1 Chronicles 15 26

1 Chronicles 15:26 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.

1 Chronicles 15:26 nkjv

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.

1 Chronicles 15:26 niv

Because God had helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, seven bulls and seven rams were sacrificed.

1 Chronicles 15:26 esv

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

1 Chronicles 15:26 nlt

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.

1 Chronicles 15 verses

1 Chronicles 15 26 Meaning

This verse describes a specific act of worship and gratitude performed by the Levites during the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It highlights that the success of the Ark's movement was not attributed to human strength or wisdom, but directly to divine intervention – "because God helped the Levites." In response to this grace and assistance, and in acknowledgment of proper obedience, they offered a substantial sacrifice of seven bulls and seven rams. This act underscores the deep reverence and thanksgiving due to the Lord, especially after the prior, disastrous attempt to move the Ark, emphasizing the importance of adherence to God's prescribed ways of worship and service.

1 Chronicles 15 26 Context

This verse is situated within David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. The immediate context, 1 Chronicles 15, details David's meticulous preparations to correct the errors of his previous failure (1 Chron 13), where Uzzah died for touching the Ark. David recognized that the previous attempt failed "because you did not carry it the first time" (1 Chron 15:13), referring to the Levites not carrying it on their shoulders as prescribed by the Law. In this revised attempt, David ensures the Ark is carried by the Levites according to the Lord's instructions (1 Chron 15:2, 14-15). The larger chapter portrays an event of national rejoicing and renewed commitment to proper worship. Historically, this event was pivotal for establishing Jerusalem as Israel's religious and political capital, demonstrating the king's piety and his reliance on divine order for the kingdom's foundation. It highlights the Chronicler's theological emphasis on proper ritual, the role of the priesthood, and God's blessings upon obedience.

1 Chronicles 15 26 Word analysis

• And because God helped: This phrase establishes the foundational reason for the subsequent actions. It signifies divine enablement and grace as the prerequisite for human success in serving God. The Hebrew word for "helped" is ʿāzar (עזר), meaning to aid, assist, support, or deliver. Its use here acknowledges that the successful transport of the Ark was not due to human strength, wisdom, or precaution alone, but to the Lord's active intervention and favor. This stands in stark contrast to the previous, tragic attempt where human error and divine judgment occurred. It emphasizes that service to God, especially sacred tasks, requires divine backing.

• the Levites: This specifies the agents of the action. The Levites were divinely appointed for the sacred service of carrying the Ark and ministering in the tabernacle/temple. Their adherence to the Lord's instructions, specifically regarding the proper method of carrying the Ark (on their shoulders with poles, as outlined in Numbers and Exodus), was critical. Their obedience positioned them to receive God's help.

• who were carrying: Implies the ongoing, diligent action of transporting the Ark according to divine specifications. This contrasts with the previous, unauthorized method of carrying the Ark on a cart, highlighting the importance of obedience to ritual prescriptions.

• the ark of the covenant of the Lord: This object is central to Israel's worship and identity, representing God's throne, His presence among His people, and the stipulations of His covenant with them. The reverent and prescribed handling of the Ark was paramount, as seen by the grave consequences for desecration.

• they sacrificed: This indicates an immediate, voluntary act of worship and gratitude. The Hebrew zāḇaḥ (זָבַח) refers to slaughtering an animal for sacrifice, often implying an offering made in fellowship, thanksgiving, or atonement.

• seven bulls and seven rams: The number "seven" (Hebrew: sheba’) universally symbolizes completeness, perfection, or divine fullness in the biblical worldview. This precise number of animals underscores the magnitude and completeness of their thanksgiving and atonement. Bulls and rams were costly and significant animals, typically used for major sacrifices, burnt offerings, or peace offerings, reflecting the seriousness and value of their expression of worship. This generous offering signifies wholehearted gratitude and solemnity for the Lord's intervention.

• And because God helped...they sacrificed...: This phrase-level analysis underscores a critical theological principle: divine enablement precedes and prompts human worship. The result of God's help was an act of humble, obedient, and grateful sacrifice. It’s a demonstration that success in spiritual undertakings is credited to God, prompting a response of praise and offering. It also points to the reciprocity in the covenant relationship: God blesses and helps those who obey and serve Him correctly, and that blessing leads to further worship.

1 Chronicles 15 26 Bonus section

The act of sacrifice in this verse served multiple purposes: it was a burnt offering, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement; a peace offering, re-establishing or strengthening fellowship with God; and, most prominently, a thank offering for the successful journey. The meticulous adherence to the law in carrying the Ark and the generous, costly sacrifice stand as a strong contrast to casual or presumptuous approaches to the divine. The Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic community, emphasized the importance of proper worship and the Levites' central role in it, subtly teaching that true restoration and divine favor come through adherence to the divine law and through God's empowering help for those who serve Him rightly. The "help" signifies divine protection that guarded them from the consequences that came from disobedience (like Uzzah). This act paved the way for a more permanent and ordered worship in Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 15 26 Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:26 is a pivotal verse, showing the proper response to divine grace and corrected obedience. After the previous tragic attempt where Uzzah died, David and the Levites learned that performing God's work His way is paramount. God's "help" was not just passive observation but active enablement, allowing the Levites to bear the sacred Ark without harm. This success, being entirely dependent on divine aid and strict adherence to God's law regarding the Ark's transportation, elicited a spontaneous, profound act of worship. The specific offering of "seven bulls and seven rams" signifies a complete and perfect act of thanksgiving and dedication. It acknowledged God's active involvement, the sanctity of His presence in the Ark, and the gravity of their responsibilities. This passage emphasizes that true worship flows from a recognition of God's sovereign power and merciful assistance in our obedience, leading to sacrifices not only of animals but also of praise and a life lived in accordance with His will.

Examples for practical usage:

• A believer, after experiencing God's deliverance through a difficult challenge, offers specific and intentional praise and service to the Lord.
• A church congregation, having successfully completed a significant ministry project (e.g., building expansion or outreach), attributes the success to God's guidance and provision, and responds with dedicated worship or a new commitment to discipleship.
• An individual facing a task that seems overwhelming commits it to God, acts in obedience to known principles, and upon seeing God's assistance, expresses tangible gratitude through increased devotion or charitable giving.