King James Version
What Does 1 Chronicles 15:4 Mean?
“And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites:”
Context
2
Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever. None: Heb. It is not to carry the ark of God, but for the Levites
3
And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it.
4
And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites:
5
Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty: brethren: or, kinsmen
6
Of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty:
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **And David assembled.**—He confers separately with the priestly order respecting their part in the procession.
**The children of Aaron.**—The sons of Aaron, *i.e.,* the high priests, Zadok and Abiathar (1Chronicles 15:11).
**The Levites**—*i.e.,* the six chieftains—Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, heads of the clans of Kohath, Merari, and Gershom respectively; and Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab, additional Kohathite chiefs: all the six being at the head of their clansmen (“brethren,” 1Chronicles 15:5-10). There were four Kohathite houses to one of Merari and Gershom, because the sub-tribe of Kohath was the elder house, and had special charge of the Ark and other most holy vessels of the sanctuary (Numbers 4:4).
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 15:4 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 15:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge