1 Chronicles 15:8

KJV

Of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred:

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the sons {H1121} of Elizaphan {H469}; Shemaiah {H8098} the chief {H8269}, and his brethren {H251} two hundred {H3967}:

Complete Jewish Bible

from the descendants of Elitzafan: Sh'ma'yah the chief, and 200 of his kinsmen;

Berean Standard Bible

from the Elizaphanites, Shemaiah the chief and 200 of his relatives;

American Standard Version

of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 15:8 meticulously records the specific Levitical family of Elizaphan, identifying Shemaiah as their chief and detailing the two hundred brethren under his leadership, all of whom were consecrated and gathered by King David to properly transport the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This verse highlights the precise and ordered nature of David's renewed efforts to bring God's presence into the city, emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to divine instructions for sacred service after the previous failed attempt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal narrative in 1 Chronicles 15, which details King David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The preceding chapter, [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - The First Attempt to Move the Ark"), recounts the disastrous first attempt, where Uzzah died for touching the Ark after it was transported on a new cart, contrary to God's law (cf. [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Levitical Duties for the Ark")). David's profound realization of this error led him to consult the Law and meticulously organize the Levites according to their prescribed roles. Chapter 15 opens with David preparing a place for the Ark and then summoning the priests and Levites, instructing them to sanctify themselves and carry the Ark on poles as commanded. Verse 8 specifically lists one of the Levitical families, the "sons of Elizaphan," indicating the comprehensive and ordered nature of David's preparations, ensuring that every detail aligned with divine instruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, representing God's throne and His tangible presence among His people. Its proper handling was governed by strict Mosaic Law, particularly outlined in the book of [Numbers](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Kohathites"). The Kohathite clan of the Levites, to which the sons of Elizaphan belonged, was specifically tasked with carrying the most holy items of the tabernacle, including the Ark, on their shoulders by means of poles (cf. [Numbers 7:9](/numbers/7-9 "Numbers 7:9 - Kohathites Carry Holy Things")). The cultural understanding was that approaching God or His sacred objects improperly could result in severe consequences, as tragically demonstrated by Uzzah's death. David, as king, was not only a political leader but also held significant spiritual responsibility for ensuring the nation's adherence to God's laws, especially concerning worship. His actions in this chapter reflect a profound shift from human innovation to strict obedience to divine protocol.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of Levitical families and their leaders in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - David Organizes the Ark's Transport") underscores several key themes. Primarily, it highlights the absolute necessity of **obedience to divine command** in matters of worship and service. David's previous failure served as a stark lesson that God's way is the only acceptable way to approach Him. Secondly, the passage emphasizes **proper order and consecration**. The detailed organization of the Levites by family, with designated chiefs like Shemaiah, illustrates the divine preference for structured, consecrated, and reverent service. Every participant, from the chief to the two hundred brethren, had a vital role, emphasizing **corporate participation** and the importance of each member's contribution to the sacred task. Finally, the identification of "chiefs" like Shemaiah underscores the theme of **leadership and responsibility** within God's service, where specific individuals are entrusted with overseeing their respective groups in carrying out divine mandates.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elizaphan (Hebrew, _'Eliytsaphan'_):** This name means "My God has protected" or "God of protection." Elizaphan was a prominent Kohathite Levite, and his descendants were responsible for carrying the most sacred items of the tabernacle, including the Ark. The mention of his "sons" here signifies a specific, recognized lineage within the Levitical structure, highlighting the importance of tribal and familial identity in the execution of sacred duties. Their inclusion underscores the continuity of the divinely ordained priestly and Levitical roles.
* **Shemaiah (Hebrew, _Shema'yah'_):** Meaning "Heard by Yah" or "Yah has heard," Shemaiah is a common name in the Old Testament, suggesting a person whose life or calling might be seen as an answer to prayer or someone divinely recognized. In this context, his identification as "the chief" indicates his significant leadership role within the sons of Elizaphan. His position was not merely titular but carried the responsibility of organizing and guiding his brethren in the solemn task of transporting the Ark.
* **Chief (Hebrew, _ro'sh'_):** This term literally means "head" or "principal." When applied to a person, it denotes a leader, a person of authority, or the head of a family or group. Shemaiah being designated as "the chief" signifies his preeminent position and authority within the two hundred men from the family of Elizaphan. This title emphasizes the structured and hierarchical organization of the Levites under David's direction, ensuring accountability and proper execution of their sacred duties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the sons of Elizaphan;":** This phrase identifies the specific Levitical lineage being referenced. The "sons of Elizaphan" belonged to the Kohathite clan, one of the three main Levitical families, whose specific duty was to carry the sacred furnishings of the tabernacle, including the Ark, on their shoulders. This detail confirms David's adherence to the precise instructions of the Mosaic Law, rectifying the error of the first attempt.
* **"Shemaiah the chief,":** This clause highlights the designated leadership within this particular Levitical family group. Shemaiah was not merely one among many but held a position of authority and responsibility, tasked with overseeing the two hundred men under his charge. His leadership was crucial for the orderly and reverent execution of the Ark's transport, ensuring that the divine protocol was followed.
* **"and his brethren two hundred:":** This part specifies the number of men from Elizaphan's lineage who were under Shemaiah's leadership and participated in the sacred task. The mention of a precise number underscores the meticulous organization and comprehensive nature of David's preparations. It signifies a collective effort, where a substantial number of consecrated Levites were involved, emphasizing the corporate responsibility in serving God according to His prescribed methods.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Chronicles 15:8, and indeed throughout this chapter, is **Enumeration**. The detailed listing of Levitical families, their chiefs, and the number of their brethren creates a sense of meticulous order and comprehensive preparation. This enumeration serves to underscore David's absolute commitment to following God's precise instructions, contrasting sharply with the haphazard approach of the first attempt. By naming specific individuals like Shemaiah and quantifying the participants, the text lends authenticity and emphasizes the gravity and sacredness of the undertaking. Furthermore, there is an element of **Emphasis** on the principle of divine order and the necessity of proper procedure in worship. The careful record of each family's contribution highlights the importance of every part of the community fulfilling its divinely appointed role, reinforcing the theme that God's work must be done God's way.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous account in 1 Chronicles 15, of which verse 8 is a part, profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God is a God of order, and His worship must be approached with reverence and according to His revealed will. After the tragic consequences of Uzzah's death, David understood that zeal alone was insufficient; obedience to divine instruction was paramount. This passage teaches that God cares not only about *what* we do in His service, but *how* we do it. The detailed organization of the Levites, their consecration, and their specific roles underscore that sacred service is not a casual affair but requires careful preparation, adherence to divine standards, and a recognition of God's holiness. This Old Testament principle foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on the church as a spiritual house, where believers are called to offer spiritual sacrifices in a manner pleasing to God, recognizing His supreme authority and holiness.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Instructions for Carrying the Ark")
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - Worship God Acceptably with Reverence and Awe")
* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - All Things Should Be Done Decently and in Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 15:8, within its broader context, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that our service and worship of God must be rooted in humble obedience to His Word, rather than relying on human ingenuity, convenience, or even good intentions apart from divine guidance. Just as David learned the hard way that God's presence demands reverence and adherence to His prescribed methods, we too are called to approach God with awe and respect for His holiness. This means diligently seeking to understand His will as revealed in Scripture, preparing our hearts through consecration and repentance, and participating in the corporate life of the church with a spirit of humility and order. Every believer, whether in a leadership role like Shemaiah or as one of the "brethren," has a vital and valued part to play in the body of Christ, and our collective service should reflect God's character of order, holiness, and love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I tend to rely on my own methods rather than diligently seeking God's revealed will?**
* **How does the meticulous preparation of the Levites challenge my own approach to spiritual disciplines or corporate worship?**
* **What does "consecration" mean for me personally in my daily walk with God, and how can I live a more set-apart life?**
* **How can I better recognize and value the diverse roles and contributions of fellow believers within the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of names and numbers important in the Bible?**

Answer: The detailed listing of names, family lineages, and numbers, as seen in [1 Chronicles 15:8](/1_chronicles/15-8 "1 Chronicles 15:8 - Shemaiah and the Sons of Elizaphan"), serves several crucial purposes. First, it emphasizes the meticulous nature of David's preparations and his absolute commitment to following God's precise instructions for transporting the Ark. After the tragic failure of the first attempt, due to improper methods (see [1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death")), David understood that divine service required strict adherence to divine order. Second, it highlights the importance of accountability and designated roles within God's work. Each family and chief had a specific responsibility. Third, it underscores the historical authenticity of the account, demonstrating that these were real people involved in a significant historical event. Finally, it reinforces the theological principle that God is a God of order, and His sacred work is to be performed with reverence, precision, and according to His established protocols.

**What was the specific role of the "sons of Elizaphan" among the Levites?**

Answer: The "sons of Elizaphan" belonged to the Kohathite clan, one of the three main divisions of the Levites (Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites). According to the Mosaic Law, particularly outlined in [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Levites' Duties") and [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Kohathites"), the Kohathites were uniquely responsible for carrying the most sacred items of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altars. They were explicitly forbidden from touching these holy objects directly, but were to carry them by means of poles inserted into rings, on their shoulders (cf. [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites Carry the Holy Things")). This was the very instruction David had neglected in his first attempt to move the Ark, leading to Uzzah's death (as recounted in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - The First Attempt to Move the Ark")). Therefore, the inclusion of Elizaphan's sons, with Shemaiah as their chief, signifies David's correction and his adherence to the divinely prescribed method for handling the Ark.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 15:8 details an Old Testament event concerning the physical Ark of the Covenant and the Levitical service, its underlying principles find profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Ark symbolized God's presence among His people, a presence that was veiled and accessible only through strict ritual and a designated priesthood. In Christ, this veiled presence becomes fully manifest: Jesus is [Emmanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus, God With Us"), the very [Word made flesh who dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). The meticulous preparations and consecration of the Levites for carrying the Ark foreshadow the perfect and ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who, as our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), consecrated Himself once for all to bring us into direct access to God (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The Old Testament emphasis on proper order and obedience in approaching God finds its apex in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and became the only [way, truth, and life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life") to the Father. Through His finished work, believers are no longer limited by physical rituals or a specific lineage to approach God, but are made a [royal priesthood](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood") in Christ, able to draw near with confidence to the [throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence"). Thus, the careful handling of God's presence in the Old Covenant points to the even greater reverence and worship due to Christ, in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily (cf. [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Deity in Christ")).

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

Exodus 6:22

And the sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Zithri.