About 1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles retells Israel's history from Adam to David, emphasizing the temple, worship, and the Davidic covenant for the returned exiles.

Author: Ezra (traditionally)Written: c. 450-400 BCReading time: ~4 minVerses: 29
GenealogyTempleWorshipDavidic LineDivine FaithfulnessPreparation

King James Version

1 Chronicles 15

29 verses with commentary

Preparations to Move the Ark

And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1) **And David made him houses.**—Or, *and he made* (*i.e.,* finished) *a palace* (plural, intensive) *for himself,* referring back to 1Chronicles 14:1. Others think of fresh buildings required for his additional wives, which is less likely. David had the example of Egyptian and Babylonian monarchs for his palace-building. **City of David.**—Castle of Zion (1Chronicles 11:5; 1Chronicles 11:7). **...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Reign of Azariah, or Uzziah, king of Judah.(1-7) The latter kings of Israel.(8-31) Jotham, king of Judah.(32-38) **Verses 1-7** Uzziah did for the most part that which was right. It was happy for the kingdom that a good reign was a long one.

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. None: Heb. It is not to carry the ark of God, but for the Levites

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Then.**—This word is here a real note of time. It seems to denote the end of the three months’ interval mentioned in 1Chronicles 13:14. **None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites.**—See Numbers 4:5-15, where the Kohathite Levites are appointed to carry the Ark and other sacred objects; and the more definite Deuteronomy 10:8 : “At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi, to b...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Reign of Azariah, or Uzziah, king of Judah.(1-7) The latter kings of Israel.(8-31) Jotham, king of Judah.(32-38) **Verses 1-7** Uzziah did for the most part that which was right. It was happy for the kingdom that a good reign was a long one.

And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it</strong>—After the Uzzah disaster (ch. 13), David learned proper procedure. The phrase <em>asher hekin lo</em> ('which he had prepared for it') indicates David built a proper dwelling. This second attempt features Levitical carriers (v.15) instead of a Philistin...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **And David gathered all Israel.**—Comp. 2Samuel 6:15 : “So David and *all the house of Israel* brought up the ark.” Samuel does not mention Jerusalem as the meeting-place. Of course, only a full *representation* of the people is signified. (Comp. 1Chronicles 13:2; 1Chronicles 13:5.) **Unto his place.**—The Ark’s. The neutral *its* is unknown to the Authorised version.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Reign of Azariah, or Uzziah, king of Judah.(1-7) The latter kings of Israel.(8-31) Jotham, king of Judah.(32-38) **Verses 1-7** Uzziah did for the most part that which was right. It was happy for the kingdom that a good reign was a long one.

And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **And David assembled.**—He confers separately with the priestly order respecting their part in the procession. **The children of Aaron.**—The sons of Aaron, *i.e.,* the high priests, Zadok and Abiathar (1Chronicles 15:11). **The Levites**—*i.e.,* the six chieftains—Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, heads of the clans of Kohath, Merari, and Gershom respectively; and Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab, addition...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. Eastward he inhabited unto the entering in of the wilderness from the river Euphrates--**The settlement was on the east of Jordan, and the history of this tribe, which never took any part in the public affairs or movements of the nation, is comprised in "the multiplication of their cattle in the land of Gilead," in their wars with the Bedouin sons of Hagar, and in the simple labors of pastora...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Reign of Azariah, or Uzziah, king of Judah.(1-7) The latter kings of Israel.(8-31) Jotham, king of Judah.(32-38) **Verses 1-7** Uzziah did for the most part that which was right. It was happy for the kingdom that a good reign was a long one.

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **Of the sons of Kohath.**—Kohath comes first, as the senior clan, to which the priestly house of Aaron itself belonged. (5-7) **Uriel** (*El is light*)*,* **Asaiah** (*Iah made*)*,* **Joel** (*Iah is El*) occur as Levitical names in 1Chronicles 6:24; 1Chronicles 6:30; 1Chronicles 6:33, and elsewhere.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Reign of Azariah, or Uzziah, king of Judah.(1-7) The latter kings of Israel.(8-31) Jotham, king of Judah.(32-38) **Verses 1-7** Uzziah did for the most part that which was right. It was happy for the kingdom that a good reign was a long one.

Of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty:

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11-15. the children of Gad dwelt over against them--**The genealogy of the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh (1Ch 5:24) is given along with that of the Reubenites, as these three were associated in a separate colony.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Reign of Azariah, or Uzziah, king of Judah.(1-7) The latter kings of Israel.(8-31) Jotham, king of Judah.(32-38) **Verses 1-7** Uzziah did for the most part that which was right. It was happy for the kingdom that a good reign was a long one.

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

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11-15. the children of Gad dwelt over against them--**The genealogy of the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh (1Ch 5:24) is given along with that of the Reubenites, as these three were associated in a separate colony.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 15 Chapter Outline Reign of Azariah, or Uzziah, king of Judah.(1-7) The latter kings of Israel.(8-31) Jotham, king of Judah.(32-38) **Verses 1-7** Uzziah did for the most part that which was right. It was happy for the kingdom that a good reign was a long one.

Of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **Of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah.**—Elzaphan was son of Uzziel, the fourth son of Kohath (Exodus 6:18; Exodus 6:22). Of this Kohathite family, Shemaiah was chief in David’s time (1Chronicles 24:6).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11-15. the children of Gad dwelt over against them--**The genealogy of the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh (1Ch 5:24) is given along with that of the Reubenites, as these three were associated in a separate colony.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
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Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, and his brethren fourscore:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Of the sons of Hebron.**—Hebron was third son of Kohath (Exodus 6:18). (Comp. 1Chronicles 6:2, above.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11-15. the children of Gad dwelt over against them--**The genealogy of the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh (1Ch 5:24) is given along with that of the Reubenites, as these three were associated in a separate colony.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
Read full commentary →

Of the sons of Uzziel; Amminadab the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twelve .

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Of the sons of Uzziel.**—Uzziel was fourth son of Kohath (1Chronicles 6:2). Exodus 6:22 names three sons of Uzziel—Mishael, Elzaphan, and Zithri. The family of Elzaphan has already been represented (1Chronicles 15:8). The term “sons of Uzziel,” therefore, in this verse represents the two other Uzzielite houses, which may have amalgamated in one. As Elzaphan is mentioned first, the elder lin...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11-15. the children of Gad dwelt over against them--**The genealogy of the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh (1Ch 5:24) is given along with that of the Reubenites, as these three were associated in a separate colony.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
Read full commentary →

And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) David’s instructions to the eight spiritual chiefs. **Zadok and Abiathar the priests** were of coordinate rank, as representing the two lines of Eleazar and Ithamar. (Comp. Notes on 1Chronicles 6:4, *sqq.,* and 1Chronicles 24:3. ) On 1Chronicles 15:5 the meanings of three of these names have been suggested. Of the others, **Zadok** imports *just,* perhaps equivalent to Zedekiah, *Jah is just;...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16. Sharon--**The term "Sharon" was applied as descriptive of any place of extraordinary beauty and productiveness. There were three places in Palestine so called. This Sharon lay east of the Jordan. **upon their borders--**that is, of Gilead and Bashan: Gilead proper, or at least the largest part, belonged to the Reubenites; and Bashan, the greatest portion of it, belonged to the Manassites. ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
Read full commentary →

And 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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Chief of the fathers.**—*Heads of the father- houses.* They were the heads of the chief divisions in each sub-group of the tribe. **Sanctify yourselves.**—Special purifications appear to have been prescribed in connection with all sacrifice and worship. (Comp. Genesis 35:2; Exodus 19:10; Exodus 19:15; Exodus 30:17-21.) Bathing the person, and washing or changing the garments, and keeping on...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17. All these were reckoned ... in the days of Jotham--**His long reign and freedom from foreign wars as well as intestine troubles were favorable for taking a census of the people. **and in the days of Jeroboam--**the second of that name.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
Read full commentary →

For 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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For 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</strong>—David's confession pinpoints the problem: <em>ki lo' darashnu mishpat</em> ('we sought him not according to the ordinance'). The word <em>mishpat</em> means prescribed manner, the Torah's detailed instructions for handling holy objects (Num 4:15).<br><br>T...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **For because ye did it not at the first.**—The Hebrew seems to mean, *for because on the first occasion it was not you* (that is, the heads of the Levitical houses)—*scil.,* who carried up the ark, but Uzza and Ahio, sons of Abinadab (2Samuel 6:3). The phrase so rendered only occurs here (*lĕmabbārîshônāh =* “because at the first”)*.* **Our God made a breach.**—Broke *out upon us*; referring...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18-22. Hagarites--**or, "Hagarenes," originally synonymous with "Ishmaelites," but afterwards applied to a particular tribe of the Arabs (compare Psa 83:6). **Jetur--**His descendants were called Itureans, and the country Auranitis, from Hauran, its chief city. These, who were skilled in archery, were invaded in the time of Joshua by a confederate army of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half Ma...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
Read full commentary →

So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18-22. Hagarites--**or, "Hagarenes," originally synonymous with "Ishmaelites," but afterwards applied to a particular tribe of the Arabs (compare Psa 83:6). **Jetur--**His descendants were called Itureans, and the country Auranitis, from Hauran, its chief city. These, who were skilled in archery, were invaded in the time of Joshua by a confederate army of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half Ma...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
Read full commentary →

And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God.**—The priests and Levites, having purified themselves (1Chronicles 15:14), duly and rightly discharged their sacred office of bearing the Ark. This statement anticipates 1Chronicles 15:25, *sqq.* Such brief anticipative summaries of a series of events afterwards described in detail are very common in Hebrew narrative. **Upon their shoulde...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18-22. Hagarites--**or, "Hagarenes," originally synonymous with "Ishmaelites," but afterwards applied to a particular tribe of the Arabs (compare Psa 83:6). **Jetur--**His descendants were called Itureans, and the country Auranitis, from Hauran, its chief city. These, who were skilled in archery, were invaded in the time of Joshua by a confederate army of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half Ma...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
Read full commentary →

And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **David spake to the chief.**—*Ordered the chiefs* (*sārîm*)*.* **To appoint their brethren to be the** **singers.**—*To station* or *assign places to their clansmen, the minstrels.* **Psalteries and harps.**—*Harps and lutes,* or *guitars* (*nĕbālîm* and *kinnôrôth*)*.* **Sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.**—So far as grammar goes, the participle *sounding* (Heb., *causing to hear*—...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18-22. Hagarites--**or, "Hagarenes," originally synonymous with "Ishmaelites," but afterwards applied to a particular tribe of the Arabs (compare Psa 83:6). **Jetur--**His descendants were called Itureans, and the country Auranitis, from Hauran, its chief city. These, who were skilled in archery, were invaded in the time of Joshua by a confederate army of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half Ma...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
Read full commentary →

So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **Heman . . . Asaph . . . Ethan** (or Jeduthun) were the precentors of David’s three choirs of Levitical minstrels (1Chronicles 6:31-44). Heman was of Kohath, and Asaph of Gershon, as Ethan of Merari.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18-22. Hagarites--**or, "Hagarenes," originally synonymous with "Ishmaelites," but afterwards applied to a particular tribe of the Arabs (compare Psa 83:6). **Jetur--**His descendants were called Itureans, and the country Auranitis, from Hauran, its chief city. These, who were skilled in archery, were invaded in the time of Joshua by a confederate army of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half Ma...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
Read full commentary →

And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **And with them their brethren of the second degree.**—So 1Chronicles 16:5 : “Asaph the leader, and his second Zechariah.” Fourteen minstrels of the second rank—that is, subordinate to the first three—are named here. **Ben** (son) is not a proper name. That of Zechariah’s father may have fallen out after it (comp. the Syriac and Arabic: “Zechariah *son of Ne’ael”*), or it may be due to a scri...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
Read full commentary →

So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19-21) The minstrels named in 1Chronicles 15:17-18, classified according to their instruments. (19) The cymbal-players. **Were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass.**—Rather, *with cymbals of bronze for clashing.* Furnished with these instruments, the three chiefs were to lead and accentuate the music. 1Chronicles 15:19-25 give the order of the procession thus:— I. The three master-singers, a...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
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And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE ARK. V. Two warders of the Ark. VI. The king, with the heads of the nation. (20) The eight harpers. Perhaps Maaseiah or Benaiah belongs to the next verse. This would give seven (comp. 1Chronicles 15:24) in each band. **Aziel** should be Jaaziel, as in 1Chronicles 15:18. **Jehiel.**—*God liveth.* Jeiel=Jeuel (1Chronicles 9:6; 1Chronicles 9:35), *Remembered of God.* **With psalteries on Alamoth....
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
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And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel. on the: or, on the eighth to oversee

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) The six lute-players. **With harps on the Sheminith.**—**“**With lutes (or lyres) in the bass.” Literally, *after the mode of the eighth*—i.e., an octave below the tenor—*al ottava bassa.* **To excel.**—*To lead* the orchestra, *to precent.* (Comp. Psalms 6, heading.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26. the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul--**the Phalluka of the Ninevite monuments (see on 2Ki 15:19). **and the spirit of Tilgath-pilneser--**the son of the former. By them the trans-jordanic tribes, including the other half of Manasseh, settled in Galilee, were removed to Upper Media. This was the first captivity (2Ki 15:29).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
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And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful. was for: or, was for the carriage: he instructed about the carriage song: Heb. lifting up

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) Rather, *And Chenaniah, captain* (i.e., conductor) *of the Levites in bearing* (that is, the sacred vessels), *was conducting the bearing, because he was skilled*—*scil.,* in the traditional regulations connected with bearing the Ark duly and rightly. **Chenaniah.**—1Chronicles 15:27, and 1Chronicles 26:29. **Chief of the Levites.**—Not one of the six princes (1Chronicles 15:5-10), or heads o...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
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And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark</strong>—The Hebrew <em>sho'arim</em> ('doorkeepers') indicates gatekeepers who regulated access to sacred space. Though seemingly menial, this role required Levitical qualification and carried serious responsibility. These men ensured proper boundaries around God's holy presence.<br><br>Chronicles repeatedly emphasizes 'doorkeepers' (...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **Doorkeepers for the ark.**—“Porters” (1Chronicles 15:18). Warders are meant. Obed-edom and Jehiah were also warders of the Ark (1Chronicles 15:24). In the procession two may have walked in front of it and two behind. They would be responsible for the prevention of all unauthorised approach to the Ark of God.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
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And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) Seven priestly trumpeters. **The priests, did blow with the trumpets.**—*Were blowing.* (Comp. Numbers 10:2.) A pair of silver clarions were blown by the priests “for the calling of the assembly, and the journeying of the camps.” (See also 1Chronicles 16:6.) The seven priests perhaps walked immediately before the Ark, as in Joshua 6:4. *of the Ark,* **And Obed-edom and Jehiah were door-keeper...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 8-31** This history shows Israel in confusion. Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared with the state of Israel. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed wickedness of ungodly men. Such is human nature, such are our hearts, if left to themselves, deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. We have reason to be ...
Read full commentary →

The Ark Brought to Jerusalem

So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **SO David, and the elders of Israel.**—Literally, *And it was David and the elders of Israel and princes of the thousands who were walking to bring up the* *Ark,* &c. The preparations for the ceremony are now complete, and the procession starts. A slight change in the Hebrew (omission of the article; so Syriac and one MS. of LXX.) will improve the sense: “And it came to pass, David and the e...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-29** It is good to notice the assistance of Divine Providence, even in things which fall within the compass of our natural powers; if God did not help us, we could not stir a step. If we do our religious duties in any degree aright, we must own it was God that helped us; had we been left to ourselves, we should have been guilty of some fatal errors. And every thing in which we enga...
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And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **When God helped the Levites that bare the ark.**—Comp. 2Samuel 6:13, “And it was so, that when the bearers of the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings” (sing. collect.). God had been adverse to those who conducted the Ark on the former occasion (1Chronicles 13:9), as was inferred from the sudden death of Uzza. Now, when the Levites had undertaken the work in d...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-29** It is good to notice the assistance of Divine Providence, even in things which fall within the compass of our natural powers; if God did not help us, we could not stir a step. If we do our religious duties in any degree aright, we must own it was God that helped us; had we been left to ourselves, we should have been guilty of some fatal errors. And every thing in which we enga...
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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. song: or, carriage

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen.**—Samuel reads, “And David was dancing before *Jehovah* with all might” (Heb.). The Hebrew of our text may be a corruption or intentional alteration of this. The word for “clothed” is the Aramaic (Daniel 3:21, *mĕkurbāl*)*,* which might easily be, by inadvertence or design, substituted for the rare word *mĕkarkēr* (Sam.), “dancing.” **A robe ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 6 1Ch 6:1-48. Line of the Priests. **5. Uzzi--**It is supposed that, in his days, the high priesthood was, for unrecorded reasons, transferred from Eleazar's family to Ithamar's, in which it continued for several generations.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-29** It is good to notice the assistance of Divine Providence, even in things which fall within the compass of our natural powers; if God did not help us, we could not stir a step. If we do our religious duties in any degree aright, we must own it was God that helped us; had we been left to ourselves, we should have been guilty of some fatal errors. And every thing in which we enga...
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Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **Thus all Israel brought.**—*And all Israel were bringing.* Samuel has “and David and all the house of Israel,” and “ark of the Lord.” **Cornet.**—Rather, *trumpet.* The rest of this verse is wanting in Samuel, but all the additional instruments have already been mentioned (1Chronicles 15:16-21). **Trumpets.**—Clarions, or straight trumpets. The last clause should be rendered, “and with clan...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-29** It is good to notice the assistance of Divine Providence, even in things which fall within the compass of our natural powers; if God did not help us, we could not stir a step. If we do our religious duties in any degree aright, we must own it was God that helped us; had we been left to ourselves, we should have been guilty of some fatal errors. And every thing in which we enga...
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And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Theological Analysis:</strong> This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term <em>לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached</em> is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **And it** **came to pass.**—The verse reads in the Hebrew like a modernised form of 2Samuel 6:16. **As the ark of the covenant of the Lord came.**—Rather, *The ark had come so far as to the city, and Michal had looked forth by the lattice, and she saw* . . . **Dancing and playing.**—In the Hebrew two common words have been substituted for the two obsolete ones occurring in Samuel. **Playing....
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 25-29** It is good to notice the assistance of Divine Providence, even in things which fall within the compass of our natural powers; if God did not help us, we could not stir a step. If we do our religious duties in any degree aright, we must own it was God that helped us; had we been left to ourselves, we should have been guilty of some fatal errors. And every thing in which we enga...
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