1 Chronicles 15:16

KJV

And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren [to be] the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} spake {H559} to the chief {H8269} of the Levites {H3881} to appoint {H5975} their brethren {H251} to be the singers {H7891} with instruments {H3627} of musick {H7892}, psalteries {H5035} and harps {H3658} and cymbals {H4700}, sounding {H8085}, by lifting up {H7311} the voice {H6963} with joy {H8057}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David spoke to the chief of the L'vi'im to appoint their kinsmen to be singers making use of musical instruments - lutes, lyres and cymbals - to play loudly and raise sounds of joy.

Berean Standard Bible

David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals.

American Standard Version

And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren the singers, with instruments of music, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding aloud and lifting up the voice with joy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 15:16 details King David's meticulous and divinely guided preparations for the second, successful transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Following a previous tragic failure, David now ensures that the Ark is transported by the Levites, as prescribed by the Law, and establishes a dedicated, organized, and joyful musical worship team. This verse highlights the intentionality, exuberance, and specific roles within Israelite worship, emphasizing music as a central expression of devotion and celebration in God's presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial turning point in David's reign and Israel's spiritual life. Chapter 15 immediately follows the disastrous first attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, which resulted in Uzzah's death because the Ark was transported improperly on a cart rather than by the Levites on poles, as commanded by God ([1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death")). David, having learned a profound and solemn lesson, now meticulously adheres to divine protocol. The preceding verses ([1 Chronicles 15:1-15](/1_chronicles/15-1 "1 Chronicles 15:1-15 - David's Preparations for the Ark")) describe David preparing a place for the Ark, summoning the Levites, sanctifying them, and instructing them on the correct method of carrying the sacred vessel. Verse 16, therefore, marks a further step in this rectified approach, focusing specifically on the establishment of the musical accompaniment for the procession, ensuring that the entire event would be one of reverent and joyful worship, unlike the previous ill-fated attempt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, representing God's throne and His covenant presence among His people. Its proper handling was paramount, rooted in the Mosaic Law given at Sinai ([Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark")). The Levites, specifically the Kohathites, were the divinely appointed tribe responsible for transporting the sanctuary articles ([Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites to Carry Holy Things")). Music played a central and integral role in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often accompanying religious rituals, celebrations, and royal processions. In Israel, music was not merely entertainment but a profound expression of devotion, lament, praise, and prophetic utterance. David, himself a skilled musician and psalmist ([1 Samuel 16:18](/1_samuel/16-18 "1 Samuel 16:18 - David, a Skilled Musician")), understood the power of music to facilitate worship and express the heart's response to God's presence. The establishment of organized musical guilds, as seen here, became a hallmark of Israelite worship, particularly in the Temple era.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **ordered and intentional worship**, demonstrating that approaching God requires careful adherence to His revealed will, not human innovation. David's actions highlight a profound respect for God's holiness and the sacredness of His presence. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the **centrality of music and joyful expression in worship**. The detailed mention of instruments and the command to "lift up the voice with joy" illustrate that worship is meant to be an exuberant, heartfelt, and communal celebration, a theme echoed throughout the [Psalms](/psalms/100-2 "Psalm 100:2 - Serve the Lord with Gladness"). Finally, it reinforces the **divinely appointed role of the Levites** in facilitating public worship, not just through carrying the Ark but also through leading the people in praise. This commitment to proper reverence and joyful adoration ensures that Israel's worship would be truly pleasing to God, contrasting sharply with the previous failure due to disobedience ([1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - The First Attempt to Move the Ark")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Appoint (Hebrew, _nātan'_):** This verb means "to give, put, set, appoint." In this context, it signifies a formal, deliberate, and authoritative assignment of roles. David is not merely suggesting but actively establishing a structured order for the worship, indicating the importance of organized leadership in sacred service. It implies a sense of responsibility and divine mandate for those chosen.
* **Singers (Hebrew, _shār_):** Derived from the verb "to sing," this term refers specifically to those designated to lead in vocal praise. The inclusion of "singers" alongside instrumentalists underscores the dual importance of both vocal and instrumental music in Israelite worship, ensuring a full and rich expression of adoration.
* **Joy (Hebrew, _simḥâ'_):** This word denotes profound gladness, mirth, and rejoicing. Its inclusion here is crucial, transforming the act of worship from a mere duty into an exuberant celebration. This "joy" is not superficial but a deep, uninhibited response to God's presence and faithfulness, particularly significant after the previous tragic attempt to move the Ark. It reflects the theological understanding that true worship flows from a heart filled with the delight of the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David spake to the chief of the Levites":** This opening clause establishes David's direct and authoritative leadership in organizing the worship. As king, he takes responsibility for ensuring that the Ark's transport and the accompanying worship are conducted according to divine instruction, delegating to the appropriate spiritual leaders, the Levites.
* **"to appoint their brethren [to be] the singers with instruments of musick":** This specifies the task: the Levite chiefs are to select and assign members of their own tribe to serve as musicians. This highlights the Levites' exclusive role in sacred service and the intentional organization of worship personnel. The phrase "instruments of musick" is a general category for various musical devices.
* **"psalteries and harps and cymbals":** This provides specific examples of the instruments to be used. Psalteries (likely a type of lyre or lute) and harps were stringed instruments, capable of producing melodic and harmonic sounds, often associated with praise and prophecy. Cymbals, as percussion instruments, provided rhythmic emphasis and a loud, joyful sound, signaling celebration and proclamation. The combination suggests a full, vibrant, and diverse sound.
* **"sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy":** This final phrase describes the manner and spirit of the worship. "Sounding" (Hebrew, _shāma'_) refers to making a loud noise, indicating a robust and uninhibited expression. It is amplified "by lifting up the voice," signifying vocal praise and singing, and crucially, all of this is to be done "with joy." This emphasizes that the worship is not merely technical or ceremonial but is to be characterized by profound gladness and exuberance in God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Enumeration** is evident in the listing of specific musical instruments ("psalteries and harps and cymbals"), which not only provides concrete detail but also emphasizes the richness and variety of the musical accompaniment. The phrase "sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy" uses **Parallelism** and **Emphasis**, as "sounding" and "lifting up the voice" are complementary actions, both culminating in the overarching spirit of "joy." This repetition of the theme of joyful sound serves to underscore the desired emotional and spiritual atmosphere of the worship. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a form of **Instruction** or **Command**, reflecting David's role as a leader who meticulously orders the sacred life of the nation, ensuring that the Ark's arrival is met with appropriate reverence and exuberant celebration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 15:16 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that worship is not a haphazard activity but a divinely ordered and deeply joyful response to God's presence. David's meticulous organization of the Levites and their musical roles underscores that God values intentionality, excellence, and adherence to His revealed will in corporate worship. The emphasis on "joy" highlights that true worship flows from a heart filled with gladness for who God is and what He has done, transforming reverence into exuberant celebration. This verse also foreshadows the elaborate and beautiful Temple worship established by Solomon, which continued to feature organized choirs and instrumentalists, demonstrating a consistent emphasis on the aesthetic and emotional dimensions of praising God. The Levites' specific appointment reminds us of the importance of dedicated service and the proper stewardship of spiritual gifts within the community of faith.

* [Psalm 33:1-3](/psalms/33-1 "Psalm 33:1-3 - Praise the Lord with Music")
* [Psalm 100:1-2](/psalms/100-1 "Psalm 100:1-2 - Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord")
* [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Singing with Gratitude in Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound insights for contemporary worship. It challenges us to consider the intentionality and preparation we bring to our corporate and personal expressions of worship. Just as David meticulously organized the Levites, we are called to offer our best to God, whether through our gifts, our time, or our resources. The emphasis on "joy" reminds us that worship is not a somber obligation but a vibrant celebration of God's goodness, faithfulness, and presence. It encourages us to cultivate hearts of gladness, allowing our praise to be an authentic and exuberant response to His grace. Furthermore, the specific roles assigned to the Levites highlight the importance of recognizing and stewarding diverse gifts within the body of Christ, whether in music, teaching, service, or leadership, all contributing to the building up of the community and the glory of God. Learning from David's initial error and subsequent correction, we are reminded of the ongoing need to align our worship practices with biblical truth, ensuring that our reverence is matched by our joy and our obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's meticulous preparation for worship challenge my own approach to engaging with God, both personally and corporately?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of "joy" in my worship, moving beyond mere duty to heartfelt celebration?**
* **What specific "instruments" or gifts has God given me, and how can I intentionally use them to contribute to the collective worship of the church?**
* **How can our church community better emulate the intentionality and organized approach to worship seen in 1 Chronicles 15:16?**

### FAQ

**Why was music so important in ancient Israelite worship, especially during such a sacred event?**

Answer: Music was not merely an aesthetic addition but an integral, divinely sanctioned component of Israelite worship, particularly during sacred events like the transfer of the Ark. It served multiple purposes: expressing profound emotion (joy, lament, praise), facilitating communal participation, aiding memory of God's acts, and creating an atmosphere conducive to encountering God's presence. In this context, after the previous tragic failure to move the Ark, the organized music and joyful sound were crucial for expressing Israel's renewed reverence, obedience, and exuberant gratitude for God's presence among them. David, himself a skilled musician and psalmist, understood music's power to elevate worship, as seen in many [Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Praise and Lament"), which were often set to music.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 15:16 describes the Old Testament preparations for bringing God's presence (symbolized by the Ark) into Jerusalem, it beautifully foreshadows the ultimate coming of God's presence in Christ. The meticulous organization and joyful worship surrounding the Ark's arrival point to the infinitely greater joy and perfect order established by the advent of Jesus. No longer is God's presence confined to a physical box or a specific city; through Christ, God dwells among us, and within us, by His Spirit ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") and [John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Dwelling with Believers")). The Levites' role in facilitating worship is fulfilled in Christ, who is our great High Priest, making perfect access to God possible for all believers ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). The "joy" of the musicians and singers in 1 Chronicles 15:16 finds its ultimate expression in the "inexpressible and glorious joy" that believers experience in Christ ([1 Peter 1:8-9](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8-9 - Joy in Believing")). Our worship today, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is a spiritual sacrifice of praise, offered not with instruments alone, but with hearts transformed by the gospel, as we anticipate the ultimate worship around the throne of the [Lamb of God](/revelation/5-11 "Revelation 5:11 - Worship of the Lamb") in the new heavens and new earth.

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 13:8

And David and all Israel played before God with all [their] might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

Nehemiah 12:36

And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

1 Chronicles 23:5

Moreover four thousand [were] porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, [said David], to praise [therewith].

2 Chronicles 5:13

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD;

1 Chronicles 16:42

And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. And the sons of Jeduthun [were] porters.

Psalms 149:3

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

Psalms 87:7

As well the singers as the players on instruments [shall be there]: all my springs [are] in thee.