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1 Chronicles 15:1
Verse
Context
Preparing to Move the Ark
1David constructed buildings for himself in the City of David, and he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it.2Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.”
Sermons
Major Ian Thomas
Walter BeuttlerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Made him houses - One for himself, and one for the ark; in the latter was a tent, under which the ark was placed.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
And David made him houses in the city of David,.... With the help of the masons and carpenters Hiram sent him, Ch1 14:1, the royal palace is meant, with all the apartments in it, which were many and large, as so great a family he had required, and with all the out houses to it necessary for his servants, and their offices: and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent; see Sa2 6:17.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And David made him houses in the city of David,.... With the help of the masons and carpenters Hiram sent him, Ch1 14:1, the royal palace is meant, with all the apartments in it, which were many and large, as so great a family he had required, and with all the out houses to it necessary for his servants, and their offices: and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent; see Sa2 6:17.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Preparation is here made for the bringing of the ark home to the city of David from the house of Obed-edom. It is here owned that in the former attempt, though it was a very good work and in it they sought God, yet they sought him, not after the due order, Ch1 15:13. "We did not go about our work considerately; and therefore we sped so ill." Note, It is not enough that we do that which is good, but we must do it well - not enough that we seek God in a due ordinance, but we must seek after him, in a due order. Note, also, When we have suffered for our irregularities we must learn thereby to be more regular; then we answer the end of chastisement. Let us see how the matter was mended. 1. David now prepared a place for the reception of the ark, before he brought it to him; and thus he sought in the due order. He had not time to build a house, but he pitched a tent for it (Ch1 15:1), probably according to the pattern shown to Moses in the mount, or as near it as might be, of curtains and boards. Observe, When he made houses for himself in the city of David he prepared a place for the ark. Note, Wherever we build for ourselves, we must be sure to make room for God's ark, for a church in the house. 2. David now ordered that the Levites or priests should carry the ark upon their shoulders. Now he bethought himself of that which he could not but know before, that, none ought to carry the ark but the Levites, Ch1 15:2. The Kohathites carried it in their ordinary marches, and therefore had no wagons allotted them, because their work was to bear upon their shoulders, Num 7:9. But upon extraordinary occasions, as when they passed Jordan and compassed Jericho, the priests carried it. This rule was express, and yet David himself forgot it, and put the ark upon a cart. Note, Even those that are very knowing in the word of God, yet have it not always so ready to them as were to be wished when they have occasion to use it. Wise and good men may be guilty of an oversight, which, as soon as they are aware of, they will correct. David did not go about to justify what had been done amiss, nor to lay the blame on others, but owned himself guilty, with others, of not seeking God in a due order, and now took care not only to summon the Levites to the solemnity, as he did all Israel (Ch1 15:3), and had done before (Ch1 13:2), but to see that they assembled (Ch1 15:4), especially the sons of Aaron, Ch1 15:11. To them he gives the solemn charge (Ch1 15:12): You are the chief of the fathers of the Levites, therefore do you bring up the ark of the Lord. It is expected that those who are advanced above others in dignity should go before others in duty. "You are the chief, and therefore more is expected from you than from others, both by way of service yourselves and influence on the rest. You did it not at first, neither did your duty yourselves nor took care to instruct us, and we smarted for it: The Lord made a breach upon us; we have all smarted for your neglect; this has been by your means (see Mal 1:9): therefore sanctify yourselves, and mind your business." When those that have suffered for doing ill thus learn to do better the correction is well bestowed. 3. The Levites and priests sanctified themselves (Ch1 15:14) and were ready to carry the ark on their shoulders, according to the law, Ch1 15:15. Note, Many that are very remiss in their duty, if they were but faithfully told of it, would reform and do better. The breach upon Uzza made the priests more careful to sanctify themselves, that is, to cleanse themselves from all ceremonial pollution and to compose themselves for the solemn service of God, so as to strike a reverence upon the people. Some are made examples, that others may be made exemplary and very cautious. 4. Officers were appointed to be ready to bid the ark welcome, with every possible expression of joy, Ch1 15:16. David ordered the chief of the Levites to nominate those that they knew to be proficients for this service. Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were now first appointed, Ch1 15:17. They undertook to sound with symbols (Ch1 15:19), others with psalteries (Ch1 15:20), others with harps, on the Sheminith, or eighth, eight notes higher or lower than the rest, according to the rules of the concert, Ch1 15:21. Some that were priests blew with the trumpet (Ch1 15:24), as was usual at the removal of the ark (Num 10:8) and at solemn feasts, Psa 81:3. And one was appointed for song (Ch1 15:22), for he was skilful in it, could sing well himself and instruct others. Note, As every man has received the gift, so he ought to minister the same, Pe1 4:10. And those that excel in any endowment should not only use it for the common good themselves, but teach others also, and not grudge to make others as wise as themselves. This way of praising God by musical instruments had not hitherto been in use. But David, being a prophet, instituted it by divine direction, and added it to the other carnal ordinances of that dispensation, as the apostle calls them, Heb 9:10. The New Testament keeps up singing of psalms, but has not appointed church-music. Some were appointed to be porters (Ch1 15:18), others door-keepers for the ark (Ch1 15:23, Ch1 15:24), and one of these was Obed-edom, who reckoned it no doubt a place of honour, and accepted it as recompence for the entertainment he had given to the ark. He had been for three months housekeeper to the ark, and indeed its landlord. But, when he might not be so any longer, such an affection had he for it that he was glad to be its door-keeper.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:1-29 Again, David set out to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. This time he made thorough preparations to ensure that the transfer would succeed. 15:1-3 The first attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem (13:1-14) failed because of improper procedure (see 15:13). This time, David prepared a place for the Ark in Jerusalem and organized Levites . . . to carry the Ark because this was their responsibility (Deut 10:8; 18:5). The special tent that David prepared for the Ark was not the Tabernacle, which was located at Gibeon at the time (see 1 Chr 16:39; 21:29).
1 Chronicles 15:1
Preparing to Move the Ark
1David constructed buildings for himself in the City of David, and he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it.2Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Ark of the Covenant and the Cross of Christ
By Major Ian Thomas94149:59Cross of ChristNUM 7:1NUM 7:891SA 2:291SA 3:131SA 4:11CH 13:31CH 15:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Eli, the last judge in Israel. Eli was a weary old man who excused sin in his own family and condoned it in the priesthood. He had become spiritually blind and lost his cutting edge. The preacher highlights how Eli's lack of spiritual discernment and prioritizing his sons over God led to a low spiritual state in Israel. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God and honoring Him above all else.
David's Tabernacle: Extravagant Worship (1 Chr. 15-16)
By Mike Bickle1854:08Extravagant WorshipDavidic Worship1CH 15:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of David's Tabernacle as a model for extravagant worship, highlighting the historic event of the Ark of the Covenant entering Jerusalem. He explains that David's commitment to worship was not casual but a deep, life-long vow to see God's glory manifest in his generation. Bickle encourages worship leaders and intercessors to understand the principles of Davidic worship, which reflects heavenly worship on earth, and to actively facilitate this movement in their own cities. He stresses the importance of preparation, consecration, and collaboration in establishing a worship order that honors God. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a new generation to rise up with a heart like David's, dedicated to worship and intercession.
Four Ways to Lose the Lord's Presence
By Walter Beuttler0JDG 16:41SA 16:141CH 15:1LUK 2:42Walter Beuttler preaches on the story of Samson and Delilah, emphasizing the danger of losing the secret of consecration, as seen in Samson's downfall due to revealing his source of strength. Beuttler warns against trifle with the secret of consecration and highlights the importance of maintaining consecration to avoid losing the presence of God. He also discusses the consequences of disobedience, substitution of God's will, and neglecting personal devotion, all of which can lead to losing the presence of the Lord.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Made him houses - One for himself, and one for the ark; in the latter was a tent, under which the ark was placed.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
And David made him houses in the city of David,.... With the help of the masons and carpenters Hiram sent him, Ch1 14:1, the royal palace is meant, with all the apartments in it, which were many and large, as so great a family he had required, and with all the out houses to it necessary for his servants, and their offices: and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent; see Sa2 6:17.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And David made him houses in the city of David,.... With the help of the masons and carpenters Hiram sent him, Ch1 14:1, the royal palace is meant, with all the apartments in it, which were many and large, as so great a family he had required, and with all the out houses to it necessary for his servants, and their offices: and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent; see Sa2 6:17.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Preparation is here made for the bringing of the ark home to the city of David from the house of Obed-edom. It is here owned that in the former attempt, though it was a very good work and in it they sought God, yet they sought him, not after the due order, Ch1 15:13. "We did not go about our work considerately; and therefore we sped so ill." Note, It is not enough that we do that which is good, but we must do it well - not enough that we seek God in a due ordinance, but we must seek after him, in a due order. Note, also, When we have suffered for our irregularities we must learn thereby to be more regular; then we answer the end of chastisement. Let us see how the matter was mended. 1. David now prepared a place for the reception of the ark, before he brought it to him; and thus he sought in the due order. He had not time to build a house, but he pitched a tent for it (Ch1 15:1), probably according to the pattern shown to Moses in the mount, or as near it as might be, of curtains and boards. Observe, When he made houses for himself in the city of David he prepared a place for the ark. Note, Wherever we build for ourselves, we must be sure to make room for God's ark, for a church in the house. 2. David now ordered that the Levites or priests should carry the ark upon their shoulders. Now he bethought himself of that which he could not but know before, that, none ought to carry the ark but the Levites, Ch1 15:2. The Kohathites carried it in their ordinary marches, and therefore had no wagons allotted them, because their work was to bear upon their shoulders, Num 7:9. But upon extraordinary occasions, as when they passed Jordan and compassed Jericho, the priests carried it. This rule was express, and yet David himself forgot it, and put the ark upon a cart. Note, Even those that are very knowing in the word of God, yet have it not always so ready to them as were to be wished when they have occasion to use it. Wise and good men may be guilty of an oversight, which, as soon as they are aware of, they will correct. David did not go about to justify what had been done amiss, nor to lay the blame on others, but owned himself guilty, with others, of not seeking God in a due order, and now took care not only to summon the Levites to the solemnity, as he did all Israel (Ch1 15:3), and had done before (Ch1 13:2), but to see that they assembled (Ch1 15:4), especially the sons of Aaron, Ch1 15:11. To them he gives the solemn charge (Ch1 15:12): You are the chief of the fathers of the Levites, therefore do you bring up the ark of the Lord. It is expected that those who are advanced above others in dignity should go before others in duty. "You are the chief, and therefore more is expected from you than from others, both by way of service yourselves and influence on the rest. You did it not at first, neither did your duty yourselves nor took care to instruct us, and we smarted for it: The Lord made a breach upon us; we have all smarted for your neglect; this has been by your means (see Mal 1:9): therefore sanctify yourselves, and mind your business." When those that have suffered for doing ill thus learn to do better the correction is well bestowed. 3. The Levites and priests sanctified themselves (Ch1 15:14) and were ready to carry the ark on their shoulders, according to the law, Ch1 15:15. Note, Many that are very remiss in their duty, if they were but faithfully told of it, would reform and do better. The breach upon Uzza made the priests more careful to sanctify themselves, that is, to cleanse themselves from all ceremonial pollution and to compose themselves for the solemn service of God, so as to strike a reverence upon the people. Some are made examples, that others may be made exemplary and very cautious. 4. Officers were appointed to be ready to bid the ark welcome, with every possible expression of joy, Ch1 15:16. David ordered the chief of the Levites to nominate those that they knew to be proficients for this service. Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were now first appointed, Ch1 15:17. They undertook to sound with symbols (Ch1 15:19), others with psalteries (Ch1 15:20), others with harps, on the Sheminith, or eighth, eight notes higher or lower than the rest, according to the rules of the concert, Ch1 15:21. Some that were priests blew with the trumpet (Ch1 15:24), as was usual at the removal of the ark (Num 10:8) and at solemn feasts, Psa 81:3. And one was appointed for song (Ch1 15:22), for he was skilful in it, could sing well himself and instruct others. Note, As every man has received the gift, so he ought to minister the same, Pe1 4:10. And those that excel in any endowment should not only use it for the common good themselves, but teach others also, and not grudge to make others as wise as themselves. This way of praising God by musical instruments had not hitherto been in use. But David, being a prophet, instituted it by divine direction, and added it to the other carnal ordinances of that dispensation, as the apostle calls them, Heb 9:10. The New Testament keeps up singing of psalms, but has not appointed church-music. Some were appointed to be porters (Ch1 15:18), others door-keepers for the ark (Ch1 15:23, Ch1 15:24), and one of these was Obed-edom, who reckoned it no doubt a place of honour, and accepted it as recompence for the entertainment he had given to the ark. He had been for three months housekeeper to the ark, and indeed its landlord. But, when he might not be so any longer, such an affection had he for it that he was glad to be its door-keeper.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:1-29 Again, David set out to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. This time he made thorough preparations to ensure that the transfer would succeed. 15:1-3 The first attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem (13:1-14) failed because of improper procedure (see 15:13). This time, David prepared a place for the Ark in Jerusalem and organized Levites . . . to carry the Ark because this was their responsibility (Deut 10:8; 18:5). The special tent that David prepared for the Ark was not the Tabernacle, which was located at Gibeon at the time (see 1 Chr 16:39; 21:29).