1 Chronicles 15 5

1 Chronicles 15:5 kjv

Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty:

1 Chronicles 15:5 nkjv

of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, and one hundred and twenty of his brethren;

1 Chronicles 15:5 niv

From the descendants of Kohath, Uriel the leader and 120 relatives;

1 Chronicles 15:5 esv

of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, with 120 of his brothers;

1 Chronicles 15:5 nlt

From the clan of Kohath, 120, with Uriel as their leader.

1 Chronicles 15 verses

1 Chronicles 15 5 Meaning

This verse specifies Uriel, identified as the chief of the Kohathite Levites, and highlights that one hundred and twenty of his kinsmen were among those selected for the sacred task of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It emphasizes an organized, lineage-specific effort in a holy undertaking according to God's precise instructions.

1 Chronicles 15 5 Context

First Chronicles 15 occurs immediately after David's disastrous initial attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem on an ox-cart (1 Chron 13), which resulted in Uzzah's death for touching it. This previous event was a severe lesson that divine ordinances must be strictly followed. Chapter 15 describes David's corrective action: recognizing the proper method according to Mosaic Law, he now meticulously instructs the Levites to sanctify themselves and carry the Ark on their shoulders, as commanded. This verse, therefore, details a crucial aspect of David's reformed approach: the careful selection and designation of specific Levite families, like the Kohathites, who were divinely appointed for this sacred duty from the time of Moses (Numbers 4), ensuring adherence to God's exact pattern. It underscores a shift from a well-intentioned but improper human effort to one based on divine revelation and specific priestly instruction.

1 Chronicles 15 5 Word analysis

• Of the sons of Kohath (מִבְּנֵי קְהָֽת mi-bə-nê Qəhāṯ):

  • "sons of Kohath": Kohath was the second son of Levi (Exod 6:16, Num 3:17), whose descendants were specifically tasked with carrying the holiest furnishings of the Tabernacle, including the Ark, after they were covered by the priests (Num 3:31, 4:4-15). Their lineage was critical, emphasizing God's established order. The preposition "of" indicates their tribal affiliation and selection from this specific priestly clan. This highlights a deliberate return to Mosaic law concerning sacred transport.

• Uriel (אוּרִיאֵל ʼŪ-rî-’ēl):

  • Meaning: "God is my light" or "Flame of God." This name likely signified his anointing or God's favor upon his role.
  • Significance: Uriel is presented as a chief, a leader among the Kohathites specifically appointed for this task. His identification by name indicates his personal responsibility and prominence in this pivotal event, distinct from his many brethren.

• the chief (הַשָּׂר haś-śār):

  • Meaning: This Hebrew term denotes a leader, prince, captain, or head. It signifies a position of authority and oversight.
  • Significance: Uriel was not just a participant but the appointed leader for the Kohathite contingent responsible for carrying the Ark. His role as "chief" underscores the highly organized and hierarchical structure of the Levites' service, ensuring that someone was specifically accountable for leading his brethren in proper execution of duties.

• and his brethren (וְאֶחָיו wə-’e-ḥāw):

  • Meaning: His kinsmen, fellow members of the Kohathite clan.
  • Significance: This emphasizes that the sacred duty was shared within the appointed lineage, not just performed by individuals. It speaks to tribal unity and shared responsibility in service. It could refer to direct family or broader members of the clan/tribe.

• an hundred and twenty (מֵאָה וְעֶשְׂרִים mê-’āh wə-‘eś-rîm):

  • Meaning: A specific numerical count.
  • Significance: This precise number highlights the meticulous and comprehensive organization behind the movement of the Ark. It shows that David was not merely getting some Levites, but a specific number, implying careful selection, readiness, and a sufficient number of personnel to handle such a sacred and momentous task with dignity and reverence, as opposed to the rushed, improperly manned earlier attempt. The number also signifies the scale and solemnity of the event.

• Words-group Analysis (Implicit within the entire verse): The verse demonstrates David's renewed reverence for God's holiness and His established order. After the devastating consequence of his first, irregular attempt to transport the Ark, he now carefully selects the specifically designated lineage (Kohathites), appoints a specific leader (Uriel), and details a precise number of people to ensure the task is carried out "in the proper way" (1 Chron 15:13), according to the dictates of the Mosaic Law. This signifies a departure from human ingenuity to humble obedience to divine command, recognizing the grave nature of dealing with God's holy presence.

1 Chronicles 15 5 Bonus section

• The detail concerning specific individuals and their exact numbers underscores the highly organized and reverent nature of this new endeavor, in stark contrast to the casual and unauthorized method of the previous attempt that led to Uzzah's death. It reflects David's deep realization that God's ways are not human ways and must be obeyed to the letter.
• This specific verse implicitly contrasts human "good intentions" or pragmatic efficiency (like using an ox-cart) with the precise divine mandate. David’s learning curve demonstrates a polemic against superficial religious actions and for genuine, humble submission to God's holiness and commands.
• The emphasis on the "sons of Kohath" and the naming of a chief like Uriel demonstrates the enduring importance of genealogical records and divine appointments within Israel for proper function of the covenant community.

1 Chronicles 15 5 Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:5 marks a significant shift in David's approach to sacred matters. Following the tragic death of Uzzah (1 Chr 13), which served as a severe rebuke from God concerning the improper handling of the Ark, David returned to divine instruction. This verse, by meticulously identifying "Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty" from the "sons of Kohath," highlights David's newfound commitment to precision and adherence to Mosaic Law. The Kohathites were the designated bearers of the Ark (Num 4:4-15), specifically commanded not to use carts (Num 7:9). The selection of a designated "chief" like Uriel and a specific, substantial number of men underscores the serious and reverent approach David now took. It illustrates that divine service requires not only good intentions but also strict obedience to God's revealed will, meticulous preparation, and respect for the holy nature of His presence and commands. It moves from presumption to humility and proper order in worship.