King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 15:16 Mean?

1 Chronicles 15:16 in the King James Version says “And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psal...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 15:16 · KJV

Joy

Context

14

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

15

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.

16

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.

17

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;

18

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 1 Chronicles 15 full chapter

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 · 17 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 17

“spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִיד֮2 of 17

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְשָׂרֵ֣י3 of 17

“to the chief”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַלְוִיִּם֒4 of 17

“of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

לְהַֽעֲמִ֗יד5 of 17

“to appoint”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

אֶת6 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲחֵיהֶם֙7 of 17

“their brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הַמְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים8 of 17

“to be the singers”

H7891

to sing

בִּכְלֵי9 of 17

“with instruments”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

שִׁ֛יר10 of 17

“of musick”

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

נְבָלִ֥ים11 of 17

“psalteries”

H5035

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

וְכִנֹּר֖וֹת12 of 17

“and harps”

H3658

a harp

וּמְצִלְתָּ֑יִם13 of 17

“and cymbals”

H4700

(only dual) double tinklers, i.e., cymbals

מַשְׁמִיעִ֥ים14 of 17

“sounding”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לְהָרִֽים15 of 17

“by lifting up”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

בְּק֖וֹל16 of 17

“the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

לְשִׂמְחָֽה׃17 of 17

“with joy”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

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

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 15:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 13:8Nehemiah 12:362 Chronicles 5:131 Chronicles 16:421 Chronicles 23:5Ezra 3:10-11

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