1 Chronicles 15:25

ยถ So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.

So David {H1732}, and the elders {H2205} of Israel {H3478}, and the captains {H8269} over thousands {H505}, went {H1980} to bring up {H5927} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068} out of the house {H1004} of Obededom {H5654} with joy {H8057}.

So David, the leaders of Isra'el and the commanders over thousands went to bring up the ark for the covenant of ADONAI out from the house of 'Oved-Edom with joy.

So David, the elders of Israel, and the commanders of thousands went with rejoicing to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-edom.

So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of Jehovah out of the house of Obed-edom with joy.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:25 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, detailing King David's second, successful attempt to bring the sacred Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. This verse highlights the renewed reverence and joy accompanying the return of God's tangible presence among His people.

Context

This verse follows a previous, disastrous attempt by David to move the Ark, which resulted in the death of Uzzah for touching it (1 Chronicles 13:9-10). That earlier failure taught David and Israel a crucial lesson about handling sacred things according to God's precise instructions, particularly regarding the Levites' role in carrying the Ark on poles (Numbers 4:15). After Uzzah's death, the Ark was left at the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite, where it brought significant blessing to his household for three months. This verse describes David, along with the elders and military captains, embarking on this second endeavor, now with a clear understanding of the proper procedures, leading to a celebration of God's grace and presence.

Key Themes

  • Reverence and Obedience: The successful transport of the Ark underscores the importance of following God's commands precisely. David learned from his past mistake, ensuring the Ark was carried by the appointed Levites as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. This demonstrates a repentant heart and a commitment to proper worship.
  • God's Presence and Blessing: The Ark symbolized God's dwelling among His people and His covenant relationship with them. Its presence brought blessing, as seen in Obed-Edom's house. Bringing it to Jerusalem was an act of seeking God's full presence in the nation's capital.
  • Joy in Worship: The phrase "with joy" is significant. Unlike the previous somber attempt, this move was characterized by exuberant celebration. This joy was a natural outflow of obedience and the recognition of God's favor and presence. The subsequent events, including David's dancing, further emphasize this atmosphere of delight (1 Chronicles 15:29).
  • United Leadership: David did not act alone. The involvement of "the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands" signifies a collective, unified effort from the nation's leadership, emphasizing the national importance of this sacred act.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "joy" here is simchah (ืฉึดื‚ืžึฐื—ึธื”), which denotes a deep sense of gladness, delight, and festivity. It's not merely happiness but often implies a communal, celebratory expression of joy, particularly in the context of worship or divine blessing. The careful mention of "the ark of the covenant of the LORD" emphasizes its unique sacredness and its representation of God's binding agreement with Israel.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Learning from Mistakes: David's example shows the importance of humility and learning from past failures when pursuing God's will. God is gracious when we seek to correct our path and obey Him properly.
  • The Importance of Proper Worship: While we no longer have a physical Ark, the principle of approaching God with reverence, according to His revealed will, remains vital. Our worship should be both joyful and respectful of God's holiness.
  • Joy in God's Presence: When we draw near to God in obedience and faith, His presence brings profound joy and blessing. This joy is a testament to His goodness and our relationship with Him.
  • Leadership in Faith: Leaders, whether in the church, family, or community, have a responsibility to guide others in seeking God's presence and obeying His commands, fostering an environment of reverence and joy.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 6:12 (3 votes)

    ยถ And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that [pertaineth] unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.

  • 2 Samuel 6:23 (3 votes)

    Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:27 (2 votes)

    Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:28 (2 votes)

    And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD.

  • Psalms 100:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

  • Psalms 100:2 (2 votes)

    Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

  • Micah 5:2 (2 votes)

    But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.