← Back to 1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 15

29 verses

TL;DR

David prepares a special place for the Ark, gathers the Levites and priests, and organizes a musical procession to bring the Ark into Jerusalem, culminating in a joyful celebration that is met with Michal’s disapproval.

Summary

David builds a dedicated hall for the Ark in Jerusalem and pitches a tent for it. He calls only the Levites to carry the Ark, recalling God’s choice of the Levite lineage for this task, and assembles the sons of Aaron and the Levites, naming their chiefs. David instructs the Levites to sanctify themselves and orders the appointment of singers and musicians—Heman, Asaph, Ethan, and others—along with their instruments. The Ark is carried on the Levites’ shoulders with staves, while trumpets and drums echo. A procession follows, led by priests and Levites, and the Ark is transported from Obededom’s house with great joy, accompanied by seven bullocks and rams as offerings. David is clothed in fine linen and an ephod. The people celebrate with shouts, trumpets, cymbals, psalteries, and harps, and as the Ark enters the city, Michal watches from a window and despises David.

Outline
  1. David prepares the Ark’s place and summons the Levites and priests
  2. He organizes leadership and music, appointing singers and instruments
  3. The Ark is carried in a joyous procession, offering sacrifices, and Michal’s reaction
Themes
Divine appointment of the LevitesWorship through music and sacrificeJoyful obedience versus personal disapproval
Keywords
Ark of GodLevitesMusicSacrificeJoyMichalDavidJerusalem
People
DavidLeviUrielAsaiahJoelShemaiahElielAmminadabZadokAbiatharHemanAsaphEthanZechariahBenJaazielShemiramothJehielUnniEliabBenaiahMaaseiahMattithiahEliphelehMikneiahObededomJeielChenaniahBerechiahElkanahShebaniahJehoshaphatNethaneelAmasaiEliezerMichalSaulUzziel
Places
City of DavidJerusalemHouse of Obededom
Things
Ark of GodStavesMusic instruments (psalteries, harps, cymbals, trumpets)Fine linen robeEphodSeven bullocksSeven rams
Key Verses
  • 1 Chronicles 15:15: David appoints the singers and specifies musical instruments for the procession
  • 1 Chronicles 15:26: The Ark’s transport is aided by divine help and accompanied by offerings
  • 1 Chronicles 15:29: Michal’s reaction introduces a contrasting emotional tone to the joyous event
Questions
  • What does the appointment of musicians reveal about the nature of worship in Israel?
  • How does David’s leadership in this event reflect his role as king and as a priestly figure?
  • In what ways does Michal’s reaction challenge or complement the overall narrative of worship?
  • What is the significance of the Ark’s transport from Obededom’s house?
  • How does the use of music and instruments enhance the covenantal celebration?
Sentiment

mixed
Joyful celebration juxtaposed with Michal’s disapproval