1 Chronicles 15:12

And said unto them, Ye [are] the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, [both] ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto [the place that] I have prepared for it.

And said {H559} unto them, Ye are the chief {H7218} of the fathers {H1} of the Levites {H3881}: sanctify {H6942} yourselves, both ye and your brethren {H251}, that ye may bring up {H5927} the ark {H727} of the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} unto the place that I have prepared {H3559} for it.

and said to them, "You are the clan leaders of the L'vi'im. Consecrate yourselves, both you and your kinsmen, to bring the ark of ADONAI the God of Isra'el up to the place I have prepared for it.

And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it.

and said unto them, Ye are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of Jehovah, the God of Israel, unto the place that I have prepared for it.

Commentary

Context

King David addresses the Levites, specifically their chiefs, before the second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The first attempt (recorded in 1 Chronicles 13 and 2 Samuel 6) ended tragically with Uzza's death because the Ark, a sacred object, was transported on a cart rather than being carried on poles by the appointed Levites, as commanded by God in the Law (e.g., Numbers 4:15). This verse shows David's newfound understanding of the importance of adhering to divine instructions for worship and service, ensuring the proper reverence for the Ark of the LORD.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to Divine Law: David emphasizes following God's specific instructions for handling the Ark, a departure from the previous error. This highlights that zeal alone is insufficient; God requires worship according to His revealed will.
  • Holiness and Purity for Service: The command to "sanctify yourselves" underscores the necessity of spiritual and ritual purity for those who serve God, especially in handling sacred things. It's not just about the method, but the consecrated state of the servant.
  • The Role of the Levites: The verse reaffirms the unique and crucial role of the Levites, specifically the Kohathites, as the designated carriers of the Ark, central to Israel's worship life.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "sanctify yourselves" comes from the Hebrew verb qadash (קָדַשׁ), meaning "to be holy," "to be set apart," or "to consecrate." In this context, it implies both ritual purification (such as washing and abstaining from certain things) and spiritual preparation—a solemn dedication to God for the sacred task at hand. It's about being made fit for God's presence and holy service.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Reverence in Worship: It reminds us that our approach to God, whether in personal devotion or corporate worship, should be marked by reverence and intentionality, not casualness.
  • Preparation for Service: Just as the Levites had to sanctify themselves, those who serve God in any capacity are called to spiritual preparation, seeking purity of heart and purpose. This isn't about ritual washings, but about aligning our lives with God's will (Romans 12:1).
  • Learning from Mistakes: David's humility in learning from the past tragedy and seeking to correct his error provides a powerful example of spiritual growth and the importance of seeking God's way above our own plans.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 35:6

    So kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that [they] may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

  • Exodus 19:14

    And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.

  • Exodus 19:15

    And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at [your] wives.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:14

    So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.

  • Romans 12:1

    ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

  • Romans 12:2

    And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:15

    Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth [day] of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD.
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