Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.
Read it in contextPreparing to Move the Ark
Start reading at 1 Chronicles 15:1 (1 Chronicles 15:1 to 1 Chronicles 15:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations.
15:1And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.
15:2Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.
15:3And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it.
15:4And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites:
15:5Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty:
15:6Of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty:
15:7Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and thirty:
15:8Of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred:
15:9Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, and his brethren fourscore:
15:10Of the sons of Uzziel; Amminadab the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twelve.
15:11And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,
15:12And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it.
15:13For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Ezra is the traditional Jewish attribution. The historical writer or compiler is commonly called the Chronicler; an exact personal identification is not certain. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Chronicles 13:1–16:43): David, Israel's assembly, priests, Levites, musicians, and the households connected with the ark are involved in bringing it to Jerusalem and ordering worship. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The Jewish community after the Babylonian exile, reconnecting its families, worship, and identity with Israel's earlier history. Biblical references: 1 Chronicles 9:1; 1 Chronicles 9:2. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Preparing to Move the Ark. Read 1 Chronicles 15:1 through 1 Chronicles 15:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The genealogies range widely through generations; the narrative then concentrates on David and preparations for the temple. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The tribal lines and settlements range through Israel. David's reign and temple preparations concentrate on Jerusalem. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Preparing to Move the Ark (1 Chronicles 15:1 to 1 Chronicles 15:13).
Start reading at 1 Chronicles 15:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? David's house and promised successor belong to the royal line later connected to Jesus. Preserve the immediate reference to Solomon where temple-building responsibilities are stated. See 1 Chronicles 17:11, 1 Chronicles 22:9, Luke 1:32. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Consider faithful preparation, ordered service, and the contribution of many people to worship. Genealogies describe particular family relationships and should not be turned into a universal ranking of personal worth. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles 15
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The ark's arrival, the promise to David, and accounts of victories establish the setting for the temple preparations.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Chronicles
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
First Chronicles presents genealogies and David's reign with sustained attention to the temple, Levites, and worship. It does not name its compiler. Its selection and arrangement differ from a full chronological biography.
Connection to the wholeDavid arranges materials and personnel and charges Solomon and the people, directing the close of his reign toward the future temple.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.