King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 15:28 Mean?

1 Chronicles 15:28 in the King James Version says “Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with tru...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 15:28 · KJV

Context

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.

27

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

28

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.

29

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.

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 · 15 words
וְכָל1 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל2 of 15

“Thus all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מַֽעֲלִים֙3 of 15

“brought up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶת4 of 15
H853

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

אֲר֣וֹן5 of 15

“the ark”

H727

a box

בְּרִית6 of 15

“of the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יְהוָ֔ה7 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בִּתְרוּעָה֙8 of 15

“with shouting”

H8643

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

וּבְק֣וֹל9 of 15

“and with sound”

H6963

a voice or sound

שׁוֹפָ֔ר10 of 15

“of the cornet”

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

וּבַחֲצֹֽצְר֖וֹת11 of 15

“and with trumpets”

H2689

a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

וּבִמְצִלְתָּ֑יִם12 of 15

“and with cymbals”

H4700

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

מַשְׁמִעִ֕ים13 of 15

“making a noise”

H8085

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

בִּנְבָלִ֖ים14 of 15

“with psalteries”

H5035

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

וְכִנֹּרֽוֹת׃15 of 15

“and harps”

H3658

a harp

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 15:28 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 15:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 13:81 Chronicles 15:162 Samuel 6:152 Chronicles 5:12-13Ezra 3:10-11Psalms 150:3-5

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