1 Chronicles 15 16

1 Chronicles 15:16 kjv

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.

1 Chronicles 15:16 nkjv

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.

1 Chronicles 15:16 niv

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.

1 Chronicles 15:16 esv

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.

1 Chronicles 15:16 nlt

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.

1 Chronicles 15 verses

1 Chronicles 15 16 Meaning

This verse details King David's directive to the heads of the Levites, commanding them to appoint specific members from their kin as musicians. Their role was to create music using a variety of instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals—with the explicit purpose of producing loud sounds of joy and gladness. This command underscores the importance of organized, public, and joyous musical worship in the Israelite religious practice, particularly as preparation for the procession of the Ark of the Covenant.

1 Chronicles 15 16 Context

This verse is set during King David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. The first attempt, documented in 1 Chronicles 13, failed tragically because the Ark was not transported according to God's precise instructions, resulting in Uzzah's death. In chapter 15, David, having learned from his error, meticulously ensures that everything is done according to divine law: the Ark is carried by the Levites on poles (1 Chr 15:2), and the priests consecrate themselves. Verse 16 specifically highlights David's foresight in organizing the musical aspect of this sacred procession, establishing an official and joyous worship atmosphere commanded for God's presence. This act not only rectifies past mistakes but also establishes a foundational pattern for future Temple worship in Israel, marking a new era of centralized and orderly worship under God's prescribed ways.

1 Chronicles 15 16 Word analysis

• Then David told: David, the king and "man after God's own heart" (1 Sam 13:14), takes an active leadership role in instituting proper worship. His word carries authority.
• the leaders of the Levites: Hebrew: lĕsarē halleviym (לְשָׂרֵי הַלְוִיִּם). "Sar" means prince, chief, or leader. This refers to the heads of the Levitical families, underscoring the structured, hierarchical nature of divine service and the delegation of authority. The Levites were divinely appointed for tabernacle/temple service, including music (Num 8:14-16).
• to appoint: Hebrew: lĕha‘ămiyd (לְהַעֲמִיד). Means "to cause to stand," "to station," or "to establish." It signifies a formal and deliberate assignment of a role or position. This was not a spontaneous decision but an official command.
• their relatives: Hebrew: ʾeṯ-ʾăḥêhem (אֶת־אֲחֵיהֶם). Literally "their brothers." This emphasizes that the musicians were drawn from within the Levitical tribal kin, maintaining the purity and lineage of those serving in holy tasks. This ensures adherence to hereditary qualifications.
• as musicians: Hebrew: hamĕšôrériym (הַמְשֹׁרְרִים). Literally "the singers." While the verse immediately follows with instruments, this term primarily denotes vocalists. It highlights that the music was fundamentally about vocal praise and singing, with instruments providing accompaniment and emphasis. This signifies a holistic approach to worship through sound.
• to make music with musical instruments: Hebrew: bikhlê-shiyr (בִּכְלֵי־שִׁיר). "Keli" (כְּלִי) means vessel or instrument. "Shir" (שִׁיר) means song or music. This phrase broadly refers to instruments used for producing melodies and songs, showing that music was integral to their worship expression.
• harps: Hebrew: nĕvalim (נְבָלִים). Plural of nevel. A stringed instrument, likely a large lyre or harp, known for its resonant and melodic sound. Often associated with accompanying singing (Psa 33:2).
• lyres: Hebrew: kinnaṙôt (כִּנֹּרוֹת). Plural of kinnor. A smaller, more common stringed instrument than the nevel, frequently used by David himself (1 Sam 16:23). It produced lyrical and contemplative sounds.
• and cymbals: Hebrew: mĕṣiltayiym (מְצִלְתַּיִם). Plural of metsilah. Percussion instruments, brass plates struck together, designed for loud, emphatic, and rhythmic sounds (1 Chr 15:19). Their inclusion points to the high-energy and resounding nature of the intended worship.
• playing loudly: Hebrew: mašmiʿiym lĕhaḡbiyhaʿ (מַשְׁמִיעִים לְהַגְבִּיעַ). Mashmi'im means "causing to sound" or "making audible." Lehagbiha means "to make high," "to elevate," or "to raise loudly." This command specifies the desired volume, indicating a joyful, unreserved expression rather than solemn, hushed tones. It suggests exuberance and intensity in praise.
• to raise sounds of joy: Hebrew: bĕqowl śimḥah (בְּקוֹל שִׂמְחָה). Literally "with a voice/sound of joy." Simcha (שִׂמְחָה) refers to deep gladness, rejoicing, or merriment. The ultimate purpose of this loud instrumental and vocal music was to express and evoke profound happiness and delight in God's presence, particularly during such a monumental occasion as bringing the Ark. It signals celebration and reverence combined.

1 Chronicles 15 16 Bonus section

David’s emphasis on loud and joyful music set a precedent distinguishing Israelite worship from many pagan rites, which could be somber or driven by fear. For David, the bringing of the Ark, symbolizing God's active presence among His people, was a cause for overwhelming jubilation, expressed through a full sensory experience. The selection of Levites for this role, as opposed to any other tribe, reaffirms their dedicated role in sacred service and highlights the careful consideration given to every detail of God’s service, linking back to their anointing as helpers for the tabernacle/temple duties. This practice fostered a deep communal bond, with every person participating in the national celebration of God's presence.

1 Chronicles 15 16 Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:16 illustrates David's spiritual wisdom and organizational genius in establishing appropriate worship protocols. After the painful lesson of Uzzah, David understood that God's presence demands both reverence for His prescribed ways (carrying the Ark properly) and a joyful, unreserved heart. This verse commands the formal integration of loud, organized music as a central component of Israelite worship. The selection of instruments—harps, lyres for melody, and cymbals for rhythm and emphasis—along with vocalists, ensured a rich sonic landscape. The instruction to "play loudly to raise sounds of joy" (a directive unique to the chronicler's account here, emphasizing exuberance) counters any notion of a somber or fear-filled encounter with God. Instead, it posits that the proper response to God's manifest presence is unbridled, communal gladness and exuberant praise. This laid a permanent foundation for temple worship, demonstrating that joy, not just ritual, is a core element of truly worshipping God.