1 Chronicles 15:10

KJV

Of the sons of Uzziel; Amminadab the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twelve.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the sons {H1121} of Uzziel {H5816}; Amminadab {H5992} the chief {H8269}, and his brethren {H251} an hundred {H3967} and twelve {H8147}{H6240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and from the descendants of 'Uzi'el: 'Amminadav the chief, and 112 of his kinsmen.

Berean Standard Bible

and from the Uzzielites, Amminadab the chief and 112 of his relatives.

American Standard Version

of the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, and his brethren a hundred and twelve.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 15:10 meticulously details the selection of Amminadab, a prominent leader from the Levitical family of Uzziel, along with 112 of his kinsmen, to participate in the sacred task of transporting the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This verse underscores King David's renewed commitment to following God's precise instructions for handling the Ark, a critical step taken after a prior, tragic failure that resulted from disregarding divine protocol. It highlights the importance of specific roles and meticulous preparation within the divinely ordained worship of ancient Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal narrative in 1 Chronicles 15, which describes King David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It immediately follows the general command for the Levites to sanctify themselves and carry the Ark (1 Chronicles 15:2) and precedes the detailed listing of the various Levitical families and their chiefs appointed for this task (1 Chronicles 15:5-10). The preceding chapter, [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - Uzzah and the Ark"), recounts the disastrous first attempt where Uzzah died for touching the Ark, which was being transported on a new cart rather than by the Levites as commanded by Mosaic Law. Chapter 15, therefore, serves as a deliberate corrective, emphasizing obedience to divine instructions, particularly those outlined in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites and the Ark"). The inclusion of specific names and numbers, such as "Amminadab the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twelve," highlights the meticulous planning and adherence to order that characterized this new, reverent approach.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object, representing God's presence among His people. Its proper handling was governed by strict divine laws, primarily found in the Pentateuch, which designated the Kohathite clan of the Levites as its exclusive carriers, using poles inserted through rings (e.g., [Exodus 25:12-15](/exodus/25-12 "Exodus 25:12-15 - Instructions for the Ark's Poles")). The cultural understanding of holiness meant that any deviation from God's prescribed methods for approaching Him or His sacred objects could result in severe consequences, as tragically demonstrated by Uzzah's death ([2 Samuel 6:6-7](/2_samuel/6-6 "2 Samuel 6:6-7 - Uzzah's Death")). David's actions in 1 Chronicles 15 reflect a profound realization of this truth, moving from a well-intentioned but misguided approach to one of strict adherence to the Law. The detailed enumeration of the Levites underscores the highly organized and hierarchical nature of Israelite religious service, where specific families and individuals had defined roles in the national worship.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Order and Obedience**. David's prior failure underscored that good intentions are insufficient without precise adherence to God's revealed will. The meticulous selection and enumeration of the Levites, including the specific mention of Amminadab and his 112 brethren, emphasize the absolute necessity of following divine protocols for sacred service. Secondly, the passage highlights **Specific Roles in Worship and Service**. Each individual, from the prominent chief like Amminadab to every one of his 112 brethren, had a designated and vital function in carrying out this sacred duty. This reflects the biblical principle that every member of God's people has a unique contribution to the collective worship and work of God. Lastly, the context of the Levites sanctifying themselves (as mentioned in [1 Chronicles 15:14](/1_chronicles/15-14 "1 Chronicles 15:14 - Levites Sanctify Themselves")) reinforces the theme of **Preparation and Sanctification** required for approaching a holy God and engaging in His service. Purity, reverence, and careful preparation were non-negotiable for those handling the Ark.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chief (Hebrew, _sar_):** This term denotes a leader, commander, or prince. Its application to Amminadab indicates that he was not merely a participant but held a position of authority and responsibility within the Uzzielite clan. His role was to oversee and guide his brethren in the solemn and dangerous task of carrying the Ark, ensuring the proper execution of the divine command. This highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in sacred service.
* **Uzziel (Hebrew, _‘Uzzî’ēl_):** Meaning "my strength is God" or "God is my strength," Uzziel was one of the sons of Kohath, who was a son of Levi. The Kohathites were specifically designated by God to carry the most holy objects of the Tabernacle, including the Ark (Numbers 3:31; 4:15). The mention of "sons of Uzziel" therefore immediately signifies the correct lineage for this sacred duty, emphasizing adherence to the Mosaic Law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the sons of Uzziel;":** This initial phrase immediately identifies the specific Levitical lineage from which Amminadab and his brethren originate. Uzziel was a son of Kohath, whose descendants were divinely appointed to carry the sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle, including the Ark, on their shoulders. This detail confirms David's adherence to the Law, rectifying the error of the previous attempt.
* **"Amminadab the chief,":** Amminadab is singled out as the leader or "chief" within this particular Uzzielite family group. His prominent mention signifies his authority and the significant responsibility entrusted to him. This highlights the structured and hierarchical nature of the Levitical service, where specific individuals were designated as leaders for various tasks.
* **"and his brethren an hundred and twelve.":** This clause specifies the number of men from Amminadab's clan who were part of this contingent. The precise number, "an hundred and twelve," underscores the meticulous organization and detailed accounting of the Levites involved in the Ark's transport. It emphasizes the collective effort and the participation of a significant number of individuals under their designated leader, all contributing to the proper and reverent handling of the Ark.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary techniques that enhance its meaning and impact. **Enumeration** is prominently used, with the specific mention of "an hundred and twelve" brethren, highlighting the meticulousness and order of David's preparations. This numerical precision contrasts sharply with the earlier, less ordered attempt to move the Ark. The naming of "Amminadab the chief" also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing attention to the specific individuals entrusted with leadership roles in this sacred undertaking. Furthermore, the very act of listing these names and numbers, common in the book of Chronicles, functions as a form of **Validation** and **Legitimacy**, demonstrating that David's actions were now in full compliance with divine law and established Levitical order, thereby ensuring the success and divine approval of the Ark's relocation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The careful selection and enumeration of the Levites in 1 Chronicles 15:10, particularly the sons of Uzziel, underscore a profound theological truth: God is a God of order, and He demands obedience to His revealed will, especially in matters of worship and sacred service. David's previous failure to move the Ark demonstrated that sincere intentions are insufficient without strict adherence to divine protocol. This passage, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder that approaching God and engaging in His work requires reverence, preparation, and a commitment to His prescribed ways, not merely human innovation or convenience. The specific roles assigned to Amminadab as "chief" and his brethren illustrate that every member of the community has a vital, divinely appointed part to play in the collective worship and mission of God's people.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - The Kohathites' Duty to Carry Holy Things")
* [Exodus 25:14](/exodus/25-14 "Exodus 25:14 - Instructions for the Ark's Carrying Poles")
* [1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death and David's Reaction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 15:10, with its detailed account of Amminadab and his 112 brethren, offers timeless lessons for believers today. It calls us to consider the seriousness with which we approach God and His service. Just as David learned the hard way that God's commands are not suggestions but divine mandates, so too are we reminded that our worship, ministry, and daily lives should be characterized by reverence, careful obedience, and a desire to align with God's revealed will. This passage encourages us to value order and preparation in our spiritual endeavors, recognizing that God is holy and deserves our best, offered in the way He prescribes. It also highlights the importance of every individual's contribution within the body of Christ; whether we are in a visible leadership role like Amminadab or one of the many faithful participants, each "brethren" has a crucial part to play in carrying out God's work and bringing His presence into the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I tend to prioritize convenience or good intentions over careful obedience to God's specific instructions?**
* **How does the meticulous preparation of the Levites challenge my own approach to worship and ministry?**
* **Do I recognize and value the diverse roles and contributions of every member within my spiritual community, seeing each as vital to God's work?**

### FAQ

**Why is such a specific detail like "an hundred and twelve" brethren included in the biblical text?**

Answer: The inclusion of precise numbers like "an hundred and twelve" serves several important purposes. Firstly, it underscores the meticulousness and order of David's preparations for transporting the Ark. After the tragic failure in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - Uzzah and the Ark"), David understood the critical importance of adhering to God's exact specifications, which included the proper lineage and number of Levites for the task. Secondly, it highlights the comprehensive nature of the Levitical organization. The Chronicler often emphasizes the detailed structure and roles within Israel's worship system, showcasing how every part of the community was integrated into God's plan. Finally, it lends historical authenticity and verifiability to the account, demonstrating that this was a carefully planned and executed event, not a casual undertaking.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 15:10 details the specific roles of Levites in carrying the Ark of the Covenant, a physical representation of God's presence, it ultimately points forward to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. The Ark, with its mercy seat, foreshadowed Christ as the true propitiation for sin, the place where God's holiness and mercy meet. No longer do we need specific Levites to carry a physical object representing God's presence, for in Christ, God's presence has fully dwelt among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The meticulous obedience and sanctification required of the Levites prefigure the perfect obedience of Christ, who, as our Great High Priest, perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, sanctifying us once for all ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the concept of specific roles within the "sons of Uzziel" finds its ultimate expression in the New Covenant, where all believers, through Christ, are made a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to carry the spiritual presence of God into the world, not on their shoulders, but in their very being, as living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")). Thus, the detailed account in Chronicles serves as a shadow, preparing us to grasp the glorious reality of Christ, who is our Ark, our Temple, and our perfect High Priest, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence and reverence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach God's Throne with Confidence")).

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

Exodus 6:18

And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath [were] an hundred thirty and three years.

1 Chronicles 23:12

The sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.

1 Chronicles 6:22

The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,

1 Chronicles 6:18

And the sons of Kohath [were], Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

Exodus 6:22

And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.