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1 Chronicles 15

1 Chronicles 15 details King David's second attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This time, David follows the prescribed method for transporting the Ark, having learned from the earlier failed attempt. He appoints Levites to carry the Ark and leads a grand procession marked by joy, music, and sacrifices, demonstrating both reverence and celebration for God's presence among His people.

1 Chronicles 15:1-5 (NKJV)
1 David built houses for himself in the City of David, and he prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched a tent for it.
2 Then David said, “No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the Lord has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister before Him forever.”
3 And David gathered all Israel together at Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the Lord to its place, which he had prepared for it.
4 Then David assembled the children of Aaron and the Levites:
5 of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, and one hundred and twenty of his brethren;

David takes the initiative to prepare a special place for the Ark of the Covenant, signifying his desire for God's presence in Jerusalem. He recognizes that only the Levites are authorized to carry the Ark, following God’s command in the law. His decision to gather all Israel indicates the national importance of this event. By organizing the Levites, specifically the descendants of Aaron and the Kohathites (who were responsible for carrying the holy objects), David demonstrates his commitment to following God's ordained order.

1 Chronicles 15:6-10 (NKJV)
6 of the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, and two hundred and twenty of his brethren;
7 of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, and one hundred and thirty of his brethren;
8 of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, and two hundred of his brethren;
9 of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and eighty of his brethren;
10 of the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, and one hundred and twelve of his brethren.

David continues by organizing the different families of Levites, with leaders named for each group. The emphasis on specific tribes and their leaders shows the careful organization and the important role each family played in ensuring the Ark’s safe transport. Each group is represented in significant numbers, highlighting the seriousness of the occasion and the collaborative effort of the people to bring God's presence to Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 15:11-15 (NKJV)
11 And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites: for Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab.
12 He said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, you and your brethren, that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it.
13 For because you did not do it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order.”
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 bore the ark of God on their shoulders, by its poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord.

David instructs the priests and Levites to sanctify themselves, emphasizing the spiritual preparation required for such a holy task. He acknowledges the previous failure, which resulted in Uzzah’s death, and admits that it happened because they didn’t follow God’s instructions. This humility and correction set the stage for success this time. The Levites follow the correct procedure as commanded by Moses, carrying the Ark on poles rather than a cart, ensuring that they adhere to God’s law.

1 Chronicles 15:16-21 (NKJV)
16 Then David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy.
17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of their brethren, the sons of Merari, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;
18 and with them their brethren of the second rank: Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the gatekeepers.
19 The singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were to sound the cymbals of bronze;
20 Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with strings according to Alamoth;
21 Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah, to direct with harps on the Sheminith.

David also ensures that the event is a joyful celebration. He appoints musicians and singers to accompany the procession, using a variety of instruments to create a resounding sound. The mention of specific individuals responsible for singing and playing instruments shows the careful planning and attention to detail. The inclusion of Obed-Edom, who previously housed the Ark, highlights his continued role in honoring God's presence. The music and joy signify the people's reverence and excitement for God's presence being brought to their city.

1 Chronicles 15:22-24 (NKJV)
22 Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful;
23 Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark;
24 Shebaniah, Josaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, were to blow the trumpets before the ark of God; and Obed-Edom and Jehiah, doorkeepers for the ark.

The roles of each individual in the procession are clearly defined. Chenaniah, known for his musical skill, leads the music, while others serve as doorkeepers or play instruments such as trumpets. This careful organization shows the respect and care taken to ensure everything is done properly, with each person contributing to the celebration. The use of trumpets, a traditional signal of God's presence, adds a solemn and significant element to the procession.

1 Chronicles 15:25-29 (NKJV)
25 So David, the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-Edom with joy.
26 And so it was, when God helped the Levites who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that they offered seven bulls and seven rams.
27 David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who bore the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah the music master with the singers. David also wore a linen ephod.
28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn, with trumpets and with cymbals, making music with stringed instruments and harps.
29 And it happened, as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the City of David, that Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David whirling and playing music; and she despised him in her heart.

The successful transportation of the Ark is marked by joy, reverence, and offerings. David's humility is seen in his simple linen clothing, signifying his equality with the Levites during this sacred moment. The entire nation participates in the celebration, demonstrating their unified joy in bringing God's presence into the city. However, the chapter ends on a sour note, with Michal's disdain for David's enthusiastic worship, foreshadowing future tension. Her reaction contrasts with the joy and reverence shown by David and the people, illustrating different responses to the presence of God.

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