King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 15:24 Mean?

1 Chronicles 15:24 in the King James Version says “And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blo...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 15:24 · KJV

Context

22

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

23

And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.

24

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.

25

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.

26

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.

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 · 18 words
וּשְׁבַנְיָ֡הוּ1 of 18

“And Shebaniah”

H7645

shebanjah, the name of three or four israelites

וְיֽוֹשָׁפָ֡ט2 of 18

“and Jehoshaphat”

H3146

joshaphat, an israelite

וּנְתַנְאֵ֡ל3 of 18

“and Nethaneel”

H5417

nethanel, the name of ten israelites

וַֽעֲמָשַׂ֡י4 of 18

“and Amasai”

H6022

amasai, the name of three israelites

וּ֠זְכַרְיָהוּ5 of 18

“and Zechariah”

H2148

zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

וּבְנָיָ֤הוּ6 of 18

“and Benaiah”

H1141

benajah, the name of twelve israelites

וֶֽאֱלִיעֶ֙זֶר֙7 of 18

“and Eliezer”

H461

eliezer, the name of a damascene and of ten israelites

הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים8 of 18

“the priests”

H3548

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

מַחְצְצרִים֙9 of 18

“did blow”

H2690

to trumpet, i.e., blow on that instrument

בַּחֲצֹ֣צְר֔וֹת10 of 18

“with the trumpets”

H2689

a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

לִפְנֵ֖י11 of 18

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לָֽאָרֽוֹן׃12 of 18

“for the ark”

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים13 of 18

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְעֹבֵ֤ד14 of 18
H0
אֱדֹם֙15 of 18

“and Obededom”

H5654

obed-edom, the name of five israelites

וִֽיחִיָּ֔ה16 of 18

“and Jehiah”

H3174

jechijah, an israelite

שֹֽׁעֲרִ֖ים17 of 18

“were doorkeepers”

H7778

a janitor

לָֽאָרֽוֹן׃18 of 18

“for the ark”

H727

a box

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 15:24 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 15:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 16:6Numbers 10:81 Chronicles 15:28Joel 2:152 Chronicles 5:12-13Psalms 81:13

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