1 Chronicles 15:26

KJV

And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when God {H430} helped {H5826} the Levites {H3881} that bare {H5375} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068}, that they offered {H2076} seven {H7651} bullocks {H6499} and seven {H7651} rams {H352}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Since God was helping the L'vi'im who were carrying the ark for the covenant of ADONAI, they sacrificed seven young bulls and seven rams.

Berean Standard Bible

And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, that they sacrificed seven bullocks and seven rams.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 15:26 marks a pivotal moment in David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This verse highlights the divine favor and active assistance God provided to the Levites as they carried the sacred Ark according to His prescribed instructions, preventing a repeat of the previous tragedy. In response to this manifest divine help and the successful, reverent transport of God's presence, the Levites offered a significant sacrifice of seven bullocks and seven rams, demonstrating profound gratitude, worship, and an acknowledgment of God's sovereign hand in their sacred task.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King David's efforts to establish Jerusalem as the spiritual and political capital of Israel by bringing the Ark of the Covenant there. It immediately follows the detailed preparations David made, including consecrating the Levites and instructing them on the proper method of carrying the Ark (1 Chronicles 15:1-15). The preceding chapter, 1 Chronicles 13, recounts the disastrous first attempt to transport the Ark, which resulted in Uzzah's death because the Ark was moved on a cart rather than by the Levites as commanded by Mosaic Law. Therefore, 1 Chronicles 15:26 serves as a crucial turning point, demonstrating that obedience to God's specific commands regarding holy things leads to divine blessing and protection, contrasting sharply with the tragic consequences of disobedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, representing God's throne and His manifest presence among His people (see [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Presence Above the Ark")). Its proper handling was governed by strict Mosaic laws, particularly those found in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Levites' Duty to Carry the Ark"), which explicitly commanded that only the Kohathite Levites were to carry it on poles, never touching the Ark itself. The cultural practice of offering sacrifices, especially bullocks and rams, was central to Israelite worship, serving various purposes including thanksgiving, atonement, and dedication. The number "seven" held significant symbolic meaning in the ancient Near East and biblical tradition, often representing completeness, perfection, or divine fullness, indicating a comprehensive and wholehearted offering.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty and active involvement of God** in the affairs of His people, particularly in sacred endeavors. The phrase "when God helped the Levites" explicitly attributes success to divine intervention, not merely human effort. Secondly, it highlights the critical importance of **obedience to God's revealed will**. The successful transport of the Ark, in stark contrast to the earlier failure, demonstrates that God's blessings are contingent upon adherence to His specific instructions, especially concerning worship and holy things. Finally, the subsequent offerings emphasize the theme of **appropriate worship and thanksgiving**. The Levites' response of sacrifice signifies a heart of gratitude and reverence for God's protection and enablement, acknowledging His grace and seeking to honor Him fully. This echoes the broader Chronicler's emphasis on proper temple worship and the blessings that flow from it, as seen in [1 Chronicles 16](/1_chronicles/16 "1 Chronicles 16 - David's Song of Thanksgiving").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Helped (Hebrew, _'azar'_):** This verb signifies active assistance, support, or aid. It's not merely that God allowed the Levites to succeed, but that He actively sustained and protected them. This divine intervention was crucial, especially given the previous disaster with Uzzah, underscoring God's grace in enabling them to perform their sacred duty without mishap. It points to God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they learn from past mistakes.
* **Bare (Hebrew, _'nasa'_):** This word means "to lift," "to carry," or "to bear." In this context, it specifically refers to the prescribed method of transporting the Ark on poles by the Levites' shoulders, as opposed to the forbidden method of placing it on a cart. The use of this word subtly reinforces the theme of obedience to divine instruction, as it describes the correct, reverent manner in which the sacred object was handled.
* **Ark of the Covenant (Hebrew, _'aron habberith'_):** This is the most significant object in Israelite worship, symbolizing God's presence, His throne, and the tangible representation of His covenant with Israel. Its proper handling was paramount, as it represented the very holiness of God. The mention of the Ark emphasizes the immense spiritual weight and sacredness of the event, making God's "help" even more profound in ensuring the safe transport of His dwelling place among His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine initiative and enablement as the primary cause for the success of the Ark's transport. It highlights God's active involvement and protective grace, preventing any harm or error that might have occurred during such a sacred and potentially perilous task. This phrase serves as a theological statement, attributing the successful outcome directly to God's intervention.
* **"that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD":** This specifies the agents of the action – the Levites – and the object of their sacred duty – the Ark. Crucially, it implies that they were performing their duty in the divinely appointed manner, carrying the Ark on their shoulders as commanded by Mosaic Law. This detail contrasts with the earlier failed attempt and underscores the importance of obedience to God's specific instructions for handling holy things.
* **"that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams":** This describes the Levites' immediate and appropriate response to God's help and the successful completion of their task. The offering of "seven" bullocks and rams signifies a complete, perfect, and abundant sacrifice of thanksgiving and worship. It was an act of profound gratitude for God's protection and enablement, acknowledging His hand in their success and perhaps also serving as an atonement for any past errors or a purification for the present sacred duty.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Narrative Contrast** is powerfully at play, implicitly comparing this successful, divinely-helped transport of the Ark with the disastrous previous attempt detailed in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - Uzzah and the Ark"). This contrast highlights the consequences of disobedience versus the blessings of obedience. **Symbolism** is evident in the number "seven" used for the sacrifices, which universally represents completeness, perfection, or divine fullness, indicating a wholehearted and comprehensive act of worship and gratitude. The sacrifices themselves are symbolic acts of **Thanksgiving** and potentially **Atonement**, expressing the Levites' profound reverence and acknowledgment of God's favor. Furthermore, the explicit declaration "when God helped the Levites" is an example of **Divine Intervention**, directly attributing the success to God's active hand rather than mere human effort or good fortune, underscoring His sovereignty and active care for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 15:26 profoundly illustrates the principle that true success in God's work is not merely a result of human effort or meticulous planning, but fundamentally depends on divine enablement and grace. The Levites' diligent obedience to the Law was necessary, but it was God's active "help" that ensured their safety and the Ark's successful journey. This highlights a crucial theological truth: while God calls for our obedience and participation, He is the ultimate source of strength, protection, and blessing in all spiritual endeavors. Their subsequent offering of sacrifices demonstrates that a proper response to God's grace is profound thanksgiving and worship, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness. This verse reminds us that even when we follow God's commands, we must humbly recognize that any success is ultimately His doing, prompting a response of heartfelt gratitude and devotion.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Levites' Duty to Carry the Ark")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalms/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - God's Building and Guarding")
* [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12-13 - God Works In You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 15:26 offers timeless lessons for believers. It encourages us to approach all our endeavors, especially those related to God's work, with both diligent preparation and humble reliance on divine help. Just as the Levites meticulously followed God's instructions yet received His explicit "help," we are called to be obedient and faithful stewards, but always to acknowledge that our effectiveness and safety ultimately rest in God's hands. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere human effort or self-reliance, recognizing that true spiritual fruitfulness is a gift of God's grace. When God intervenes and blesses our obedience, our natural and appropriate response should be one of profound thanksgiving and worship, offering back to Him our very best, just as the Levites presented their seven bullocks and seven rams. It also serves as a powerful reminder that God is gracious to those who learn from their mistakes and seek to walk in His prescribed ways, trusting in His help.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you relying solely on your own efforts, rather than seeking and acknowledging God's "help"?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and worship in response to God's enabling grace in your daily life?**
* **What "sacrifices" of thanksgiving (time, resources, praise) are you called to offer when God blesses your obedience?**
* **Reflecting on past failures or missteps, how can you learn from them and, with humility, seek God's prescribed way forward, trusting in His help?**

### FAQ
**Why is "God helped" so significant in this verse, especially after the previous attempt to move the Ark?**

Answer: The phrase "when God helped" is profoundly significant because it explicitly attributes the success and safety of the Ark's transport not to human cleverness, strength, or even perfect obedience alone, but to God's active and gracious intervention. In the previous attempt (recorded in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - Uzzah and the Ark")), Uzzah died because the Ark was transported incorrectly on a cart, and he touched it when it seemed unstable. This tragedy underscored the extreme holiness of God and the strictness of His commands regarding the Ark. Therefore, in 1 Chronicles 15:26, the mention of God's "help" highlights His divine mercy and enablement. Despite David and the Levites' meticulous preparations and adherence to the Law this time, the successful, uneventful journey was a direct result of God's protective hand, preventing any repeat of the previous fatal error. It emphasizes that even when obeying God's commands, our ability to perform sacred duties without mishap is ultimately dependent on His sovereign grace and active support.

**What is the significance of "seven bullocks and seven rams" being offered as sacrifices?**

Answer: The offering of "seven bullocks and seven rams" carries significant symbolic and theological weight. The number seven in biblical numerology frequently represents completeness, perfection, fullness, or divine covenant. By offering seven of each animal, the Levites were presenting a comprehensive, perfect, and wholehearted sacrifice. These offerings were primarily acts of profound thanksgiving and worship, acknowledging God's manifest help, protection, and blessing in allowing them to successfully complete the sacred task of transporting the Ark. They likely also served as an act of purification or atonement, perhaps for past errors (like the Uzzah incident) or simply as a dedication for the sacred work they were performing. This full and complete offering demonstrated their deep reverence, gratitude, and commitment to honoring God appropriately for His grace and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 15:26, with its emphasis on God's "help" and the Levites' proper handling of the Ark, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine "help" and the true presence of God found in Jesus Christ. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's dwelling among His people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus, who is [God incarnate, dwelling among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Just as God actively helped the Levites to bear His presence safely, so too does God, through Christ, enable us to approach His holiness and bear His message. The numerous sacrifices of bullocks and rams, offered in thanksgiving and atonement for the Levites' success and perhaps past errors, point forward to the singular, perfect, and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross is the ultimate offering, making full atonement for sin [once for all](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"), rendering the continual animal sacrifices obsolete. Furthermore, the divine enablement ("God helped") that allowed the Levites to perform their sacred duty without harm prefigures the Holy Spirit's empowerment of believers in the New Covenant. We are called to "carry" the good news of God's presence and salvation, not by our own strength or wisdom, but through the [help of the Holy Spirit](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper"), who guides, protects, and empowers us to fulfill the Great Commission [to the ends of the earth](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). Thus, this Old Testament account of divine assistance and proper worship finds its glorious and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Christ, and in the Spirit-empowered life of the Church.

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

Numbers 23:29

And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.

1 Chronicles 29:14

But who [am] I, and what [is] my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things [come] of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

Job 42:8

Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you [after your] folly, in that ye have not spoken of me [the thing which is] right, like my servant Job.

Psalms 66:13

¶ I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,

Psalms 66:15

I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.

Ezekiel 45:23

And seven days of the feast he shall prepare a burnt offering to the LORD, seven bullocks and seven rams without blemish daily the seven days; and a kid of the goats daily [for] a sin offering.

2 Corinthians 2:16

To the one [we are] the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who [is] sufficient for these things?