1 Chronicles 15:5

KJV

Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty:

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the sons {H1121} of Kohath {H6955}; Uriel {H222} the chief {H8269}, and his brethren {H251} an hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242}:

Complete Jewish Bible

from the descendants of K'hat: Uri'el the chief, and 120 of his kinsmen;

Berean Standard Bible

From the Kohathites, Uriel the chief and 120 of his relatives;

American Standard Version

of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, and his brethren a hundred and twenty;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 15:5 details the specific involvement of Uriel, a chief among the Kohathite Levites, and 120 of his brethren in King David's second, successful attempt to transport the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This verse underscores David's renewed commitment to divine protocol after the previous disastrous attempt, highlighting the meticulous adherence to God's instructions for handling sacred objects and emphasizing the divinely ordained roles of the Levites in Israel's worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal narrative in 1 Chronicles 15, immediately following David's realization of his error in the first attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem (recounted in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - The First Attempt to Bring the Ark")). After Uzzah's death for touching the Ark ([1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death")), David understood that the failure stemmed from a disregard for God's explicit instructions regarding the Ark's transportation. Chapter 15 opens with David's meticulous preparations, including building structures for the Ark and, crucially, consulting the Law to identify the correct personnel and method for its movement. Verses 2-15 detail David's command to sanctify the Levites and the specific selection of their chiefs, including Uriel, to carry the Ark on their shoulders, a direct obedience to the stipulations found in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites' Responsibility for the Ark"). This verse, therefore, is a specific instance of David's newfound precision and obedience, contrasting sharply with the earlier, ill-fated endeavor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object, representing God's holy presence among His people. Its handling was governed by strict divine laws given through Moses. The Levites, a specific tribe, were consecrated for temple service, and within them, the Kohathites had the unique and solemn responsibility of carrying the most holy objects of the Tabernacle, including the Ark, using poles inserted into its rings ([Exodus 25:14](/exodus/25-14 "Exodus 25:14 - The Ark's Carrying Poles")). The cultural understanding was that any deviation from God's prescribed methods for approaching His holiness could result in severe consequences, as tragically demonstrated by Uzzah. David's actions in 1 Chronicles 15 reflect a re-engagement with these ancient Mosaic laws, recognizing that human innovation or good intentions were insufficient when dealing with the divine. The meticulous listing of names and numbers, such as Uriel and his 120 brethren, underscores the administrative and hierarchical structure of the Levitical service, emphasizing order and accountability in sacred duties.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Order and Obedience**. David's shift from a casual, human-centric approach (using a new cart, as seen in [2 Samuel 6:3](/2_samuel/6-3 "2 Samuel 6:3 - The New Cart for the Ark")) to a meticulous, divinely prescribed method (Levites carrying the Ark on poles) underscores the absolute necessity of adhering to God's commands in worship and service. Secondly, it highlights **Levitical Responsibility and Divine Appointment**. The explicit mention of the "sons of Kohath" and their chief, Uriel, reinforces the specific, hereditary, and divinely ordained role of the Levites in mediating between God and Israel, particularly in handling sacred objects. Their service was not arbitrary but a sacred trust. Lastly, the passage emphasizes **Reverence for God's Holiness**. The detailed preparations, the sanctification of the Levites ([1 Chronicles 15:12](/1_chronicles/15-12 "1 Chronicles 15:12 - David's Command to Sanctify the Levites")), and the careful selection of personnel demonstrate a profound respect for the Ark as the symbol of God's holy presence, acknowledging that His holiness demands specific reverence and adherence to His ways, not human innovation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kohath (Hebrew, _Qehat'_):** One of the three sons of Levi (along with Gershon and Merari), whose descendants, the Kohathites, were specifically designated by God to carry the most holy furnishings of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the menorah, and the altars, when Israel moved camp. Their duties were meticulously outlined in [Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Kohathites' Specific Duties") and [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Carrying the Holy Things"). Their unique responsibility underscored the sanctity of these items and the necessity of specialized, consecrated service.
* **Uriel (Hebrew, _'Uri'el'_):** The name means "God is my light" or "Flame of God." The mention of Uriel as "the chief" indicates a significant leadership role within the Kohathite clan responsible for this specific task. His presence highlights the organized and hierarchical structure of the Levitical service, where specific leaders were appointed to oversee the proper execution of divine commands.
* **chief (Hebrew, _ro'sh_):** This term signifies a head, leader, or principal person. In this context, Uriel is not just a Kohathite but a designated leader, indicating his authority and responsibility over the 120 brethren under his charge. His leadership was crucial in ensuring the meticulous and reverent handling of the Ark, aligning with David's renewed commitment to divine order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the sons of Kohath;":** This phrase immediately identifies the specific lineage of Levites responsible for carrying the Ark. It emphasizes adherence to the Mosaic Law, which explicitly assigned this sacred duty to the Kohathite clan, distinguishing them from other Levitical families who had different responsibilities within the Tabernacle service. This detail highlights David's shift from arbitrary selection to divinely prescribed personnel.
* **"Uriel the chief,":** This identifies a specific individual, Uriel, as the leader or head of this particular group of Kohathites involved in the Ark's transport. His designation as "the chief" underscores the structured and organized nature of the Levitical service, where even within designated clans, there were specific leaders responsible for overseeing the execution of duties. This detail speaks to the importance of proper leadership in sacred tasks.
* **"and his brethren an hundred and twenty:":** This specifies the number of Kohathite Levites under Uriel's leadership who were consecrated and prepared for the task. The large number (120) suggests a significant and organized effort, demonstrating the scale of the undertaking and the communal participation of the Levites in this sacred act. It also implies a thorough and comprehensive preparation, ensuring sufficient personnel for the solemn task of carrying the Ark.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 15:5 employs several literary devices that contribute to its overall message. The most prominent is **Emphasis through Detail**, where the Chronicler meticulously lists the specific lineage ("sons of Kohath"), the named leader ("Uriel the chief"), and the precise number ("an hundred and twenty") of Levites involved. This level of granular detail serves to underscore the profound importance of adhering to divine instructions, contrasting sharply with the previous, less precise attempt to move the Ark. It highlights David's newfound commitment to exactitude in worship. Additionally, there is an element of **Listing** (or enumeration), as this verse is part of a broader list of Levitical chiefs and their numbers (vv. 4-10). This systematic enumeration not only provides factual information but also reinforces the theme of divine order and the structured nature of sacred service. The careful recording of these details also serves as a form of **Narrative Contrast**, implicitly drawing a distinction between the chaotic and disastrous first attempt to move the Ark and this second, orderly, and successful endeavor, thereby emphasizing the positive consequences of obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 15:5, though seemingly a simple enumeration, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful testament to the principle that God cares not only about *what* we do in worship and service, but also *how* we do it. The meticulous detail concerning the Kohathites and their specific roles underscores God's demand for obedience to His revealed will, particularly regarding sacred things. This passage reminds us that reverence for God's holiness necessitates adherence to His established order, not human ingenuity or convenience. David's learned lesson—that good intentions are insufficient without divine instruction—is a timeless truth that applies to all forms of spiritual service, emphasizing that true worship is always conducted on God's terms.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites' Duty to Carry Holy Things")
* [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Worship with Reverence and Awe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account in 1 Chronicles 15:5, focusing on the specific roles and numbers of the Kohathite Levites, offers a profound lesson for believers today: God is a God of order, and His holiness demands our careful attention to His revealed will, especially in matters of worship and service. While the Old Covenant's ceremonial laws have been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of reverence, obedience, and intentionality remain paramount. This verse challenges us to consider whether our service to God is characterized by careful adherence to biblical principles or by casual convenience and human tradition. It encourages us to diligently seek God's instructions in Scripture for how He desires to be honored, rather than relying on our own wisdom or preferences. Ultimately, it calls us to approach God with a humble and sanctified heart, recognizing that our service is not merely a task but a sacred privilege that reflects our awe and respect for His majestic presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my spiritual life or service might I be relying on human wisdom rather than diligently seeking God's specific instructions from His Word?**
* **How does the meticulousness of the Levites' preparation challenge my own approach to worship and service?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the importance of order and intentionality in my walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the Ark to be carried by the Kohathites, and what does Uriel's role signify?**

Answer: It was critically important for the Ark to be carried by the Kohathites because God had explicitly commanded it in the Mosaic Law ([Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites' Responsibility for the Ark")). The Ark represented God's holy presence, and any deviation from His prescribed method for its handling was considered a profound act of disrespect and disobedience, as tragically demonstrated by Uzzah's death when the Ark was transported on a cart ([1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death")). Uriel's role as "the chief" signifies the hierarchical and organized nature of the Levitical service. It highlights that even within the divinely appointed Kohathite clan, there were specific leaders responsible for overseeing the proper execution of these sacred duties, ensuring order, accountability, and adherence to divine protocol. His leadership was crucial for the successful and reverent transport of the Ark.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous obedience of David and the Levites in 1 Chronicles 15:5, particularly the specific role of the Kohathites in carrying the Ark, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. The Ark symbolized God's holy presence and His covenant with Israel, a presence that was veiled and accessible only through strict adherence to the Law and the mediation of the Levitical priesthood. Jesus, however, is the very embodiment of God's presence, the true "Ark" in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). He is not merely a symbol but the reality to which the Ark pointed. Furthermore, while the Kohathites had to be consecrated and carefully carry the Ark to avoid death, Jesus perfectly fulfilled all the Law's requirements and bore the weight of God's holiness and judgment upon Himself, not for a temporary journey, but to reconcile humanity to God forever. He is our great High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")) and opened a new and living way into the very presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God through Christ")). Thus, the careful, obedient service of Uriel and the Kohathites foreshadows Christ's perfect obedience, through which we now have direct, unhindered access to God, not by carrying sacred objects, but by faith in the One who carried our sins on the cross ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")).

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 6:22

The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,

1 Chronicles 6:24

Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.