1 Chronicles 15:5

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:5 is part of a crucial passage detailing King David's second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. After a previous, disastrous attempt where Uzzah was struck dead for touching the Ark (1 Chron. 13:9-10; 2 Sam. 6:7), David learns the vital lesson of adhering to God's specific instructions for handling sacred objects.

Context

Chapter 15 opens with David's meticulous preparations for the Ark's transfer. Unlike the first attempt where the Ark was transported on a new cart, this time David consults the Law and understands that only the Levites, specifically the sons of Kohath, were appointed by God to carry the Ark on their shoulders using poles (Numbers 4:15; Exodus 25:14). Verse 5 specifically identifies Uriel the chief among the Kohathites and details the number of his brethren involved (one hundred and twenty), highlighting the organized and numerous participation of the Levites in this sacred task. This careful listing underscores the renewed emphasis on divine order and obedience in worship.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Obedience: The primary message is the absolute necessity of following God's commands precisely, especially concerning worship and sacred service. David's change in method reflects a humble submission to God's established protocol.
  • Levitical Responsibility: The verse highlights the specific, hereditary duties of the Levites, particularly the Kohathites, in ministering before God. Their role was not arbitrary but divinely ordained.
  • Reverence for God's Holiness: The detailed account of selecting and preparing the Levites demonstrates a profound respect for the Ark as a symbol of God's holy presence, acknowledging that His holiness demands specific reverence and adherence to His ways.

Linguistic Insights

  • Kohath: One of the three sons of Levi (along with Gershon and Merari). The Kohathites were uniquely responsible for carrying the most holy items of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the menorah, and the altars. Their duties were explicitly laid out in Numbers 3:31 and Numbers 4:15.
  • Uriel: The name means "God is my light" or "Flame of God." As "the chief" of this particular group of Kohathites, Uriel played a significant leadership role in ensuring the proper handling of the Ark.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Chronicles 15:5 serves as a powerful reminder that God cares about *how* we approach Him and serve Him. While we are under a new covenant of grace through Christ, the principle of reverence, obedience, and seeking God's will in our spiritual service remains paramount. It encourages us to:

  • Seek God's Instructions: Always consult Scripture to understand how God desires to be worshipped and served, rather than relying on human wisdom or convenience.
  • Approach God with Reverence: Recognize God's holiness and approach Him with respect and awe, whether in personal devotion or corporate worship.
  • Embrace Order in Service: Understand that God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33), and our service should reflect thoughtfulness and intentionality, rather than haphazardness.

This verse, though seemingly a mere list of names and numbers, underscores a profound theological shift in David's understanding and a timeless lesson on the importance of obedience to divine commands in all matters of faith and worship.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 6:22 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Chronicles 6:24 (2 votes)

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