King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 15:11 Mean?

1 Chronicles 15:11 in the King James Version says “And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eli...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 15:11 · KJV

Context

9

Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, and his brethren fourscore:

10

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

11

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

12

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.

13

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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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached 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 emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Ordained worship according to God's prescription. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ as true temple and worship center.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Ordained worship according to God's prescription challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ as true temple and worship center teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּקְרָ֣א1 of 12

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

דָוִ֔יד2 of 12

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְצָד֥וֹק3 of 12

“for Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

וּלְאֶבְיָתָ֖ר4 of 12

“and Abiathar”

H54

ebjathar, an israelite

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֑ים5 of 12

“the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְלַלְוִיִּ֗ם6 of 12

“and for the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

לְאֽוּרִיאֵ֤ל7 of 12

“for Uriel”

H222

uriel, the name of two israelites

עֲשָׂיָה֙8 of 12

“Asaiah”

H6222

asajah, the name of three or four israelites

וְיוֹאֵ֣ל9 of 12

“and Joel”

H3100

joel, the name of twelve israelites

שְׁמַֽעְיָ֔ה10 of 12

“Shemaiah”

H8098

shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites

וֶֽאֱלִיאֵ֖ל11 of 12

“and Eliel”

H447

eliel, the name of nine israelites

וְעַמִּֽינָדָֽב׃12 of 12

“and Amminadab”

H5992

amminadab, the name of four israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 15:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 15:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 12:281 Samuel 22:20-231 Kings 2:352 Samuel 15:24-292 Samuel 15:351 Kings 2:26

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