1 Chronicles 15:11

And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,

And David {H1732} called {H7121} for Zadok {H6659} and Abiathar {H54} the priests {H3548}, and for the Levites {H3881}, for Uriel {H222}, Asaiah {H6222}, and Joel {H3100}, Shemaiah {H8098}, and Eliel {H447}, and Amminadab {H5992},

David called for Tzadok and Evyatar the cohanim and for the L'vi'im - Uri'el, 'Asayah, Yo'el, Sh'ma'yah, Eli'el and 'Amminadav -

David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab.

And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,

Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:11 details King David's careful preparation for bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. After a previous, disastrous attempt to move the Ark, David here demonstrates a crucial shift towards meticulous adherence to God's specific instructions regarding sacred matters. He summons the key spiritual leaders—the chief priests Zadok and Abiathar, along with specific Levite family heads—who were divinely appointed for the handling of the Ark.

Context

This verse is pivotal in the narrative of David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Earlier, in 1 Chronicles 13 (and 2 Samuel 6), David's initial attempt to transport the Ark ended tragically when Uzzah died for touching it, an act forbidden by God. David realized that while his intentions were good, the method was flawed. This time, David is meticulous, ensuring that the Ark is carried by the Levites on poles, as prescribed in the Mosaic Law (Numbers 4:15). Calling these specific individuals signifies David's commitment to performing the sacred task according to divine command.

Key Themes

  • Obedience to Divine Command: David's learned lesson from the past failure highlights the critical importance of not just good intentions, but strict adherence to God's established ways, especially in worship and sacred service.
  • Proper Leadership and Preparation: David, as king, takes responsibility for ensuring that the most holy object in Israel is handled with the utmost reverence and according to the law. His summoning of the correct personnel—priests and Levites—demonstrates responsible spiritual leadership.
  • The Distinct Roles of Priests and Levites: The verse underscores the specific, divinely appointed duties within Israel's worship system. Zadok and Abiathar represent the priestly line, while the named Levites were from families specifically entrusted with the transport and care of the Tabernacle's holy furnishings.

Linguistic Insights

The names listed—Zadok, Abiathar, Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab—are significant. Zadok and Abiathar were the two chief priests during David's reign, representing different priestly lineages. The Levites named were heads of their respective ancestral houses, chosen for this specific sacred duty, emphasizing the tribal and familial organization of the Levites' service to God.

Significance and Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our approach to God and spiritual matters must be marked by reverence and obedience to His revealed will. It's not enough to desire to do something for God; it must be done in a way that honors Him. For contemporary believers, this translates to:

  • Respect for God's Word: Just as David meticulously followed the law, we are called to understand and obey God's principles revealed in scripture, not relying on our own understanding or convenience.
  • The Importance of Proper Order: In worship and service, there is a divine order. While the Old Testament ceremonial laws are fulfilled in Christ, the principle of doing things "decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40) remains relevant for the church.
  • Leadership Accountability: Those in positions of spiritual leadership bear a significant responsibility to ensure that God's people are guided according to His truth and that sacred duties are performed with integrity and faithfulness.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 12:28 (4 votes)

    And Zadok, a young man mighty of valour, and of his father's house twenty and two captains.

  • 1 Kings 2:35 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.

  • 1 Samuel 22:20 (3 votes)

    ¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.

  • 1 Samuel 22:23 (3 votes)

    Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou [shalt be] in safeguard.

  • 1 Chronicles 18:16 (2 votes)

    And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, [were] the priests; and Shavsha was scribe;

  • 2 Samuel 15:24 (2 votes)

    ¶ And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites [were] with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.

  • 2 Samuel 15:29 (2 votes)

    Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.