1 Chronicles 15:2

Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.

Then David {H1732} said {H559}, None ought to carry {H5375} the ark {H727} of God {H430} but the Levites {H3881}: for them hath the LORD {H3068} chosen {H977} to carry {H5375} the ark {H727} of God {H430}, and to minister {H8334} unto him for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

Then David said, "No one but the L'vi'im should carry the ark of God, because ADONAI chose them to carry the ark of ADONAI and to serve him forever."

Then David said, โ€œNo one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.โ€

Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath Jehovah chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:2 (KJV)

1 Chronicles 15:2 is a pivotal verse in King David's reign, marking a significant correction in the handling of the most sacred object in ancient Israel: the Ark of the Covenant. It highlights David's realization of past error and his commitment to proper divine protocol.

Context

This declaration by King David comes after a tragic and humbling event. In his initial attempt to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem, David had arranged for it to be transported on a new cart, a method not prescribed by God's law. This led to the death of Uzzah, who touched the Ark when the oxen stumbled (1 Chronicles 13:10, also detailed in 2 Samuel 6:7). This disaster caused David to pause and reflect on why God's wrath had broken out. He recognized that the previous attempt failed not due to lack of zeal, but due to lack of obedience to God's specific instructions regarding the Ark's transportation.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to Divine Law: The verse underscores the absolute necessity of following God's commandments precisely, especially concerning sacred things and worship. David acknowledges that human intention, however good, cannot supersede divine instruction.
  • The Holiness of God: The Ark symbolized God's presence and His covenant with Israel. Its handling was not to be taken lightly, reinforcing the truth that God is holy and demands reverence and adherence to His established ways.
  • The Distinct Role of the Levites: David explicitly states that "None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites." This refers to the specific instructions given in the books of Exodus and Numbers, which designated the Kohathite clan of the Levites to carry the Ark on poles. This highlights the importance of specific callings and roles within God's service.
  • Learning from Mistakes: David's statement demonstrates a humble willingness to learn from past errors and correct the approach to honoring God. It signifies a turning point from a well-intentioned but improper method to one of careful adherence to God's Word.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hath the LORD chosen" uses the Hebrew verb bachar (ื‘ึธึผื—ึทืจ), which means "to choose," "select," or "elect." This emphasizes that the Levites' role was not self-appointed or humanly devised, but a direct, sovereign appointment by God Himself. Their ministry was not temporary but "for ever," indicating a perpetual covenant responsibility.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Chronicles 15:2 offers several profound lessons:

  • Reverence in Worship: While we no longer carry a physical ark, the principle of approaching God with reverence and according to His revealed will remains. Our worship should be guided by biblical truth, not merely by personal preference or cultural trends.
  • Importance of God's Word: Just as David turned to the Law to understand the proper way to move the Ark, we are called to diligently study and obey God's Word as our guide for life and worship. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for instruction.
  • Learning from Failure: David's example teaches us that even sincere intentions can go awry if not aligned with God's commands. When we err, humility and a return to God's prescribed ways are essential for restoration and blessing.
  • Understanding Spiritual Authority and Roles: The specific designation of the Levites reminds us that God establishes order and specific roles within His church. While the Old Testament Levitical priesthood has been fulfilled in Christ, the New Testament also speaks of spiritual gifts and functions within the body of Christ, all to be exercised according to God's design (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 10:8 (8 votes)

    At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.

  • Deuteronomy 31:9 (5 votes)

    ยถ And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.

  • Jeremiah 33:17 (4 votes)

    ยถ For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel;

  • Jeremiah 33:22 (4 votes)

    As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

  • Numbers 18:1 (4 votes)

    ยถ And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.

  • Numbers 18:8 (4 votes)

    ยถ And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.

  • Joshua 3:3 (3 votes)

    And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.