of the service also set apart for the service the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with lyres, with harps, and with cymbals.' (Shows the formal establishment and continuation of these musical orders).
Revelation 5:8: '...each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.' (Harps continue to be an instrument of heavenly worship).

Cross references

1 Chron 16:4-6 (appointment of musicians); Neh 12:27-47 (music at the dedication of Jerusalem's wall); Amos 6:5 (instruments like David's).

1 Chronicles 15:25-26

So David and 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 rejoicing. And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.

In-depth-analysis

God Helped the Levites: This is a key theological statement. Their success was not due to their own strength or perfect procedure alone, but to God's gracious assistance. It signals divine approval, contrasting with the "breach" from the first attempt. God enables the service He commands.
Unified Leadership: "David and the elders of Israel and the commanders" shows the whole nation, through its representatives, is united in this act. It is not just a project for David or the Levites, but a national recommitment.
Sacrifice of Thanksgiving: The sacrifices here are offered not at the beginning, but once the journey is successfully underway. They function as a grateful response to God's help and an acknowledgment of His acceptance of their renewed, obedient worship. The number seven signifies completeness and perfection.

Bible references

Psalm 127:1: 'Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.' (The principle that human effort is futile without divine help).
Philippians 2:13: '...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.' (A New Testament expression of God enabling the believer's work).

Cross references

2 Sam 6:13 (sacrifice after six paces); Ezra 6:17 (sacrifices at temple dedication); Num 23:1 (seven altars, seven bulls, seven rams).

1 Chronicles 15:27-28

David was clothed with a fine linen robe, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the leader of the music of the singers. And David wore a linen ephod. So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, with the sound of the horn, the trumpets, and the cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres.

In-depth-analysis

Fine Linen: A material associated with purity and priestly garments (Ex 28:42). By wearing it along with the Levites, David identifies with them in the holy task, blurring the line between monarch and minister in a unique way.
Linen Ephod: The ephod was a priestly garment. While not the High Priest's ornate ephod, David wearing it signifies his own priestly role as the mediator and leader of his people's worship. This was controversial but shows his deep personal involvement.
Symphony of Joy: The description captures a multi-sensory experience of overwhelming joy. The sounds of shouts, horns (shofar), trumpets (hatsotsrot), and the full Levitical orchestra all combine to express the nation's unified celebration.

Bible references

2 Samuel 6:14: 'And David danced before the LORD with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod.' (The parallel account emphasizing his ecstatic dance).
Revelation 19:8: '...it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure'— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.' (Fine linen retains its symbolism of purity and righteousness in the NT).

Cross references

Ps 47:5 (God has gone up with a shout); 1 Sam 2:18 (Samuel wearing a linen ephod); Judg 8:27 (Gideon's ephod used wrongly).

1 Chronicles 15:29

And as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David dancing and celebrating, and she despised him in her heart.

In-depth-analysis

A Contrasting Viewpoint: Michal's perspective serves as a narrative foil. While all of Israel rejoices, she feels contempt. She represents a worldly, cynical view of worship that values royal dignity and detached decorum over passionate, uninhibited praise.
Daughter of Saul: The text pointedly identifies her as "daughter of Saul." This links her disdain to the failed legacy of her father's house, which was characterized by a flawed relationship with God and a rejection by Him. Her heart is not aligned with the heart of this new era of worship.
Despised in her heart: Her objection is not a theological one about protocol but a personal one rooted in pride. She cannot comprehend a king making himself so "common" before God and the people. This highlights the humility required in true worship.

Bible references

2 Samuel 6:20-23: '...she said, “How the king of Israel honored himself today...!” ... And David said... "I will make myself yet more contemptible... " And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.' (The full confrontation and its consequence).
Psalm 30:11: 'You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.' (Expresses the kind of personal transformation that results in the worship David displayed).
Luke 18:14: '...for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.' (The spiritual principle that Michal violates and David embodies).

1 Chronicles chapter 15 analysis

The Two Tents: A crucial detail in Chronicles is the simultaneous existence of two centers of worship. David pitches a new tent for the Ark (the presence of God) in Jerusalem (1 Chron 15:1), but the Mosaic Tabernacle with the altar of burnt offering remains at Gibeon under Zadok the priest (1 Chron 16:39-40). This temporary, transitional separation of God's presence (Ark) from the place of atonement (Altar) is unique. It sets the stage for Solomon's Temple, which will finally unite them permanently.
Worship: Both Orderly and Ecstatic: This chapter masterfully holds two truths in tension. Worship requires strict adherence to divine order and reverence for holiness (vv. 1-15). At the same time, true worship is characterized by exuberant, loud, and uninhibited joy and celebration (vv. 16-28). David models both aspects perfectly: he is meticulous about the law and simultaneously unrestrained in his personal praise.
Polemics of Legitimacy: The Chronicler's detailed lists of Levites are a powerful argument for the post-exilic community. By naming the clans and leaders from the time of David, he is creating an unbroken chain of authority, legitimizing the roles, status, and functions of the priests and Levites serving in the Second Temple. It argues that their worship is the restoration of the pure, Davidic model.
David as a Type of Christ: David functions in a priestly capacity (wearing an ephod, blessing the people, offering sacrifice), uniting the offices of King and Priest in a way that foreshadows Jesus Christ, our great High Priest and King. His bringing the presence of God to Jerusalem is a type of Christ bringing the presence of God to humanity.

1 Chronicles 15 summary

After a fatal first attempt, David diligently consults God's law and organizes the Levites to carry the Ark of the Covenant on their shoulders with poles, the divinely prescribed method. Following their consecration, a massive, joyful procession marked by music, sacrifice, and David's own ecstatic dancing successfully brings the Ark into the tent prepared for it in Jerusalem. The event, contrasted by Michal's scorn, establishes Jerusalem as Israel's sacred center and solidifies a model of worship rooted in both holy reverence and exuberant celebration.

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1 Chronicles chapter 15 kjv

¹ 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.
² 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 God, and to minister unto him for ever.
³ 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.
⁴ And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites:
⁵ Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty:
⁶ Of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty:
⁷ Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief and his brethren an hundred and thirty:
⁸ Of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred:
⁹ Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, and his brethren fourscore:
¹⁰ Of the sons of Uzziel; Amminadab the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twelve.
¹¹ And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,
¹² 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.
¹³ For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.
¹⁴ So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.
¹⁵ 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.
¹⁶ And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of music, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.
¹⁷ 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;
¹⁸ 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.
¹⁹ So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;
²⁰ And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;
²¹ And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
²² And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skillful.
²³ And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.
²⁴ 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.
²⁵ 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.
²⁶ 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.
²⁷ 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.
²⁸ Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.
²⁹ 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.

1 Chronicles chapter 15 nkjv

¹ David built houses for himself in the City of David; and he prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched a tent for it.
² Then David said, "No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister before Him forever."
³ And David gathered all Israel together at Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD to its place, which he had prepared for it.
⁴ Then David assembled the children of Aaron and the Levites:
⁵ of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, and one hundred and twenty of his brethren;
⁶ of the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, and two hundred and twenty of his brethren;
⁷ of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, and one hundred and thirty of his brethren;
⁸ of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, and two hundred of his brethren;
⁹ of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and eighty of his brethren;
¹⁰ of the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, and one hundred and twelve of his brethren.
¹¹ And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites: for Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab.
¹² He said to them, "You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, you and your brethren, that you may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it.
¹³ For because you did not do it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order."
¹⁴ So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.
¹⁵ And the children of the Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders, by its poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD.
¹⁶ Then David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy.
¹⁷ So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of their brethren, the sons of Merari, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;
¹⁸ and with them their brethren of the second rank: Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Elipheleh, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the gatekeepers;
¹⁹ the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were to sound the cymbals of bronze;
²⁰ Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with strings according to Alamoth;
²¹ Mattithiah, Elipheleh, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, to direct with harps on the Sheminith;
²² Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful;
²³ Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark;
²⁴ Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, were to blow the trumpets before the ark of God; and Obed-Edom and Jehiah, doorkeepers for the ark.
²⁵ So David, the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-Edom with joy.
²⁶ And so it was, when God helped the Levites who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bulls and seven rams.
²⁷ David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who bore the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah the music master with the singers. David also wore a linen ephod.
²⁸ Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn, with trumpets and with cymbals, making music with stringed instruments and harps.
²⁹ And it happened, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the City of David, that Michal, Saul's daughter, looked through a window and saw King David whirling and playing music; and she despised him in her heart.

1 Chronicles chapter 15 niv

¹ After David had constructed buildings for himself in the City of David, he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it.
² Then David said, "No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD chose them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before him forever."
³ David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the LORD to the place he had prepared for it.
⁴ He called together the descendants of Aaron and the Levites:
⁵ From the descendants of Kohath, Uriel the leader and 120 relatives;
⁶ from the descendants of Merari, Asaiah the leader and 220 relatives;
⁷ from the descendants of Gershon, Joel the leader and 130 relatives;
⁸ from the descendants of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the leader and 200 relatives;
⁹ from the descendants of Hebron, Eliel the leader and 80 relatives;
¹⁰ from the descendants of Uzziel, Amminadab the leader and 112 relatives.
¹¹ Then David summoned Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel and Amminadab the Levites.
¹² He said to them, "You are the heads of the Levitical families; you and your fellow Levites are to consecrate yourselves and bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it.
¹³ It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the LORD our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way."
¹⁴ So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves in order to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel.
¹⁵ And the Levites carried the ark of God with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.
¹⁶ David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their fellow Levites as musicians to make a joyful sound with musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals.
¹⁷ So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his relatives, Asaph son of Berekiah; and from their relatives the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah;
¹⁸ and with them their relatives next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel, the gatekeepers.
¹⁹ The musicians Heman, Asaph and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals;
²⁰ Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah and Benaiah were to play the lyres according to alamoth,
²¹ and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel and Azaziah were to play the harps, directing according to sheminith.
²² Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it.
²³ Berekiah and Elkanah were to be doorkeepers for the ark.
²⁴ Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah and Eliezer the priests were to blow trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-Edom and Jehiah were also to be doorkeepers for the ark.
²⁵ So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of units of a thousand went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-Edom, with rejoicing.
²⁶ Because God had helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, seven bulls and seven rams were sacrificed.
²⁷ Now David was clothed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and as were the musicians, and Kenaniah, who was in charge of the singing of the choirs. David also wore a linen ephod.
²⁸ So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouts, with the sounding of rams' horns and trumpets, and of cymbals, and the playing of lyres and harps.
²⁹ As the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart.

1 Chronicles chapter 15 esv

¹ David built houses for himself in the city of David. And he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it.
² Then David said that no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the LORD had chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister to him forever.
³ And David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the LORD to its place, which he had prepared for it.
⁴ And David gathered together the sons of Aaron and the Levites:
⁵ of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, with 120 of his brothers;
⁶ of the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, with 220 of his brothers;
⁷ of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, with 130 of his brothers;
⁸ of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, with 200 of his brothers;
⁹ of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, with 80 of his brothers;
¹⁰ of the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, with 112 of his brothers.
¹¹ Then David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar, and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab,
¹² and said to them, "You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites. Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it.
¹³ 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."
¹⁴ So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel.
¹⁵ And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD.
¹⁶ David also commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brothers as the singers who should play loudly on musical instruments, on harps and lyres and cymbals, to raise sounds of joy.
¹⁷ So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari, their brothers, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;
¹⁸ and with them their brothers of the second order, Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel.
¹⁹ The singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were to sound bronze cymbals;
²⁰ Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play harps according to Alamoth;
²¹ but Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to lead with lyres according to the Sheminith.
²² Chenaniah, leader of the Levites in music, should direct the music, for he understood it.
²³ Berechiah and Elkanah were to be gatekeepers for the ark.
²⁴ Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, should blow the trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were to be gatekeepers for the ark.
²⁵ So David and 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 rejoicing.
²⁶ And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.
²⁷ David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as also were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and the singers and Chenaniah the leader of the music of the singers. And David wore a linen ephod.
²⁸ So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres.
²⁹ And as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David dancing and celebrating, and she despised him in her heart.

1 Chronicles chapter 15 nlt

¹ David now built several buildings for himself in the City of David. He also prepared a place for the Ark of God and set up a special tent for it.
² Then he commanded, "No one except the Levites may carry the Ark of God. The LORD has chosen them to carry the Ark of the LORD and to serve him forever."
³ Then David summoned all Israel to Jerusalem to bring the Ark of the LORD to the place he had prepared for it.
⁴ This is the number of the descendants of Aaron (the priests) and the Levites who were called together:
⁵ From the clan of Kohath, 120, with Uriel as their leader.
⁶ From the clan of Merari, 220, with Asaiah as their leader.
⁷ From the clan of Gershon, 130, with Joel as their leader.
⁸ From the descendants of Elizaphan, 200, with Shemaiah as their leader.
⁹ From the descendants of Hebron, 80, with Eliel as their leader.
¹⁰ From the descendants of Uzziel, 112, with Amminadab as their leader.
¹¹ Then David summoned the priests, Zadok and Abiathar, and these Levite leaders: Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab.
¹² He said to them, "You are the leaders of the Levite families. You must purify yourselves and all your fellow Levites, so you can bring the Ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it.
¹³ Because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the LORD our God burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it properly."
¹⁴ So the priests and the Levites purified themselves in order to bring the Ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to Jerusalem.
¹⁵ Then the Levites carried the Ark of God on their shoulders with its carrying poles, just as the LORD had instructed Moses.
¹⁶ David also ordered the Levite leaders to appoint a choir of Levites who were singers and musicians to sing joyful songs to the accompaniment of harps, lyres, and cymbals.
¹⁷ So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel along with his fellow Levites: Asaph son of Berekiah, and Ethan son of Kushaiah from the clan of Merari.
¹⁸ The following men were chosen as their assistants: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers ? Obed-edom and Jeiel.
¹⁹ The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were chosen to sound the bronze cymbals.
²⁰ Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were chosen to play the harps.
²¹ Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were chosen to play the lyres.
²² Kenaniah, the head Levite, was chosen as the choir leader because of his skill.
²³ Berekiah and Elkanah were chosen to guard the Ark.
²⁴ Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer ? all of whom were priests ? were chosen to blow the trumpets as they marched in front of the Ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were chosen to guard the Ark.
²⁵ Then David and the elders of Israel and the generals of the army went to the house of Obed-edom to bring the Ark of the LORD's Covenant up to Jerusalem with a great celebration.
²⁶ And because God was clearly helping the Levites as they carried the Ark of the LORD's Covenant, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.
²⁷ David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who carried the Ark, and also the singers, and Kenaniah the choir leader. David was also wearing a priestly garment.
²⁸ So all Israel brought up the Ark of the LORD's Covenant with shouts of joy, the blowing of rams' horns and trumpets, the crashing of cymbals, and loud playing on harps and lyres.
²⁹ But as the Ark of the LORD's Covenant entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David skipping about and laughing with joy, she was filled with contempt for him.