1 Chronicles 15


1 Chronicles 15 is the fifteenth chapter of the Books of Chronicles in the Hebrew Bible or the First Book of Chronicles in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. The book was compiled from older sources by an unknown person or group, designated by modern scholars as "the Chronicler", and had the final shape established in late fifth or fourth century BCE. This chapter contains the account of successful transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to the City of David in Jerusalem. The whole chapter belongs to the section focusing on the kingship of David.

Text

This chapter was originally written in the Hebrew language. It is divided into 29 verses.

Textual witnesses

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text tradition, which includes the Aleppo Codex, and Codex Leningradensis.
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Alexandrinus and Codex Marchalianus.

Old Testament references

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    Preparing to move the Ark (15:1–13)

This section combines the account in with a list of participating priests and Levites to highlight their roles in carrying the ark. The three traditional priest families, Gershom, Kohath, and Merari, listed in a different order, together with the families of Hebron and Uzziel, and Elizaphan. David announced his intentions to the head priests and Levites, calling upon them to sanctify themselves while referring back to the failed first attempt.

Verse 11

  • "Zadok and Abiathar": two priests who appeared together during the first of part of David's reign ; representing the major priestly families.. Zadok is always mentioned first as being the descendant of Eleazar the third son of Aaron, while Abiathar was descended from Ithamar, the fourth son of Aaron through Eli. The double priesthood came to an end in the reign of Solomon.

    Verse 13

  • " For because you did not do it the first time": could be rendered as "for because on the first occasion it was not you", referring to the heads of the Levitical houses—the first time the ark was carried up by Uzza and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab. The phrase "lĕmabbārîshônāh" is only found here.
  • "Broke out against us" is using the verb "perez".
  • "About the proper order" or "regarding the ordinance" from, ka-. The observance of ordinance is noted in 1 Chronicles 15:15, following Numbers 7:9.

    Moving the Ark to Jerusalem (15:14–29)

The passage includes details of Levitical duties and the Chronicler emphasizes that the relevant instructions were carried out carefully. Musical instruments are prominently described in this passage as well as in ritual liturgies throughout the Chronicles. The number of sacrifices corresponds with the contemporary practices.

Verse 29

  • "Michal, the daughter of Saul": is never declared as David's wife in Chronicles. Her showing of contempt for the ark represent the attitude of Saul's family. This verse summarizes 2 Samuel 6:16–23, omitting the mocking of David by Michal.

    Illustration