1 Chronicles 15 11

1 Chronicles 15:11 kjv

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

1 Chronicles 15:11 nkjv

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

1 Chronicles 15:11 niv

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

1 Chronicles 15:11 esv

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

1 Chronicles 15:11 nlt

Then David summoned the priests, Zadok and Abiathar, and these Levite leaders: Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab.

1 Chronicles 15 verses

1 Chronicles 15 11 Meaning

This verse records King David's directive to the heads of the Levitical families, specifically Zadok and Abiathar (priests), and prominent Levites like Uriel and Asaiah, to consecrate themselves and their fellow Levites. The purpose was to properly transport the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord God of Israel to the designated place David had prepared for it in Jerusalem. This instruction emphasizes the need for ritual purity and adherence to God's divine protocol for handling His sacred presence, following the previous tragic attempt.

1 Chronicles 15 11 Context

This verse is part of King David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. Chapter 15 specifically details the preparations David made for this solemn procession. This stands in stark contrast to the initial, disastrous attempt recounted in 1 Chronicles 13 (and 2 Samuel 6), where the Ark was transported on a new cart, leading to the death of Uzzah for touching it. That tragedy revealed David's oversight regarding God's explicit commands concerning the Ark's transport. Therefore, in 1 Chronicles 15:11, David is not merely commanding a task but ensuring strict adherence to divine protocol, having learned a painful lesson about respecting the holiness of God and His specific instructions for His presence. The historical context underscores the Ark's immense significance as the visible symbol of God's covenantal presence with Israel, embodying His laws and power. Its movement was not a casual event but a profound theological act.

1 Chronicles 15 11 Word analysis

• David: The king of Israel, demonstrating leadership and humility in learning from previous mistakes. He initiates and directs this crucial spiritual undertaking, recognizing his priestly duty as king to ensure proper worship.
• called: Hebrew qara' (קָרָא), meaning "to call, summon, proclaim." Implies an intentional, authoritative summons, not a casual gathering. David is giving direct, urgent instructions.
• Zadok and Abiathar: High priests of the time, representing the legitimate Levitical priesthood. Their involvement signifies the re-establishment of proper priestly leadership in the handling of sacred things. They held keys roles as mediators of God's word and administrators of His worship.
• and for the Levites: These were the chosen tribe, specifically designated by God for temple service, including the care and transport of holy objects. This acknowledges their unique divine calling and responsibility.
• Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab: These are identified as chiefs (or heads of houses/fathers' families) of specific Levitical clans (Kohath, Merari, Gershom). David specifically summoned them, indicating a systematic and organized approach to involve all appropriate leadership within the Levitical structure for the sacred task. This level of detail highlights the meticulous planning, rectifying the casual approach of the first attempt.
• their brethren: Refers to their fellow Levites within their respective clans and the tribe as a whole. This emphasizes communal responsibility and participation in the sacred duty, ensuring that the consecration and proper handling extended beyond the chief priests to all involved.
• Consecrate yourselves: Hebrew qaddesh (קַדֵּשׁ), derived from qadash (קָדַשׁ), meaning "to make holy, to purify, to set apart for sacred use." This was a vital ritual command for approaching God or His holy objects. It involved ceremonial washing, abstinence, and ritual purity, marking a departure from ordinary life to enter God's service. This act of purification was essential for Levites, especially before handling the Ark. It reflected the concept of God's absolute holiness, requiring a corresponding state of holiness from those who served Him.
• bring up: Hebrew ʿālāh (עָלָה), meaning "to go up, ascend, bring up." The Ark was being brought up from Obed-Edom's house to the higher elevation of Jerusalem and David's tabernacle. This verb also has connotations of offering or sacrifice, highlighting the reverential nature of the procession.
• the ark of the covenant of the Lord God of Israel: This full title is used to emphasize its absolute holiness and divine origin.
  • Ark: Hebrew 'aron (אֲרוֹן), a chest. Not just any chest, but divinely designed.
  • of the covenant: Refers to God's covenant with Israel, signified by the tablets of the Law inside the Ark. It represented God's commitment to His people and their reciprocal obligations to Him.
  • of the Lord: Hebrew Yahweh (יְהוָה), the personal, covenantal name of God. Underscores His intimate relationship with Israel.
  • God of Israel: Specifies His unique relationship and rule over His chosen nation. This title highlights that the Ark was the tangible representation of Yahweh's unique presence among Israel, and therefore its handling required divine instruction, not human ingenuity.
• to the place that I have prepared for it: David's preparation indicates careful planning and foresight. This contrasts with the previous spontaneous attempt. It points to a designated, consecrated location for God's dwelling, underscoring that God's presence is ordered, not chaotic. This "place" would ultimately be David's temporary tent (1 Chr 15:1) before Solomon's temple.

1 Chronicles 15 11 Bonus section

The repeated emphasis on specific individuals (Zadok, Abiathar, Uriel, Asaiah, etc.) and their specific lineage (Levites) highlights a strong polemic against the "everyone for themselves" approach implied in the first attempt to bring the Ark, where it was placed on a new cart. This previous failure, and the ensuing death of Uzzah (1 Chr 13:9-10), specifically highlighted that common transport methods (like an ox-cart) were profane for such sacred objects and that unauthorized touch (even with seemingly good intent to steady it) was strictly forbidden. 1 Chronicles 15:11 (and surrounding verses) therefore represents a deliberate return to the specific Mosaic Law given in Numbers 4 concerning the handling of the Ark by the Levites of the family of Kohath, who were explicitly commanded to carry it on poles and never to touch the holy objects directly (Num 4:15). This scene powerfully reaffirms the Old Testament principle that God's holiness demands a specific and divinely ordained approach, a concept later fulfilled and transformed in Christ who, as the ultimate high priest, allows all believers to approach God through His singular act of sanctification.

1 Chronicles 15 11 Commentary

This verse encapsulates David's profound shift in understanding divine protocol following Uzzah's death. It demonstrates that worship and service to God are not matters of human convenience or innovation, but require meticulous adherence to His revealed will. The command to "consecrate yourselves" signifies the essential requirement of holiness for those who draw near to God and His sacred objects. It's a reminder that approaching God demands respect, reverence, and purity, not just good intentions or enthusiasm. The detailed summons of priests and Levites, alongside the emphasis on carrying the Ark correctly—on their shoulders using poles, as per Mosaic Law—shows David's humility in learning and his resolve to ensure the proper, reverent handling of God's covenant presence. This serves as a timeless principle: God defines the terms of communion with Him. Ignoring these boundaries, however well-intentioned, leads to adverse consequences, while obedience fosters His blessing and proper worship.