1 Chronicles 15:25

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 15:25 vividly portrays King David's second, meticulously prepared, and joy-filled endeavor to transport the Ark of the Covenant, the sacred emblem of God's presence, from Obed-Edom's residence to Jerusalem. This pivotal event, executed with the unified participation of Israel's leadership, signifies a profound national recommitment to proper worship and a deep reverence for God's holiness, culminating in a triumphant and spiritually rich re-establishment of the divine presence at the heart of Israel's capital.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a critical narrative segment detailing the Ark of the Covenant's relocation. It directly follows David's careful preparations and the explicit instructions given to the Levites regarding the proper, lawful method of carrying the Ark on poles, as mandated by Mosaic Law (cf. [1 Chronicles 15:1-14](/1_chronicles/15-1-14 "1 Chronicles 15:1-14 - David's Preparations for the Ark's Transport")). This deliberate adherence to divine command stands in stark contrast to the tragic first attempt recounted in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - The Disastrous First Attempt to Move the Ark"), where Uzzah's death served as a severe consequence of disregarding God's specific commands for handling the Ark's sacredness. Therefore, the successful journey described in [1 Chronicles 15:25](/1_chronicles/15-25 "1 Chronicles 15:25 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem with Joy") marks a significant turning point, demonstrating David's humble submission and learned obedience, thereby setting the stage for the Ark's permanent placement in Jerusalem and the subsequent plans for the construction of the Temple.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Ark of the Covenant was the preeminent sacred object, embodying God's throne and His covenantal presence among His chosen people. Its handling was strictly governed by intricate Mosaic laws (e.g., [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Instructions for Carrying the Ark")). David's reign was a period characterized by the consolidation of the Israelite nation and the centralization of its religious life, with Jerusalem emerging as both the political and spiritual nexus. Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem was far more than a logistical maneuver; it was a profound theological declaration, signifying God's dwelling at the very core of the nation and validating David's kingship under divine mandate. The collective involvement of "the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands" underscores the unified, national character of this sacred undertaking, reflecting a societal structure where religious and civil leadership were intricately interwoven.

* **Key Themes:** The triumphant relocation of the Ark in this chapter is replete with profound thematic significance. **Obedience to Divine Law** is showcased as paramount, as David's meticulous adherence to the precise instructions for carrying the Ark (cf. [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites")) directly contrasts with the earlier failure and ensures divine blessing. The **Presence of God** is a central theme, with the Ark serving as the tangible symbol of Yahweh's immanence among His people, bringing both holiness and blessing, as vividly demonstrated by the prosperity experienced in Obed-Edom's household (cf. [1 Chronicles 13:14](/1_chronicles/13-14 "1 Chronicles 13:14 - Obed-Edom's Household Blessed by the Ark")). Furthermore, the "joy" mentioned in the verse highlights the theme of **Joy in Righteous Worship**. This joy is not superficial but a deep, communal celebration born from proper reverence and the tangible experience of God's favor, a stark departure from the fear and sorrow that followed Uzzah's death (cf. [1 Chronicles 13:12](/1_chronicles/13-12 "1 Chronicles 13:12 - David's Fear of God After Uzzah's Death")). Finally, the **Unity of Leadership** is emphasized by the inclusion of elders and captains, signifying a collective national commitment to seeking God's presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **David (Hebrew, _Dâvid'_):** As per H1732, this name signifies "loving." In this context, David transcends merely a king; he embodies the repentant leader who has learned from a grievous error (Uzzah's death) and is now committed to executing God's will according to divine instruction. His leadership in this event demonstrates humility, spiritual maturity, and a deep desire to honor God above personal ambition.
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** As per H1285, this term refers to "a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league." In the phrase "ark of the covenant," it emphasizes the Ark's primary purpose as the repository of the tablets of the Law, symbolizing God's binding agreement with Israel. It underscores the foundational relationship between God and His people, established on His terms.
* **Joy (Hebrew, _simchâh'_):** As per H8057, this word denotes "blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival); [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing)." It signifies a profound, often communal, sense of gladness, delight, and festivity. In this context, it is not merely a fleeting emotion but a deep spiritual state, often associated with worship, divine blessing, or the celebration of God's acts of salvation, signifying the appropriate, Spirit-filled response to God's presence when approached with proper reverence and obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands":** This opening clause powerfully highlights the unified and comprehensive nature of the undertaking. King David initiates and leads the endeavor, but he is joined by "the elders of Israel," who represent the civil and spiritual leadership of the various tribes, and "the captains over thousands," signifying the military and administrative leadership. This collective participation underscores the national importance and widespread support for bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, indicating a deliberate learning from the past where David initially acted with less collective counsel and adherence to divine protocol.
* **"went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD":** This phrase clearly states the explicit purpose of their journey. The verb "bring up" (לְהַעֲלוֹת, from H5927 _ʻâlâh_) implies a solemn procession and elevation, signifying the Ark's exalted and sacred status. The full title "the ark of the covenant of the LORD" (combining H727 _ʼârôwn_, H1285 _bᵉrîyth_, and H3068 _Yᵉhôvâh_) reiterates its identity as the central symbol of God's tangible presence and His binding covenant relationship with Israel, emphasizing the supreme sacredness of the object and the gravity of the mission.
* **"out of the house of Obededom":** This specifies the Ark's temporary dwelling place. After the tragic death of Uzzah, the Ark had remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months (cf. [1 Chronicles 13:13](/1_chronicles/13-13 "1 Chronicles 13:13 - The Ark at Obed-Edom's House")), during which time God greatly blessed his household. This detail serves as a powerful testament to the blessings associated with God's presence when properly honored and approached, providing a positive backdrop and encouragement for this second, successful attempt to bring the Ark to its rightful place.
* **"with joy":** This concluding phrase encapsulates the prevailing atmosphere of the entire procession. Unlike the previous attempt, which ended in fear, sorrow, and judgment, this journey is characterized by exuberant "joy" (H8057 _simchâh_). This profound joy is a direct result of humble obedience to God's commands, the successful re-engagement with His holy presence, and the confident anticipation of His continued blessing. It reflects a national celebration of God's faithfulness and their renewed covenant relationship with Him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and emotional resonance. **Narrative Progression** is prominently featured, as this verse marks a crucial advancement in David's overarching efforts to centralize Israel's worship in Jerusalem, building upon the previous failure and demonstrating a learned obedience. **Symbolism** is central to the verse's impact, with "the ark of the covenant of the LORD" serving as the preeminent symbol of God's tangible presence, His absolute holiness, and His enduring covenant relationship with Israel. The Ark's movement is thus not merely physical but deeply theological, representing the re-establishment of God's active dwelling among His people. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between this joyous, successful endeavor and the previous disastrous attempt, powerfully highlighting the dire consequences of disobedience versus the abundant blessings of adherence to divine law. Finally, the inclusion of "the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands" demonstrates **Synecdoche**, where a representative part (the unified leadership) stands in for the whole (the entire nation's collective effort and spiritual commitment).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 15:25 powerfully illustrates the profound theological principle that God's holiness demands reverence and obedience, and when approached rightly, His presence brings profound joy and blessing. David's journey from a misguided, presumptuous attempt to a meticulously obedient one underscores the timeless importance of seeking God on His terms, not ours. The Ark, as the dwelling place of God's presence, was not to be treated casually, but with the utmost respect for the divine instructions concerning its handling. The resulting "joy" is a testament to the deep delight found in aligning human will with divine will, a spiritual principle that transcends the Old Covenant. It teaches that true worship is both reverent and celebratory, rooted in a proper understanding of who God is and how He desires to be approached.

* [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "God's Promise to Meet Israel at the Mercy Seat")
* [Psalm 16:11](/psalm/16-11 "Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")
* [James 4:8](/james/4-8 "Draw Near to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a timeless and profound lesson in humility, obedience, and the very nature of true worship. David, despite being described as a "man after God's own heart," was not immune to mistakes, but his willingness to learn from failure and meticulously adhere to God's instructions is a powerful and enduring example for all believers. We are profoundly reminded that our approach to God must always be marked by deep reverence, not by casual presumption. While we no longer have a physical Ark as a tangible symbol of God's presence, the underlying principle remains eternally valid: God is holy, and He calls us to worship Him "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). When we align our lives and our worship with His revealed will, the result is not burdensome obligation but profound, unadulterated joy. This joy is a precious gift of His presence, transforming our hearts, our families, and our communities. It also challenges leaders, whether in the church, family, or workplace, to prioritize spiritual integrity and to lead others in seeking God's presence according to His prescribed ways, thereby fostering an environment where obedience leads to collective celebration and divine blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What past mistakes or failures in your spiritual journey have taught you valuable lessons about seeking God's will and ways?**
* **How does your personal or corporate worship currently reflect both a deep reverence for God's holiness and an authentic joy in His presence?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might you be tempted to approach God on your own terms, rather than humbly submitting to His revealed will?**
* **How can leaders today, in their respective spheres of influence, foster a spirit of unified, joyful obedience among those they lead?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the Ark of the Covenant, and why was its transport so important?**

Answer: The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, representing the very presence and throne of God among His people. It contained the tablets of the Law (symbolizing God's covenant), a pot of manna (symbolizing His provision), and Aaron's staff that budded (symbolizing His priestly authority). Its transport was of immense importance because bringing it to Jerusalem would establish the city as the spiritual capital of Israel, centralizing worship and profoundly signifying God's dwelling at the heart of the nation. It also legitimized David's kingship under divine authority and fulfilled the deep desire to have God's tangible presence at the center of national life. The meticulous nature of its transport, as described in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem"), underscored its immense sacredness and the absolute necessity of adhering to God's specific instructions for handling it.

**Why was the first attempt to move the Ark a failure, and what did David learn from it?**

Answer: The first attempt to move the Ark, detailed in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - Uzzah and the Ark"), failed disastrously because David and the people did not follow God's explicit instructions for transporting the Ark. Instead of having the Kohathite Levites carry it on poles (as prescribed in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Instructions for Carrying the Ark")), they placed it on a new cart, a method used by the Philistines but forbidden for Israel. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah, a non-Levite, reached out to steady the Ark and was struck dead by God for touching it, an act forbidden by divine law. David learned a profound and painful lesson about God's absolute holiness and the critical importance of strict obedience to divine commands, especially concerning sacred things. This led to his careful preparation and adherence to the Law in the second, successful attempt.

**Who was Obed-Edom, and why was the Ark kept at his house?**

Answer: Obed-Edom was a Gittite, likely a Levite of the family of Kohath, who was responsible for the storage and care of the Ark. After Uzzah's tragic death, David was afraid to bring the Ark into Jerusalem and instead diverted it to the house of Obed-Edom for three months (cf. [1 Chronicles 13:13](/1_chronicles/13-13 "1 Chronicles 13:13 - The Ark at Obed-Edom's House")). During this time, God greatly blessed Obed-Edom and his entire household, demonstrating that God's presence, when honored and approached correctly, brings abundant blessing and favor, not just judgment. This evident blessing likely encouraged David to proceed with the second, meticulously planned attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The triumphant movement of the Ark of the Covenant, a tangible symbol of God's presence, into Jerusalem with such profound joy and reverence, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate dwelling of God among His people in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as the Ark represented God's immanence and covenant presence in the Old Covenant, Christ is Immanuel, literally "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus is Immanuel")). The meticulous care and perfect obedience required to approach the Ark point directly to the perfect obedience of Christ, who flawlessly fulfilled the Law and, through His sinless life and atoning sacrifice, made a way for humanity to draw near to a holy God without fear of judgment. The entire Old Testament tabernacle and temple system, with the Ark at its sacred core, served as a profound shadow of the true tabernacle, which is Christ Himself, for "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus became the ultimate mercy seat, the very place where God's perfect holiness and boundless mercy meet ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as the Propitiation")). The "joy" that accompanied the Ark's arrival in Jerusalem prefigures the far greater, eternal joy of salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, making us living temples where God now dwells by His Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). The ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to dwell intimately among His people is found not in a physical box or building, but in the person of Christ and His Spirit-filled church, anticipating the glorious eternal reality of God dwelling directly with humanity in the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")).

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

2 Samuel 6:12

¶ 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

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

2 Chronicles 20:27

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

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

Psalms 100:1

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

Psalms 100:2

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

Micah 5:2

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.