1 Chronicles 15 7

1 Chronicles 15:7 kjv

Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief and his brethren an hundred and thirty:

1 Chronicles 15:7 nkjv

of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, and one hundred and thirty of his brethren;

1 Chronicles 15:7 niv

from the descendants of Gershon, Joel the leader and 130 relatives;

1 Chronicles 15:7 esv

of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, with 130 of his brothers;

1 Chronicles 15:7 nlt

From the clan of Gershon, 130, with Joel as their leader.

1 Chronicles 15 verses

1 Chronicles 15 7 Meaning

This verse details David's careful selection of specific Levites from the family of Gershom, led by Joel as their chief, numbering one hundred and thirty men. Their role was crucial in the meticulously planned second attempt to bring the Ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem, ensuring its transport aligned with divine regulations and reverent worship. It highlights David's obedience to God's law regarding the Ark's movement after the failed first attempt.

1 Chronicles 15 7 Context

1 Chronicles 15 describes David's second and successful attempt to bring the Ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem, following the catastrophic failure of the first attempt (recorded in 1 Chronicles 13) which resulted in Uzzah's death. David learned a crucial lesson about adhering strictly to God's divine instructions concerning the Ark's transport. Therefore, in Chapter 15, great emphasis is placed on preparation: consecrating the priests and Levites, selecting the appropriate individuals for carrying the Ark (which was specifically commanded to be carried on the shoulders of the Kohathite Levites by means of poles), and appointing musical leaders and instrumentalists for a joyous and orderly procession. Verse 7 specifically identifies one group of these appointed Levites, the Gershonites, and their appointed chief, Joël, demonstrating David's meticulous attention to detail in re-establishing proper, God-ordained worship and service. Historically, this event signifies the centralization of religious worship in Jerusalem, solidifying David's kingship and the capital's spiritual importance.

1 Chronicles 15 7 Word analysis

• Of the sons of Gershom:
  • `Gershom` (גֵּרְשׁוֹן, Gershon): One of the three main divisions of the Levites, named after Gershon, the son of Levi (Exod 6:16). Their primary responsibility, according to Mosaic law, involved the coverings, curtains, and hangings of the tabernacle (Num 3:25-26, Num 4:21-28). David’s organization expanded or re-assigned some Levitical duties to fit the new context of established worship and bringing the Ark. Here, Joël's branch of Gershomites participates in the solemn and celebratory procession of the Ark, signifying comprehensive Levitical involvement in this critical spiritual event.
• Joël:
  • `Joël` (יוֹאֵל, Yo'el): Meaning "Yahweh is God." This name indicates a connection to God and devotion. He is designated as a leader for his specific clan in this monumental undertaking. His appointment as 'chief' signifies trust and recognition of his capability to organize and lead this group according to the sacred requirements. The Bible lists several individuals named Joël, this one being specific to the Gershonite lineage involved in the Ark procession.
• the chief:
  • `Chief` (רֹאשׁ, rosh): Literally "head" or "chief." This term implies a leader, overseer, or someone of pre-eminent position or authority within a specific group. It indicates that Joel was not just participating but was a designated leader responsible for his group of one hundred and thirty brethren, ensuring their proper conduct and participation in the procession. This shows David's systematic approach to leadership and organization for the service of God.
• and his brethren:
  • `Brethren`: Refers to fellow Levites from the same tribal lineage and extended family. It emphasizes community and shared heritage and purpose among those appointed for this sacred duty. The phrase highlights a communal, ordered effort under specific leadership.
• one hundred and thirty:
  • This specific number (130) signifies the precision and organized nature of David's preparations. It wasn't a haphazard gathering but a carefully enumerated contingent from the Gershomite family, assigned to contribute to the grandeur and order of the Ark's return. The inclusion of numbers demonstrates meticulous planning and resource allocation for sacred tasks.

• "Of the sons of Gershom, Joël the chief and his brethren one hundred and thirty":
  • This phrase collectively identifies a specific group within the Levites, led by an appointed individual, and precisely enumerates their number. This detailed accounting underscores David's meticulous commitment to performing God's will accurately. After the disaster with Uzzah (1 Chron 13), David learned the vital importance of following God's commands precisely in all matters related to the Ark and divine worship. This group’s participation, under Joël's leadership, demonstrates their consecrated role in supporting the Kohathites who physically bore the Ark (as implied from the command in 1 Chron 15:2), potentially for support, logistics, or even forming part of the ceremonial procession and accompanying musicians (given that singers and musicians were also appointed in subsequent verses). The order and number highlight God’s desire for thoughtful and structured worship.

1 Chronicles 15 7 Bonus section

The careful selection and numbering of these Levites, specifically Joël and his 130 brethren, stands in stark contrast to the casual and unauthorized method employed during the first Ark transport attempt. This shift in methodology from a "new cart" to men carrying on their shoulders by means of poles (Exod 25:12-14), facilitated by specifically consecrated Levites, highlights a pivotal theological principle: the method of worship and service matters to God. It underscores that reverence for God's holiness demands adherence to His instructions, as opposed to relying on human innovation or perceived efficiency. The appointment of "chiefs" within the Levite families also reflects David's commitment to hierarchical leadership and delegation in spiritual service, ensuring accountability and orderly function within God's house.

1 Chronicles 15 7 Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:7 concisely details a key aspect of David's renewed effort to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. Following the earlier failed attempt due to improper handling, David meticulously ensured adherence to God's law. This verse illustrates his careful organizational skill and commitment to divine order. The specific mention of "the sons of Gershom, Joël the chief and his brethren one hundred and thirty" reveals David's precise designation of roles within the Levitical structure. It underscores the concept that serving God, especially in matters of His sacred presence (represented by the Ark), requires not just good intentions but strict obedience, prepared hearts, and an orderly structure. The Levites, including those from Gershom, were God's designated ministers for His holy things, emphasizing that worship is to be conducted according to divine prescription, not human convenience or innovation.