1 Chronicles 15 27

1 Chronicles 15:27 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.

1 Chronicles 15:27 nkjv

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.

1 Chronicles 15:27 niv

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.

1 Chronicles 15:27 esv

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.

1 Chronicles 15:27 nlt

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.

1 Chronicles 15 verses

1 Chronicles 15 27 Meaning

1 Chronicles 15:27 details the sacred attire worn by King David, the Levites, the singers, and Chenaniah during the solemn and joyous procession of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. David's clothing, specifically a robe of fine linen and a linen ephod, signifies his profound involvement in worship, his humility before God, and his identification with the sacred service, aligning himself with the Levites who were ministering before the Lord.

1 Chronicles 15 27 Context

This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles chapter 15, which describes David's second and successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. The immediate context, verses 25-29, portrays the grand procession and joyful celebration accompanying the Ark's relocation. Following the disastrous first attempt (1 Chr 13) where Uzzah died for touching the Ark due to improper handling, David meticulously ensured that this time, all protocols for carrying the Ark were strictly followed according to God's law. This included delegating the task to the appointed Levites (Num 4:15) and meticulously organizing the worship, complete with musical instruments, singers, and sacrifices. David's attire in this verse highlights his role not merely as a secular king but as a spiritual leader who participated personally and humbly in the worship of God, setting an example for his people.

1 Chronicles 15 27 Word analysis

• David (דָּוִיד - Dawid): The anointed king of Israel, central to God's covenant promises. His specific attire underscores his personal and spiritual devotion during this sacred event, differentiating him from purely political or military leadership.
• was clothed with (מְעֻטֶּה - me'utteh): A passive participle from the root עָטָה (atah), meaning "to wrap around," "to cover." It suggests that the garment enveloped him, highlighting the solemnity and totality of his participation in the ritual. It can imply being ceremonially draped.
• a robe (מְעִיל - me'il): A mantle or outer garment, often worn by individuals of importance, prophets (1 Sam 15:27, 24:4), or priests (Exod 28:4, Lev 8:7). Here, its context with "fine linen" makes it a sacred, ceremonial vestment.
• of fine linen (בּוּץ - butz): Specifically referring to high-quality white linen, known for its purity, durability, and smooth texture. It was frequently prescribed for priestly garments (Exod 39:28, Lev 16:4) and royal or noble attire (Esth 8:15), symbolizing purity, holiness, and high status in God's service.
• as were all the Levites (כָּל־הַלְוִיִּם - kol ha-Levi'im): This emphasizes David's identification with those divinely appointed for sacred service. Unlike the first attempt where the Ark was carried by cart, here, David ensures the Levites, who were specifically tasked with carrying the Ark and officiating in worship, are properly arrayed and performing their prescribed duties.
• who were carrying the ark (נֹשְׂאֵי הָאָרוֹן - nos'ei ha'aron): The primary duty of the Kohathite Levites (Num 4:15). This detail is crucial in the Chronicler's account, rectifying the earlier error and emphasizing adherence to divine instruction.
• and the singers (הַמְשֹׁרְרִים - ham'shorerim): A distinct group of Levites, formally organized by David for musical worship (1 Chr 9:33, 2 Chr 5:12). Their presence and specific attire underscore the integral role of music in this grand, sacred procession.
• and Chenaniah (כְּנַנְיָהוּ - K'nan'yahu): A specific Levite, mentioned by name for his particular leadership role, highlighting his expertise and prominence in the organization of the musical aspect of the procession. His name means "Yahweh is faithful."
• the leader of the music (שַׂר־הַמַּשָּׂא - sar ha-massa): This precise title describes Chenaniah's specialized role. Sar means "prince," "chief," or "leader." Massa (מַשָּׂא) can mean "burden," "oracle," or in this musical context, "chant" or "chorus," particularly related to the 'lifting' or execution of a vocal or instrumental piece. So, he was the conductor or master of ceremonies for the sacred music.
• of the singers: Further specifying Chenaniah's specific area of musical leadership.
• David also wore (וְדָוִיד חָג֖וּר - v'Dawid chogur): A new clause, specifically mentioning an additional item David wore. Chogur implies "girded with," or "wearing as a close-fitting garment."
• a linen ephod (אֵפוֹד בַּד - ephod bad): The term ephod often refers to the ornate garment of the High Priest (Exod 28), used for divination. However, a "linen ephod" was a simpler, less ornate garment, typically worn by priests in service (1 Sam 2:18, 22:18) and here, by David. It signifies humility, purity, and readiness for sacred service rather than a high priestly function or claim to such. It aligned him visually with the regular priests and Samuel, the humble servant.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites": This crucial phrase highlights David's solidarity with the sacred ministers. It shows his humility and earnestness in seeking God's favor by aligning himself visually and spiritually with those properly authorized for divine service. It elevates the spiritual act above the political pomp.
• "who were carrying the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the leader of the music of the singers": This provides a specific roster of the consecrated individuals, emphasizing the orderly, God-prescribed method of the Ark's transfer and the central role of well-organized, joyous, and skillful worship. It signifies the community of worship, led by appointed Levites.
• "David also wore a linen ephod": This distinct addition emphasizes David's unique devotional status. Unlike the highly embellished High Priest's ephod, David's simpler linen ephod indicated a readiness to serve in a priestly-like capacity, underscoring his kingly role as head over the spiritual life of the nation, while respecting the boundaries of the Levitical priesthood. It signals his complete devotion and self-abasement before the divine Presence.

1 Chronicles 15 27 Bonus section

The Chronicler's inclusion of the detail about David's attire is particularly noteworthy when compared to the parallel account in 2 Samuel 6. While 2 Samuel 6:14 also mentions David wearing a linen ephod, 1 Chronicles 15:27 elaborates, stating he was also clothed in a "robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and the singers." This expanded description in Chronicles emphasizes the complete congruence of David with the entire priestly and Levitical cadre involved in this holy task, elevating the King's piety and legitimizing his authority in the sacred realm. The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic community concerned with restoring proper worship and the priestly order, likely highlighted this to affirm David as the progenitor of proper temple worship, demonstrating that true kingship involves humble, Spirit-led religious devotion, not mere political power. It served as an instructive example for the kings and people of Judah that fidelity to God’s prescribed worship was paramount for national well-being.

1 Chronicles 15 27 Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:27 provides a poignant snapshot of King David's personal reverence and leadership during one of Israel's most significant religious events. By meticulously describing David's attire – a "robe of fine linen" like the Levites, and distinctively, a "linen ephod" – the Chronicler conveys several vital theological points. Firstly, David's choice of humble linen garments, rather than royal regalia, demonstrates his profound humility and submission before the Ark, which represented God's tangible presence. This contrasts with his initial, presumptuous attempt in chapter 13, showing growth and a deepened understanding of divine holiness.

Secondly, his wearing of these garments signifies his identification with the sacred service. By clothing himself like the Levites, who were carrying the Ark according to divine law, David embodies the ideal king-shepherd who personally leads his people in worship and adherence to God's commands. His "linen ephod," in particular, marks him as one dedicated to active, albeit not High Priestly, participation in religious rites. This linen ephod, simple in contrast to the ornate High Priestly ephod, implies a willingness to serve and draw near to God in humble piety. This act prefigures the role of Messiah, who is both King and High Priest, connecting royalty with priestly mediation.

Lastly, the emphasis on precise attire for David, the Levites, the singers, and Chenaniah, the musical director, underscores the Chronicler's persistent theme of proper worship. God desires worship that is both passionate and orderly, spontaneous yet structured according to divine standards. This scene exemplifies joyful, wholehearted reverence, demonstrating how both king and people should approach God's holiness with humility, obedience, and vibrant worship.

Practical examples:

• Leaders setting an example of humility and active participation in worship.
• Recognizing that outward actions (like attire or posture) can reflect inward reverence.
• Embracing purity and devotion in approaching God's presence.