King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 15:29 Mean?

1 Chronicles 15:29 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Chronicles 15:29 · KJV

Context

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.

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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 · 23 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 23
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֲרוֹן֙2 of 23

“And it came to pass as the ark”

H727

a box

בְּרִ֣ית3 of 23

“of the covenant”

H1285

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

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 23

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

בָּ֖א5 of 23

“came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

עַד6 of 23
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עִ֣יר7 of 23

“to the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

דָּוִיד֙8 of 23

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וּמִיכַ֨ל9 of 23

“that Michal”

H4324

mikal, saul's daughter

בַּת10 of 23

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

שָׁא֜וּל11 of 23

“of Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

נִשְׁקְפָ֣ה׀12 of 23

“looking out”

H8259

properly, to lean out (of a window), i.e., (by implication) peep or gaze (passively, be a spectacle)

בְּעַ֣ד13 of 23
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

הַֽחַלּ֗וֹן14 of 23

“at a window”

H2474

a window (as perforated)

וַתֵּ֨רֶא15 of 23

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת16 of 23
H853

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

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ17 of 23

“king”

H4428

a king

דָּוִיד֙18 of 23

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מְרַקֵּ֣ד19 of 23

“dancing”

H7540

properly, to stamp, i.e., to spring about (wildly or for joy)

וּמְשַׂחֵ֔ק20 of 23

“and playing”

H7832

to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play

וַתִּ֥בֶז21 of 23

“and she despised”

H959

to disesteem

ל֖וֹ22 of 23
H0
בְּלִבָּֽהּ׃23 of 23

“him in her heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

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 15:29 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 15:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 6:20-232 Samuel 6:16Acts 2:132 Corinthians 5:13Jeremiah 30:19Hebrews 9:4

Places in This Verse

City of DavidSettlement · Modern: City of David · 31.77°N, 35.24°E46 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 15 →

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