1 Chronicles 15:16
1 Chronicles 15:16 in Multiple Translations
David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals.
And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.
And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren the singers, with instruments of music, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding aloud and lifting up the voice with joy.
And David gave orders to the chief of the Levites to put their brothers the music-makers in position, with instruments of music, corded instruments and brass, with glad voices making sounds of joy.
David also instructed the leaders of the Levites to assign from their relatives singers who would sing loudly for joy, accompanied by musicians playing lyres, and harps, and cymbals.
And Dauid spake to the chiefe of the Leuites, that they should appoint certaine of their brethren to sing with instruments of musike, with violes and harpes, and cymbales, that they might make a sounde, and lift vp their voyce with ioye.
And David saith to the heads of the Levites to appoint their brethren the singers, with instruments of song, psalteries, and harps, and cymbals, sounding, to lift up with the voice for joy.
David spoke to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers with instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, sounding aloud and lifting up their voices with joy.
And David spoke to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of music, psalteries, and harps, and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.
And David spoke to the chiefs of the Levites, to appoint some of their brethren to be singers with musical instruments, to wit, on psalteries, and harps, and cymbals, that the joyful noise might resound on high.
David told the leaders of the descendants of Levi to appoint some of their relatives to sing joyful songs and play lyres, harps, and cymbals while they were carrying the Sacred Chest.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 15:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 15:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
דָּוִיד֮
לְ/שָׂרֵ֣י
הַ/לְוִיִּם֒
לְ/הַֽעֲמִ֗יד
אֶת
אֲחֵי/הֶם֙
הַ/מְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים
בִּ/כְלֵי
שִׁ֛יר
נְבָלִ֥ים
וְ/כִנֹּר֖וֹת
וּ/מְצִלְתָּ֑יִם
מַשְׁמִיעִ֥ים
לְ/הָרִֽים
בְּ/ק֖וֹל
לְ/שִׂמְחָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
דָּוִיד֮
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
לְ/שָׂרֵ֣י
sar
H8269
ruler
Prep | N-mp
הַ/לְוִיִּם֒
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
לְ/הַֽעֲמִ֗יד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲחֵי/הֶם֙
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
הַ/מְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים
shîyr
H7891
to sing
Art | V-o
בִּ/כְלֵי
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Prep | N-mp
שִׁ֛יר
shîyr
H7892
song
N-cs
נְבָלִ֥ים
nebel
H5035
bag
N-mp
וְ/כִנֹּר֖וֹת
kinnôwr
H3658
lyre
Conj | N-mp
וּ/מְצִלְתָּ֑יִם
mᵉtsêleth
H4700
cymbal
Conj | N-fd
מַשְׁמִיעִ֥ים
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Hiphil
לְ/הָרִֽים
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
בְּ/ק֖וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
לְ/שִׂמְחָֽה
simchâh
H8057
joy
Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 15:16
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
דָּוִיד֮
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
לְ/שָׂרֵ֣י
sar
H8269
"ruler"
Prep | N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
הַ/לְוִיִּם֒
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
לְ/הַֽעֲמִ֗יד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲחֵי/הֶם֙
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
הַ/מְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים
shîyr
H7891
"to sing"
Art | V-o
This Hebrew word means to sing, and it is used in the Bible to describe the act of singing, like when the Israelites sang after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 15. It can also refer to a singer or songstress. The Bible often mentions singing as a way to praise God.
Definition: 1) to sing 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sing 1a2) singer, songstresses (participle) 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to sing 1b2) singer, songstress (participle) 1c) (Hophal) to be sung
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: behold (by mistake for H7789 (שׁוּר)), sing(-er, -ing man, -ing woman). See also: Exodus 15:1; Nehemiah 12:45; Psalms 7:1.
בִּ/כְלֵי
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
שִׁ֛יר
shîyr
H7892
"song"
N-cs
This word refers to a song or singing, and it is used in the Bible to describe musical expressions of praise and worship, like the songs of David in the book of Psalms. It can also be used to describe a specific song or ode.
Definition: 1) song 1a) lyric song 1b) religious song 1c) song of Levitical choirs Also means: shi.rah (שִׁירָה "song" H7892B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: musical(-ick), [idiom] sing(-er, -ing), song. See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 76:1; Psalms 18:1.
נְבָלִ֥ים
nebel
H5035
"bag"
N-mp
A harp is a musical instrument, and this word is also used to describe a skin-bag for liquids or a vase. It is often translated as a psaltery or viol in the Bible.
Definition: 1) a skin-bag, jar, pitcher 1a) skin-bottle, skin 1b) jar, pitcher (earthen)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol. See also: 1 Samuel 1:24; Nehemiah 12:27; Psalms 33:2.
וְ/כִנֹּר֖וֹת
kinnôwr
H3658
"lyre"
Conj | N-mp
Kinnor is a musical instrument, specifically a lyre or harp. It is used to make music and is mentioned in the Bible as a instrument used by musicians.
Definition: lyre, harp
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: harp. See also: Genesis 4:21; Job 21:12; Psalms 33:2.
וּ/מְצִלְתָּ֑יִם
mᵉtsêleth
H4700
"cymbal"
Conj | N-fd
Metselt refers to cymbals, specifically double tinklers used to make music in biblical times.
Definition: cymbals
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: cymbals. See also: 1 Chronicles 13:8; 1 Chronicles 25:1; Nehemiah 12:27.
מַשְׁמִיעִ֥ים
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Hiphil
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
לְ/הָרִֽים
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
בְּ/ק֖וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
לְ/שִׂמְחָֽה
simchâh
H8057
"joy"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 15:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 15:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 15:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 15:16
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:16
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 15:16
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 15:16
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:16
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 15:16
Context — The Priests and Levites Carry the Ark
14So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel.
15And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.
16David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals.
17So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah; 18and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 13:8 | David and all the Israelites were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs and on harps and lyres, with tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 5:13 | The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 16:42 | Heman and Jeduthun had with them trumpets and cymbals for the music and instruments for the songs of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were stationed at the gate. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 12:36 | and his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani—with the musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 23:5 | 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.” |
| 6 | Psalms 81:1 | Sing for joy to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. |
| 7 | Psalms 150:3–4 | Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 33:11 | the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those bringing thank offerings into the house of the LORD, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD of Hosts, for the LORD is good; His loving devotion endures forever.’ For I will restore the land from captivity as in former times, says the LORD. |
| 9 | Titus 1:5 | The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. |
| 10 | Ezra 7:24–28 | And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God. And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them. If anyone does not keep the law of your God and the law of the king, let a strict judgment be executed against him, whether death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment. Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put into the heart of the king to so honor the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, and who has shown me favor before the king, his counselors, and all his powerful officials. And because the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, I took courage and gathered the leaders of Israel to return with me. |
1 Chronicles 15:16 Summary
In this verse, David tells the leaders of the Levites to choose some of their relatives to be singers and musicians, to play harps, lyres, and cymbals and sing with joy. This was a way to honor the LORD and celebrate as they brought the ark of the LORD to Jerusalem, similar to the celebrations in Psalm 100:1-5. The music and singing were important parts of their worship, just like they are for us today, as mentioned in Ephesians 5:19. By including music and singing in our worship, we can express our love and gratitude to the LORD and create a sense of joy and community, just like David and the Levites did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David instruct the Levites to appoint singers and musicians?
David wanted to create a joyful atmosphere as they brought the ark of the LORD to Jerusalem, just as the LORD had commanded in Second Samuel 6:5, and this would also fulfill the command in Deuteronomy 12:7 to rejoice before the LORD.
What kind of instruments did they use?
According to First Chronicles 15:16, they used harps, lyres, and cymbals to create a festive sound, similar to the instruments used in Psalm 150:3-5 to praise the LORD.
Why was it important for the Levites to be involved in the singing and music?
The Levites were set apart by the LORD to serve Him, as seen in Numbers 3:12, and their involvement in the music and singing was a way to honor the LORD and fulfill their priestly duties, as mentioned in First Chronicles 6:31-48.
How does this relate to our worship today?
Just as the Levites were instructed to sing and play music with joy, we are also commanded in Colossians 3:16 to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness in our hearts to God, making music a vital part of our worship and expression of love to the LORD.
Reflection Questions
- What role does music play in your personal worship and how can you use it to express your joy and gratitude to the LORD?
- In what ways can you, like the Levites, use your talents and skills to serve the LORD and bring joy to others?
- How can you create a sense of community and shared joy in your worship, just as David and the Levites did in this verse?
- What are some ways you can use music and singing to prepare your heart for worship and to focus on the LORD?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 15:16
And David spake to the chief of the Levites,.... The six before mentioned, 1 Chronicles 15:11 to appoint their brethren to be the singers; before the ark, as they brought it up: with instruments of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 15:16
And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy. .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:16
1 Chronicles 15:16 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren [to be] the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.Ver. 16. And David spake to the chief of the Levites] From hence it appeareth, saith one, that this sacred music, vocal and instrumental, was in use even before David’ s time; though there be no mention made of it in the law: but David did afterwards illustrate it.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:16
(16) David spake to the chief.—Ordered the chiefs (sβrξm).To appoint their brethren to be the singers.—To station or assign places to their clansmen, the minstrels.Psalteries and harps.—Harps and lutes, or guitars (nĕ ?bβlξm and kinnτrτth).Sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy.—So far as grammar goes, the participle sounding (Heb., causing to hear—i.e., making a loud noise) might refer to the musicians, or to all the instruments mentioned, or to the last kind (the cymbals) only. The third reference is the best, because of the special sense of the verb. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 15:19 and Psalms 150:5 : “loud cymbals,” i.e., cymbals of sound or hearing.) Translate: “harps and lutes and clashing cymbals, in order to swell the sound for gladness:” that is, to express and enhance the rejoicing. (Comp. 2 Chronicles 5:13.)
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 15:16
16. psalteries] See note on 1 Chronicles 13:8. sounding, by lifting up] R.V. sounding aloud and lifting up. So. 1 Chronicles 15:19; 1 Chronicles 16:42.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 15:16
The singers - Singing had long been recognized as appropriate to religious ceremonies Exodus 15:21; Judges 5:1; 1 Chronicles 13:8; but this is the first occasion on which we find the duty of
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:16
16. David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of music — Already many of the Levites were skilled in vocal and instrumental music, otherwise
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 15:16
| Sermon | Description | |
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If It Be Thou, Bid Me Come by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of deepening our relationship with God and running the race of faith with determination and truth. It calls for a commitment to seek God's wil |
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If You Don’t Praise the Lord, You’re Going to Fail by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of praising the Lord. They share their personal experience of how praising God broke chains and brought liberation. The speaker als |
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Preparation for and Possession of Revival by Alan Cairns | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the undeniable work of God that cannot be denied. He refers to the notable miracles performed by the apostles in Acts 4, which were evident |
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Spiritual Sacrifices by William Ray | William Ray emphasizes the significance of offering spiritual sacrifices, particularly the sacrifice of praise and joy, as essential to fulfilling God's will. He illustrates this t |
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The Message of 2 Chronicles by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the critical distinction between rationalism and ritualism in the life of a nation, as illustrated in 2 Chronicles. He highlights Solomon's initial gr |
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Then the House Was Filled With a Cloud. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of inviting God's presence, symbolized by the Shekinah cloud, into our lives and spirits, as it represents God's desire to dwell among His pe |
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Memoirs: 5.\tDays of Revival\t 129 by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne reflects on the days of revival in Dundee, where he was joyfully welcomed back by his congregation after a period of absence. He describes the profound emoti |