King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 15:16 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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

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.

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.

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;

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.

Read full chapter →

Topics in This Verse

Joy

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*—*i.e.,* making a loud noise) might refer to the musicians, or to all the instruments mentioned, or to the last kind (the cymbals) only. The third reference is the best, because of the special sense of the verb. (Comp. 1Chronicles 15:19 and Psalm 150:5 : “loud cymbals,” i.e., *cymbals of sound* or *hearing.*) Translate: “harps and lutes and clashing cymbals, in order to swell the sound for gladness:” that is, to express and enhance the rejoicing. (Comp. 2Chronicles 5:13.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 15:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.