1 Chronicles 15:24

KJV

And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah [were] doorkeepers for the ark.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Shebaniah {H7645}, and Jehoshaphat {H3146}, and Nethaneel {H5417}, and Amasai {H6022}, and Zechariah {H2148}, and Benaiah {H1141}, and Eliezer {H461}, the priests {H3548}, did blow {H2690}{H2690} with the trumpets {H2689} before {H6440} the ark {H727} of God {H430}: and Obededom {H5654} and Jehiah {H3174} were doorkeepers {H7778} for the ark {H727}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'vanyahu, Yoshafat, N'tan'el, 'Amasai, Z'kharyahu, B'nayahu and Eli'ezer the cohanim blew the trumpets in front of the ark of God. 'Oved-Edom and Yechiyah were gatekeepers for the ark.

Berean Standard Bible

Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer—the priests—were to blow the trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were also to be guardians of the ark.

American Standard Version

And Shebaniah, and Joshaphat, and Nethanel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow the trumpets before the ark of God; and Obed-edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 15:24 meticulously details the specific roles of priests and Levites during King David's successful second attempt to transfer the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This verse highlights seven priests who blew trumpets, symbolizing reverence and celebration, alongside Obed-Edom and Jehiah, who served as doorkeepers. It underscores the vital importance of all roles in sacred service and David's commitment to proper worship protocols, demonstrating profound respect for God's holiness and the necessity of ordered, joyful participation in His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 15:24 is situated within the Chronicler's detailed account of King David's second, successful endeavor to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. This narrative follows the disastrous initial attempt described in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - Uzzah's Death and the Ark"), where Uzzah's death underscored the severe consequences of improper handling of sacred objects. Chapter 15 meticulously outlines David's careful preparations, emphasizing the consecration of the Levites and priests, their specific instruction to carry the Ark on poles (in accordance with Mosaic Law, as seen in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Levites Bearing the Ark")), and the subsequent joyous procession. This particular verse describes a key moment within that procession, immediately following the appointment of Levites for musical accompaniment ([1 Chronicles 15:16-23](/1_chronicles/15-16-23 "1 Chronicles 15:16-23 - Levites Appointed for Music and Procession")). It precedes the Ark's arrival in Jerusalem and David's subsequent acts of worship and sacrifice ([1 Chronicles 16:1-3](/1_chronicles/16-1-3 "1 Chronicles 16:1-3 - Ark Brought to Jerusalem and David's Worship")). The Chronicler's emphasis on specific names and roles throughout this chapter highlights the ordered, intentional, and reverent nature of this sacred event, starkly contrasting with the impulsive and unauthorized actions that led to the previous failure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant held unparalleled significance in ancient Israel, serving as the tangible representation of God's throne and His covenant presence among His people. Its handling was strictly governed by Mosaic law, particularly concerning its transport by the Kohathite Levites ([Numbers 3:30-31](/numbers/3-30-31 "Numbers 3:30-31 - Kohathites' Duties")). After its capture by the Philistines and eventual return, the Ark had resided in various locations, including Kirjath-jearim for two decades ([1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1-2 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - Ark at Kirjath-jearim")) and then in the house of Obed-Edom for three months ([1 Chronicles 13:14](/1_chronicles/13-14 "1 Chronicles 13:14 - Blessing on Obed-Edom's House")). David's earnest desire to bring the Ark to Jerusalem was central to his vision of establishing a unified religious and political capital for Israel. The act of blowing trumpets, specifically the _chatzozerah_ (silver trumpets), was a distinct priestly function, employed for signaling, assembling the congregation, declaring war, and most notably, for solemn feasts and times of joy ([Numbers 10:1-10](/numbers/10-1-10 "Numbers 10:1-10 - Use of Silver Trumpets")). Doorkeepers, though seemingly occupying a less prominent role than priests, bore significant responsibility for guarding the sanctity and security of sacred spaces, ensuring that only authorized personnel entered and that the sanctity of God's dwelling place was preserved.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes emphasized by the Chronicler. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **proper worship and rigorous obedience to divine instruction**. David's meticulous adherence to the Law, in stark contrast to the previous failure, profoundly illustrates that God's holiness demands reverence, precision, and obedience, rather than human innovation or shortcuts. Secondly, the detailed enumeration of priests and doorkeepers reinforces the theme of **ordered service and the indispensable importance of every role** within the community of faith. Whether one's duty involved the prominent act of blowing trumpets or the seemingly humble task of guarding entrances, each function was presented as vital for the integrity and sanctity of worship. Thirdly, the joyful celebration accompanying the Ark's movement highlights the theme of **God's presence as the ultimate source of blessing and profound joy**. The Ark's arrival in Jerusalem was not merely a logistical relocation but a deeply theological event, signifying God's dwelling among His people and the establishment of His kingdom. The Chronicler consistently emphasizes the centrality of the temple and its worship, framing David's actions as foundational for Israel's spiritual life, a theme further developed in the subsequent preparations for the temple described in [1 Chronicles 22](/1_chronicles/22 "1 Chronicles 22 - David's Preparations for the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priests (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** Refers to the descendants of Aaron, consecrated by God to perform sacred duties within the tabernacle and later the temple. Their roles encompassed offering sacrifices, teaching God's Law, and mediating between God and His people. In this context, their function of blowing trumpets was a distinct priestly prerogative, signifying a sacred announcement, leading the people in worship, and marking the solemnity and joy of the procession before the Ark.
* **Blow (Hebrew, _châtsar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to surround with a stockade," but in its reduplicated form, it specifically refers to the act of trumpeting or blowing on a trumpet. When used in conjunction with trumpets, it denotes sounding them, often for a specific purpose such as signaling an alarm, calling an assembly, or, as here, for ceremonial and celebratory purposes in worship. The act of blowing trumpets before the Ark was a powerful, audible declaration of God's presence and the joyous, yet solemn, nature of the procession.
* **Doorkeepers (Hebrew, _shôwʻêr'_):** These were Levites specifically appointed to guard the gates and entrances of the tabernacle, and subsequently the temple. Their duties included maintaining security, regulating access, and ensuring the sanctity of the holy areas. While their role might appear less outwardly prominent than that of the trumpet-blowing priests, it was absolutely crucial for maintaining the order, purity, and holiness of divine service, underscoring that even seemingly mundane tasks are vital and honored in God's economy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests,":** This precise enumeration of seven specific priests underscores the meticulous planning and strict adherence to divine instruction that characterized this second, successful attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. It highlights the principle of divinely appointed roles and the profound importance of individuals faithfully fulfilling their consecrated duties within the worship of God. The Chronicler's detailed naming of these figures reinforces the historical accuracy of the account and emphasizes the personal involvement of key individuals in this sacred undertaking.
* **"did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God:":** This clause describes a central and highly symbolic act within the procession. The blowing of trumpets by the priests was a solemn and celebratory sound, serving to announce the Ark's movement, signify the palpable presence of God, and lead the people in praise and adoration. It added a majestic and ceremonial element to the event, emphasizing the profound awe and reverence due to the Ark, which represented the very presence and covenant of God among His people.
* **"and Obededom and Jehiah [were] doorkeepers for the ark.":** This final clause identifies two specific individuals, Obed-Edom and Jehiah, and their essential role in the procession. Obed-Edom's inclusion is particularly significant given that the Ark had previously brought immense blessing to his household during its three-month stay ([1 Chronicles 13:14](/1_chronicles/13-14 "1 Chronicles 13:14 - Blessing on Obed-Edom's House")), and his continued service as a doorkeeper demonstrates his sustained faithfulness and dedication. Their function, though less visible than the trumpet-blowing, was indispensable for maintaining the security, sanctity, and proper order of the Ark's immediate vicinity, illustrating the profound truth that all roles, whether prominent or behind-the-scenes, are vital and valued in God's service.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 15:24 to effectively convey its profound message. **Enumeration** is prominently featured, with the explicit listing of seven priests and two doorkeepers by name. This detailed naming not only provides historical specificity and verisimilitude but also powerfully underscores the meticulous organization and the individual accountability inherent in this sacred procession. The act of listing reinforces the theological concept that every participant, regardless of their specific role, was essential to the proper and reverent execution of God's command. There is also a subtle element of **Parallelism** in the verse's structure, contrasting the active, audible, and leading role of the trumpet-blowing priests with the more stationary, guardianship, and supportive role of the doorkeepers. Both groups are presented as equally vital to the Ark's procession, highlighting the diverse yet complementary functions necessary within divine service. Finally, **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the objects and actions described: the trumpets symbolize divine announcement, triumphant celebration, and the manifest presence of God, while the Ark itself is the ultimate symbol of God's covenant, His dwelling among His people, and His sovereign authority. The doorkeepers, in turn, symbolize the necessary boundaries, order, and reverence required in approaching and maintaining the sanctity of the holy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 15:24 profoundly illustrates the Old Testament emphasis on proper worship, divine order, and the sanctity of God's presence. It teaches that approaching God requires not only sincere devotion but also meticulous adherence to His revealed will, a crucial lesson David learned painfully from the first, failed attempt to move the Ark. The detailed roles of both the trumpet-blowing priests and the doorkeepers underscore that every function in God's service, from the most prominent and visible to the seemingly humble and behind-the-scenes, is essential and contributes integrally to the integrity and beauty of worship. This passage powerfully prefigures the New Testament understanding of the church as a unified body with diverse members, each uniquely gifted and called to serve for the common good, all contributing harmoniously to the worship and mission of God. It highlights that true worship involves both joyful, celebratory praise and reverent, obedient awe, acknowledging God's supreme majesty and holiness.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Levites Carrying the Ark")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4-8 "Romans 12:4-8 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ")
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28-29 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Worship with Reverence and Awe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage from 1 Chronicles 15:24 offers timeless and profound lessons for contemporary believers, guiding our approach to faith and service. It powerfully reminds us that our engagement with God, whether in personal devotion or corporate worship, should be characterized by both exuberant, joyful celebration and profound, reverent obedience. Just as King David meticulously learned the critical importance of following God's specific instructions for the Ark's transfer, we too are called to diligently seek God's will and align our lives, our worship, and our ministries with His revealed Word, humbly learning from past mistakes and growing in spiritual maturity. Furthermore, the detailed mention of various roles—from the high-profile trumpet-blowing priests to the steadfast doorkeepers—underscores the profound and liberating truth that every function within the body of Christ is inherently valuable, necessary, and esteemed by God. No role is too small, too mundane, or too insignificant in the grand tapestry of God's kingdom. Whether we are called to lead in visible, public ways or to serve faithfully and diligently behind the scenes, our dedication, faithfulness, and excellence in our assigned tasks contribute immeasurably to the overall health, vitality, and effectiveness of the church, ultimately bringing abundant glory to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's meticulous planning for the Ark's transfer, as detailed in this chapter, challenge or inform your own approach to spiritual disciplines or service within your community?**
* **Considering the distinct yet complementary roles of both the trumpet-blowing priests and the doorkeepers, how do you actively value, affirm, and appreciate the diverse contributions of different members within your faith community?**
* **In what specific ways can your personal worship and corporate gatherings be more intentionally marked by both profound reverence for God's holiness and exuberant, joyful celebration of His manifest presence?**
* **Are there "doorkeeper" roles—unseen, foundational, or supportive tasks—in your life or church that you might be overlooking or underestimating in their crucial importance? How can you better affirm, support, or participate in them?**

### FAQ

**Why was it so important for the priests to blow trumpets before the Ark?**

Answer: The blowing of trumpets by priests was a highly significant and divinely ordained act in ancient Israel, as meticulously outlined in [Numbers 10:1-10](/numbers/10-1-10 "Numbers 10:1-10 - Use of Silver Trumpets"). It served multiple crucial purposes: to signal the assembly of the congregation, to announce solemn feasts and new moons, to sound an alarm for war, and most importantly, to commemorate joyful occasions and acts of worship before the Lord. In the specific context of [1 Chronicles 15:24](/1_chronicles/15-24 "1 Chronicles 15:24 - Priests and Doorkeepers for the Ark"), the trumpets served as a majestic and ceremonial announcement of the Ark's procession, underscoring the profound importance and sacredness of God's presence. It was a powerful, audible expression of praise, celebration, and reverence, adding immense solemnity and joy to the event. This priestly act also served to distinguish this divinely ordained procession from any ordinary movement, signifying that God Himself was being honored, welcomed, and revered in the most fitting manner.

**What was the significance of Obed-Edom and Jehiah being "doorkeepers for the ark"?**

Answer: While perhaps less outwardly prominent than the trumpet-blowing priests, the role of "doorkeepers" (or gatekeepers) was profoundly crucial and highly respected in ancient Israelite worship. These Levites were specifically responsible for guarding the entrances to the sacred spaces, ensuring security, maintaining order, and regulating access to the holy areas of the tabernacle and later the temple. Their presence underscored the inherent sanctity of the Ark and the absolute necessity for proper protocol and reverence in approaching God's holy presence. Obed-Edom's inclusion in this role is particularly significant because the Ark had previously resided in his house for three months, bringing immense and undeniable blessing upon him and his entire household ([1 Chronicles 13:14](/1_chronicles/13-14 "1 Chronicles 13:14 - Blessing on Obed-Edom's House")). His continued service, even in a seemingly less visible role, highlights his unwavering faithfulness, deep commitment, and the lasting impact of God's blessing in his life. It powerfully teaches believers that every role within God's service, no matter how humble or behind-the-scenes, is vital for the proper functioning, order, and reverence of God's house and His sacred service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 15:24, with its vivid depiction of the Ark's solemn and joyful procession, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Ark, serving as the tangible representation of God's presence dwelling among His people, powerfully foreshadows Christ as [Immanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us"). Through His miraculous incarnation, His atoning death, and His triumphant resurrection, Jesus became the true and ultimate dwelling place of God, the perfect tabernacle where God's glory resides in its fullness ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The meticulous order, specific consecrated roles, and reverent actions of the priests and Levites in handling the Ark perfectly point to the perfect, singular, and eternal priesthood of Christ, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered a [single, perfect sacrifice for sins forever](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's Single Sacrifice"), thereby perfecting those who are being sanctified. He is not merely a doorkeeper, but He is the [door itself](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door"), the exclusive means through whom all believers gain direct and unhindered access to God's presence. The joyful celebration, accompanied by the resounding trumpets, anticipates the ultimate and eternal rejoicing at Christ's cosmic triumph and the future glorious consummation of His kingdom, when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess His Lordship ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")). In Christ, the need for a physical Ark is eternally transcended, as believers are now indwelt by the Holy Spirit, becoming [temples of the living God](/2_corinthians/6-16 "2 Corinthians 6:16 - Temples of the Living God"), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, worship, and dedicated service ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Holy Priesthood")).

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 16:6

Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.

Numbers 10:8

And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.

1 Chronicles 15:28

Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

Joel 2:15

Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:

1 Chronicles 15:23

And Berechiah and Elkanah [were] doorkeepers for the ark.

1 Chronicles 15:18

And with them their brethren of the second [degree], Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.

2 Chronicles 5:12

Also the Levites [which were] the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, [being] arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:)