1 Chronicles 15:6

KJV

Of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty:

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the sons {H1121} of Merari {H4847}; Asaiah {H6222} the chief {H8269}, and his brethren {H251} two hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242}:

Complete Jewish Bible

from the descendants of M'rari: 'Asayah the chief, and 220 of his kinsmen;

Berean Standard Bible

from the Merarites, Asaiah the chief and 220 of his relatives;

American Standard Version

of the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 15:6 precisely details the inclusion of Asaiah, a chief from the Merarite clan of Levites, along with 220 of his brethren, in King David's meticulously planned second attempt to transport the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This verse underscores David's renewed commitment to divine protocol following a previous tragic failure, highlighting the essential role of specific Levitical families in handling sacred objects according to God's explicit commands. It emphasizes the ordered and numerous participation required for a task of immense spiritual significance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal narrative in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem"), which recounts King David's successful endeavor to bring the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. It follows the disastrous first attempt detailed in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - Uzzah and the Ark") (and [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David and the Ark")), where the Ark was transported on an oxcart, leading to the death of Uzzah for touching it. This tragedy served as a severe lesson, prompting David to consult the priests and Levites to ensure strict adherence to the Mosaic Law regarding the Ark's transportation, specifically the command that it be carried on poles by the Kohathite Levites ([Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathite Duties for the Ark")). Chapter 15 then meticulously lists the various Levitical clans—Kohathites, Merarites, and Gershonites—and their respective chiefs and numbers, who were gathered for this sacred and solemn task, with 1 Chronicles 15:6 specifically identifying the Merarite contingent.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, representing God's tangible presence, His throne, and the very essence of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - The Mercy Seat")). Its proper handling was paramount, governed by precise divine instructions laid out in the Pentateuch, particularly in [Numbers 3-4](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - Levitical Duties") and [Numbers 7](/numbers/7 "Numbers 7 - Offerings of the Leaders"). The Levites were the divinely appointed tribe for all service related to the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including their transport. David's actions in 1 Chronicles 15 reflect a significant shift from the previous ad hoc approach to one of strict obedience to these ancient laws, underscoring the deep cultural understanding that God's holiness demanded meticulous adherence to His commands. This event also played a crucial role in David's broader agenda of centralizing worship in Jerusalem, establishing it as the spiritual and political capital of Israel.

* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Order and Obedience:** The meticulous enumeration of the Levites, including Asaiah and his 220 brethren, profoundly underscores David's newfound commitment to executing God's work according to God's prescribed methods. The previous failure served as a stark reminder that zeal alone was insufficient; divine service demanded strict obedience to divine instruction. This theme highlights that God's holiness requires a specific, ordered approach to worship and ministry, emphasizing that the "how" of service is as important as the "what."
* **Levitical Service and Responsibility:** The verse specifically identifies the Merarite clan, whose traditional duties, as outlined in the Mosaic Law ([Numbers 3:36-37](/numbers/3-36 "Numbers 3:36-37 - Merarite Duties")), involved the care and transport of the heavier, structural components of the Tabernacle—its boards, bars, pillars, and sockets. While the Kohathites were responsible for carrying the Ark itself, the Merarites provided crucial logistical support and manpower, demonstrating the interconnectedness and specialized roles within the Levitical ministry. This highlights the principle that every part of God's appointed service, no matter how seemingly mundane, is vital and requires dedicated, organized effort.
* **The Holiness of God's Presence:** The central focus of this chapter is the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's dwelling among His people ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - The Mercy Seat")). The detailed preparations and the specific selection of consecrated individuals for its transport underscore the profound reverence and awe due to God's holy presence. The tragic consequences of Uzzah's death ([1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death")) had indelibly taught David and the nation that God's holiness could not be trifled with, necessitating meticulous adherence to His commands for approaching Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Asaiah (Hebrew, _‘Asayah_):** This name means "Jehovah has made" or "Jehovah has done." Its presence among the Levites, particularly in a context of divinely ordained service, subtly reinforces the theological understanding that their very existence, appointment, and capacity for service were gifts and works of God. It suggests a recognition that their role in handling sacred things was not self-appointed but divinely initiated and enabled.
* **Chief (Hebrew, _ro’sh_):** This term literally means "head" or "top," and in a social context, it denotes a leader, a principal figure, or one holding a position of authority. Asaiah's designation as "chief" signifies his leadership role within the Merarite clan, indicating that he was responsible for organizing, guiding, and ensuring the proper conduct of his 220 brethren in their specific duties related to the Ark's transport. This highlights the hierarchical and organized nature of Levitical service.
* **Merari (Hebrew, _Mᵉrārî_):** The name means "bitter" or "sad," though its etymological meaning is not directly related to its function here. Merari was one of the three sons of Levi (along with Kohath and Gershon), whose descendants formed the three principal divisions of the Levites, each with distinct responsibilities concerning the Tabernacle. The Merarites were specifically tasked with the heavier, structural components of the Tabernacle (e.g., boards, bars, pillars, sockets) and their transport, requiring significant manpower, which explains the large number of "two hundred and twenty" men under Asaiah's leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the sons of Merari;":** This opening phrase immediately identifies the specific Levitical clan from which Asaiah and his contingent originate. It places the verse within the broader genealogical and functional framework of the Levites, emphasizing the highly organized and divinely appointed roles of each family group in Israel's sacred service. The Merarites, as distinct from the Kohathites (who carried the Ark itself) and Gershonites, had their own unique and essential responsibilities in the overall movement of the Tabernacle and its components.
* **"Asaiah the chief,":** This clause singles out an individual leader within the Merarite clan. Asaiah's designation as "the chief" indicates his prominent position and authority, underscoring that the Levitical service was not a chaotic or haphazard affair but was conducted under designated, responsible leadership. His name, meaning "Jehovah has made," subtly hints at the divine hand in his appointment and the very act of service.
* **"and his brethren two hundred and twenty:":** This final phrase specifies the number of men from the Merarite clan who were to serve under Asaiah's leadership. The precise number emphasizes the meticulous planning and comprehensive mobilization undertaken by David. It highlights the significant manpower required for the task of transporting the Ark and its associated items, demonstrating the scale of the operation and the collective, organized effort involved in sacred service.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Emphasis through Detail**. The specific listing of "Asaiah the chief" and "his brethren two hundred and twenty" is part of a larger census-like enumeration within [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - David's Preparations for the Ark"), where various Levitical chiefs and their contingents are precisely quantified. This **Enumeration** serves to highlight the comprehensive nature of David's preparations and his adherence to divine order, contrasting sharply with the previous, less organized attempt to move the Ark. The **Emphasis through Detail**, particularly the exact number "two hundred and twenty," underscores the meticulousness required for sacred service and the significant manpower involved. It conveys a sense of solemnity, order, and the weighty importance of the task, reinforcing the idea that every individual and every detail mattered in the presence of God's holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 15:6, in its precise detail, powerfully illustrates the theological principle of divine order in worship and service. Following the tragic consequence of Uzzah's death, David understood that God's holiness demanded not just good intentions but strict adherence to His revealed will. This verse, by listing the Merarite contingent, affirms that God appoints specific individuals and groups for particular roles within His service, and that these roles must be carried out according to His established patterns. It underscores the concept that true worship and effective ministry are rooted in obedience to God's commands, recognizing His absolute sovereignty and the sacredness of His presence. The meticulous preparation for the Ark's journey serves as a timeless reminder that reverence for God necessitates careful, intentional, and obedient action in all matters pertaining to Him.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathite Duties for the Ark")
* [Exodus 40:16](/exodus/40-16 "Exodus 40:16 - Moses' Obedience in Tabernacle Construction")
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Worship with Reverence and Awe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly simple verse, a mere list of names and numbers, holds profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that while the specific rituals of the Old Testament covenant have been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of reverence, obedience, and meticulousness in God's service remain eternally relevant. David's prior failure taught him that God's work must be done in God's way, not according to human convenience or innovation. For us, this means approaching our spiritual duties, whether in personal devotion, church ministry, or daily life, with a profound sense of awe for God's holiness and a commitment to aligning our actions with His revealed will. Like Asaiah and his 220 brethren, each believer has a unique, divinely appointed role within the body of Christ. No task, however seemingly small or behind-the-scenes, is insignificant when it contributes to the building up of God's kingdom and the manifestation of His presence. We are called to serve with excellence, diligence, and a spirit of humble obedience, recognizing that our service is an act of worship to a holy God who is worthy of our very best.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness of David's preparations for the Ark challenge our approach to spiritual service today?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to "cut corners" or disregard divine instructions in our service to God?**
* **How can we identify and embrace our specific, divinely appointed roles within the body of Christ, even if they seem less prominent?**

### FAQ
**Why is the specific number "two hundred and twenty" mentioned for the Merarites?**

Answer: The precise mention of "two hundred and twenty" men from the Merarite clan, along with specific numbers for other Levitical divisions, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the meticulousness of King David's preparations for transporting the Ark of the Covenant, reflecting his commitment to divine order after the previous tragic failure. It demonstrates that the task was not undertaken haphazardly but with careful planning and a comprehensive mobilization of the Levites according to their prescribed duties. Secondly, it highlights the significant manpower required for the Merarites' specific responsibilities, which involved carrying the heavier, structural components of the Tabernacle such as its boards, bars, pillars, and sockets ([Numbers 3:36-37](/numbers/3-36 "Numbers 3:36-37 - Merarite Duties")). The numbers confirm that the full, organized strength of the Levitical clans was engaged, ensuring that every aspect of the sacred task was handled with the necessary personnel and reverence. This detail emphasizes the importance of order, accountability, and the collective effort in God's service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous preparations and the specific roles of the Levites in transporting the Ark of the Covenant, as seen in 1 Chronicles 15:6, find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The Ark, representing God's tangible presence among His people, is ultimately superseded by Christ Himself, who is [Immanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us") in the flesh. The Levites' consecrated service, particularly their careful handling of the holy Ark, foreshadows Christ's perfect and unblemished obedience to the Father's will, which culminated in His atoning sacrifice. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")) and bore the true burden of humanity's sin, not just the physical components of a tabernacle ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ Bears Our Sins")). Just as the Merarites had a specific, divinely appointed task in supporting the Tabernacle's movement, so too does every believer, empowered by the indwelling [Holy Spirit](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Teacher"), now participate in the ongoing work of God's kingdom, building up the spiritual temple of which Christ is the cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). The careful adherence to divine law in the Old Covenant points to the absolute perfection of Christ's work, which established a [new and better covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant"), providing direct and permanent access to God through His completed sacrifice, not through ritualistic transport.

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 6:29

The sons of Merari; Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzza his son,

1 Chronicles 6:30

Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son.