1 Chronicles 15:1

KJV

¶ And [David] made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David made {H6213} him houses {H1004} in the city {H5892} of David {H1732}, and prepared {H3559} a place {H4725} for the ark {H727} of God {H430}, and pitched {H5186} for it a tent {H168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David erected buildings for himself in the City of David, prepared a place for the ark of God, and set up a tent for it.

Berean Standard Bible

David constructed buildings for himself in the City of David, and he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it.

American Standard Version

AndDavidmade him houses in the city of David; and he prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse encapsulates King David's strategic and spiritual priorities after consolidating his reign in Jerusalem. Having established his own royal dwelling, David immediately turns his attention to the Ark of God, meticulously preparing a dedicated space and pitching a tent for its arrival. This action underscores his profound commitment to centralizing God's presence and worship within the heart of his kingdom, setting the stage for a new era of divine fellowship and national identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 15:1 immediately follows the account of David's secure establishment of his kingship, including his military victories and the construction of his royal palace in Jerusalem, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 14](/1_chronicles/14 "1 Chronicles 14 - David's Reign Established"). This verse marks a crucial transition from political and personal consolidation to spiritual prioritization. It serves as a direct response to the previous, tragic attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - Uzzah and the Ark"), where Uzzah's death highlighted the necessity of adhering strictly to God's prescribed methods for handling sacred objects. Thus, 1 Chronicles 15:1 initiates the narrative of David's second, successful, and meticulously planned effort to bring the Ark, which then flows into the detailed account of its transport and the subsequent celebration in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem") and [1 Chronicles 16](/1_chronicles/16 "1 Chronicles 16 - David's Song of Thanksgiving"). The Chronicler emphasizes David's deliberate actions, contrasting them with the earlier misstep and highlighting the importance of proper worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse is set during the early years of David's united kingdom, after he had conquered Jerusalem from the Jebusites and established it as his political capital, a pivotal event recorded in [2 Samuel 5:6-9](/2_samuel/5-6 "2 Samuel 5:6-9 - David Captures Jerusalem"). For decades, since the time of Eli, the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object symbolizing God's presence and covenant with Israel, had been largely neglected, residing at Kiriath-jearim ([1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - The Ark at Kiriath-Jearim")). David's decision to bring the Ark to Jerusalem was not merely a religious act but also a strategic move to establish Jerusalem as the spiritual heart of the nation, mirroring its political significance. In the ancient Near East, it was common for rulers to centralize religious authority alongside political power. However, David's unique devotion to Yahweh meant this centralization was an act of worship and obedience. The "tent" he pitched was a new, temporary structure in Jerusalem, distinct from the Mosaic Tabernacle which, along with the altar of burnt offering, remained at Gibeon ([1 Chronicles 16:39](/1_chronicles/16-39 "1 Chronicles 16:39 - Zadok and the Tabernacle at Gibeon")), indicating David's immediate desire for God's presence in his capital even before the construction of a permanent Temple.

* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 15:1 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Chronicler's narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **David's God-centered Leadership and Priorities**. Having secured his own dwelling and political stability, David's immediate and primary focus shifts to establishing a proper dwelling for the Ark, symbolizing God's presence. This demonstrates that true leadership prioritizes divine matters and the nation's spiritual well-being above personal comfort or political gain. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Reverence and Intentionality in Worship**. The phrase "prepared a place" explicitly contrasts with the previous careless attempt to move the Ark ([1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death")), underscoring the vital lesson that God's holiness demands meticulous adherence to His commands and a profound sense of awe. Finally, it reinforces the **Centrality of God's Presence and Worship** for Israel's identity and prosperity. By bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, David aimed to make the capital not only a political hub but also the spiritual epicenter of the nation, where God's dwelling would be honored, foreshadowing the future Temple built by [Solomon](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of Solomon's Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **houses (Hebrew, בָּתִּים, _battîm_):** The plural form here indicates not just a single dwelling but a complex of buildings, signifying David's established royal residence and the secure foundation of his reign in Jerusalem. The Chronicler notes this personal achievement only to immediately pivot to David's subsequent, and more significant, spiritual priority: providing a dwelling for God. This juxtaposition subtly highlights David's heart for God's presence over his own material comfort or political grandeur.
* **prepared (Hebrew, וַיָּכֶן, _vayyāḵen_ from כּוּן, _kun_):** This verb carries the sense of establishing, making firm, setting up, or making ready with careful deliberation. Its use here is highly significant, acting as a direct contrast to the hasty and irreverent manner in which the Ark was previously transported, leading to Uzzah's death ([1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death and the Ark")). David's "preparation" signifies a profound lesson learned, emphasizing intentionality, reverence, and adherence to divine protocol in approaching the sacred. It speaks to a renewed commitment to doing things "right" in God's eyes.
* **tent (Hebrew, אֹהֶל, _’ōhel_):** This refers to a temporary, portable dwelling, distinct from the elaborate Mosaic Tabernacle which, along with its altar, remained at Gibeon ([1 Chronicles 16:39](/1_chronicles/16-39 "1 Chronicles 16:39 - The Tabernacle at Gibeon")). David's pitching of a new "tent" in Jerusalem for the Ark demonstrates his immediate desire to bring God's presence into the heart of his capital, even before the construction of a permanent Temple by Solomon. It signifies a provisional yet dedicated sanctuary, emphasizing the Ark's centrality to the nation's spiritual life and the accessibility of God's presence in the new capital.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [David] made him houses in the city of David":** This opening clause establishes David's personal and political achievements. Having successfully captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites and renamed it the "City of David," he secured his reign by constructing a royal residence, signifying his established authority and personal comfort. The Chronicler highlights this accomplishment as a backdrop, immediately pivoting to David's subsequent and more significant spiritual endeavor.
* **"and prepared a place for the ark of God":** This phrase marks a crucial transition from David's personal comfort to his profound commitment to God's presence. The verb "prepared" (כּוּן, _kun_) is emphatic, denoting careful, deliberate, and meticulous action. This stands in stark contrast to the previous, ill-fated attempt to move the Ark, where a lack of proper reverence and adherence to divine instructions led to tragedy ([1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death")). David's intentional "preparation" signifies a deep lesson learned and a renewed commitment to approaching God's sacred presence with utmost respect and according to His prescribed ways.
* **"and pitched for it a tent":** This final clause specifies the nature of the "place" David prepared. It was a dedicated, temporary tent, distinct from the Mosaic Tabernacle which remained at Gibeon. This act underscores David's immediate desire to centralize God's presence within his newly established capital. The "tent" served as a provisional sanctuary for the Ark, emphasizing the priority David placed on God's dwelling among His people in Jerusalem, even as he envisioned a more permanent Temple for the future.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 15:1 to convey David's character and the significance of his actions. Firstly, **Juxtaposition** is evident in the immediate succession of David building "houses in the city of David" and then "prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent." This contrast highlights David's priorities, showing that once his personal and political affairs were settled, his primary focus shifted to God's dwelling. This emphasizes his devotion and the centrality of God in his reign. Secondly, the use of active verbs like "made," "prepared," and "pitched" underscores David's **Intentionality and Agency**. These actions are deliberate and purposeful, particularly "prepared," which implicitly **Contrasts** with the previous, hasty, and disastrous attempt to move the Ark in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - Uzzah and the Ark"). This contrast serves to emphasize David's learning from past errors and his renewed commitment to proper reverence. Finally, **Symbolism** is paramount: the "Ark of God" profoundly symbolizes God's tangible presence, His covenant, and His throne among His people. The "tent" itself, a temporary dwelling, symbolizes God's willingness to dwell intimately with His people, even in a provisional capacity, and David's immediate desire to host that divine presence in the heart of his kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 15:1 carries significant theological weight, articulating the profound truth of God's desire for intimate dwelling among His people and the corresponding human responsibility to approach His holiness with reverence and intentionality. David's meticulous "preparation" for the Ark, a stark contrast to his previous failure, underscores the critical theological principle that God's presence is not to be treated casually but demands adherence to His prescribed ways. The Ark, as the tangible symbol of God's covenant, His throne, and His active presence, was central to Israel's identity and well-being. By prioritizing its proper relocation to Jerusalem, David demonstrates a deep understanding of the nation's spiritual foundation resting upon God's dwelling in their midst. This act establishes a crucial precedent for proper worship and highlights the leader's indispensable role in facilitating genuine communion between God and His people, laying the groundwork for the future Temple as the central place of worship.

* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8-9 - Command to Build the Sanctuary")
* [2 Samuel 6:12-15](/2_samuel/6-12 "2 Samuel 6:12-15 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")
* [Psalm 132:8](/psalms/132-8 "Psalm 132:8 - God's Resting Place in Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous actions of King David in 1 Chronicles 15:1 provide enduring principles for contemporary believers. His swift transition from establishing his own royal dwelling to diligently preparing a place for the Ark of God serves as a powerful paradigm for our own lives. It compels us to critically evaluate our priorities: Do we, like David, intentionally and proactively seek to centralize God's presence and purposes in our personal lives, families, and communities, even amidst our own successes and comforts? Furthermore, the emphasis on "prepared" underscores the necessity of intentionality, reverence, and adherence to divine principles in all spiritual endeavors. We are called not to haphazardly engage with God, but to approach Him with thoughtful preparation, learning from past missteps and seeking to honor His holiness. This involves actively "pitching a tent" for God in our modern contexts – creating dedicated space in our schedules for spiritual disciplines, prioritizing His will in our decision-making, and fostering environments where His presence is welcomed and honored.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my top priorities after securing my own comfort and stability? Does God's presence feature prominently?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to be more intentional and "prepared" in my approach to God, learning from past mistakes or casual attitudes?**
* **How can I practically "pitch a tent" for God's presence in my home, workplace, or community today?**

### FAQ
**Why did David build a "tent" for the Ark in Jerusalem instead of bringing it to the existing Tabernacle?**

Answer: David's decision to pitch a new "tent" for the Ark in Jerusalem, rather than bringing it to the existing Mosaic Tabernacle, reflects a complex but intentional theological and practical strategy. The Tabernacle, along with the altar of burnt offering, was located in Gibeon at this time ([1 Chronicles 16:39](/1_chronicles/16-39 "1 Chronicles 16:39 - The Tabernacle at Gibeon")). David had just established Jerusalem as his political capital ([2 Samuel 5:6-9](/2_samuel/5-6 "2 Samuel 5:6-9 - David Captures Jerusalem")) and desired to make it the spiritual capital as well. The Ark of the Covenant, as the most sacred symbol of God's presence and covenant with Israel, was essential for this spiritual centralization. The "tent" was a provisional, yet dedicated, dwelling for the Ark in Jerusalem, allowing God's immediate presence to be in the heart of the new capital. This arrangement allowed for two centers of worship: Gibeon, where the sacrificial system continued under Zadok, and Jerusalem, where the Ark resided, facilitating a distinct focus on God's indwelling presence and the joy of His covenant. This was a temporary measure, anticipating the grand Temple that Solomon would eventually build to house the Ark permanently ([1 Kings 8:1-6](/1_kings/8-1 "1 Kings 8:1-6 - The Ark Enters Solomon's Temple")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The provisional "tent" David pitched for the Ark of God in Jerusalem serves as a profound Old Testament type, pointing forward to the ultimate and perfect dwelling of God with humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as the Ark symbolized God's tangible presence among His people, so Jesus is the very embodiment of God's presence, the Living Word who "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent" among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the true and greater Temple, the ultimate meeting place where God and humanity are reconciled, a reality Jesus Himself declared when speaking of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Through Christ's atoning work, the need for a physical tent or temple is superseded, as God's Spirit now indwells believers, making each one a "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")). This culminates in the glorious vision of the New Jerusalem, where God's dwelling is finally and eternally with His redeemed people, and there is no longer a need for a physical temple because "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Man") and [Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")). David's diligent preparation for a temporary dwelling for God foreshadows God's perfect and permanent dwelling with humanity, fully realized in Christ and His everlasting kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 16:1

¶ So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.

1 Chronicles 17:1

¶ Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD [remaineth] under curtains.

1 Chronicles 17:5

For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this day; but have gone from tent to tent, and from [one] tabernacle [to another].

Psalms 132:5

Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty [God] of Jacob.

1 Chronicles 15:3

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.

Acts 7:46

Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

2 Samuel 13:7

Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to thy brother Amnon's house, and dress him meat.