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1 Chronicles 15:26

1 Chronicles 15:26 in Multiple Translations

And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.

And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.

And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, that they sacrificed seven bullocks and seven rams.

And when God gave help to the Levites who were lifting up the ark of the agreement of the Lord, they made an offering of seven oxen and seven sheep.

Because God helped the Levites who carried the Ark of the Lord's Agreement, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.

And because that God helped the Leuites that bare the Arke of the couenant of the Lord, they offered seuen bullockes and seuen rammes.

and it cometh to pass, in God's helping the Levites bearing the ark of the covenant of Jehovah, that they sacrifice seven bullocks and seven rams.

When God helped the Levites who bore the ark of the LORD’s covenant, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.

And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.

And when God had helped the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, they offered in sacrifice seven oxen, and seven rams.

God helped the descendants of Levi who carried the Sacred Chest of Yahweh; therefore David and the leaders sacrificed seven bulls and seven ◄rams/male sheep► to thank him.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 15:26

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 15:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/יְהִי֙ בֶּ/עְזֹ֣ר הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶ֨ת הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם נֹשְׂאֵ֖י אֲר֣וֹן בְּרִית יְהוָ֑ה וַ/יִּזְבְּח֥וּ שִׁבְעָֽה פָרִ֖ים וְ/שִׁבְעָ֥ה אֵילִֽים
וַֽ/יְהִי֙ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בֶּ/עְזֹ֣ר ʻâzar H5826 to help Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp
אֶ֨ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם Lêvîyîy H3881 Levi Art | Ngmpa
נֹשְׂאֵ֖י nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal
אֲר֣וֹן ʼârôwn H727 ark N-cs
בְּרִית bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant N-fs
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
וַ/יִּזְבְּח֥וּ zâbach H2076 to sacrifice Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שִׁבְעָֽה shebaʻ H7651 seven Adj
פָרִ֖ים par H6499 bullock N-mp
וְ/שִׁבְעָ֥ה shebaʻ H7651 seven Conj | Adj
אֵילִֽים ʼayil H352 ram N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 15:26

וַֽ/יְהִי֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בֶּ/עְזֹ֣ר ʻâzar H5826 "to help" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.
הָֽ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶ֨ת 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.
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם 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.
נֹשְׂאֵ֖י nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֲר֣וֹן ʼârôwn H727 "ark" N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
בְּרִית bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/יִּזְבְּח֥וּ zâbach H2076 "to sacrifice" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
שִׁבְעָֽה shebaʻ H7651 "seven" Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
פָרִ֖ים par H6499 "bullock" N-mp
This Hebrew word means a young bull or ox, often used as a sacrifice in the Bible. In Exodus, a bullock is used as an offering to God. The word describes a strong and powerful animal.
Definition: young bull, steer, bullock
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] young) bull(-ock), calf, ox. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 22:13.
וְ/שִׁבְעָ֥ה shebaʻ H7651 "seven" Conj | Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
אֵילִֽים ʼayil H352 "ram" N-mp
A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.
Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.

Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 15:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 23:29 Then Balaam said, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”
2 1 Chronicles 29:14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.
3 Psalms 66:13–15 I will enter Your house with burnt offerings; I will fulfill my vows to You— the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress. I will offer You fatlings as burnt offerings, with the fragrant smoke of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. Selah
4 Job 42:8 So now, take seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. Then My servant Job will pray for you, for I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken accurately about Me, as My servant Job has.”
5 Numbers 29:32 On the seventh day you are to present seven bulls, two rams, and fourteen male lambs a year old, all unblemished,
6 1 Samuel 7:12 Afterward, Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”
7 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.
8 2 Samuel 6:13 When those carrying the ark of the LORD had advanced six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.
9 Acts 26:22 But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen:
10 Numbers 23:1–4 Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.” So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar. “Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam said to Balak. “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” So Balaam went off to a barren height, and God met with him. “I have set up seven altars,” Balaam said, “and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.”

1 Chronicles 15:26 Summary

In 1 Chronicles 15:26, we see that God helped the Levites carry the ark of the covenant, and they responded with sacrifices of thanksgiving. This shows us that when we trust and rely on God, He will help us in our tasks and endeavors, just as He promised in Psalm 121:2. We can learn from the Levites' example by trusting God and giving Him the glory in our own lives, and by expressing our gratitude to Him through worship and thanksgiving, like the sacrifices in Leviticus 23:18. By doing so, we can experience God's presence and help in our daily lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the Levites carrying the ark of the covenant in 1 Chronicles 15:26?

The Levites were chosen by God to carry the ark because of their dedication and faithfulness, as seen in Numbers 4:15 and Deuteronomy 10:8, and their ability to do so successfully was a testament to God's presence and help.

Why did the Levites sacrifice seven bulls and seven rams after carrying the ark?

The sacrifice of seven bulls and seven rams was an act of worship and thanksgiving to God for His help and presence, similar to the sacrifices offered in Leviticus 23:18 and Numbers 23:1-2.

How does God's help to the Levites in 1 Chronicles 15:26 relate to our lives today?

Just as God helped the Levites in their task, He is also willing to help us in our own endeavors, as promised in Psalm 121:2 and Isaiah 41:10, if we trust and rely on Him.

What can we learn from the Levites' experience in 1 Chronicles 15:26 about trusting God?

The Levites' successful carrying of the ark and their subsequent sacrifice demonstrate the importance of trusting God and giving Him the glory, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 11:36.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I apply the principle of trusting God for help in my own life, just as the Levites did in 1 Chronicles 15:26?
  2. What are some ways I can express my gratitude to God for His presence and help in my life, like the Levites did through their sacrifice?
  3. In what areas of my life do I need to rely more on God's strength and guidance, rather than my own abilities?
  4. How can I, like the Levites, prioritize giving God the glory and recognition for His work in my life?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 15:26

And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord,.... Not merely granted them bodily strength to carry it, which did not require a great deal; but helped

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 15:26

And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:26

When God helped the Levites; either, 1. By giving them strength to carry their burden; or rather, 2. By encouraging them in their work with some comfortable sign of his presence with them, and approbation of their work and manner of carrying the ark: when they saw that he did not cut off any of the persons employed, as he had done before, but spared and favoured them; which they perceived when they had gone six paces, as appears by .

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:26

1 Chronicles 15:26 And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams.Ver. 26. When God helped the Levites that bare the ark.] So helped them, say the Rabbis, that they felt not any weight thereof upon their shoulders. Rather God helped there, that is, he not only spared them - Uzzah met not with such a mercy - but enabled them and relieved them. Will he not do as much for his faithful ministers That they offered seven bullocks,] viz., At every sixth pace, because Uzzah perished when he had gone but six paces, say some. Every man that seeth another stricken, and himseff spared, is to offer sacrifice, yea, to keep a passover for himself.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:26

(26) When God helped the Levites that bare the ark.—Comp. 2 Samuel 6:13, “And it was so, that when the bearers of the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings” (sing. collect.). God had been adverse to those who conducted the Ark on the former occasion (1 Chronicles 13:9), as was inferred from the sudden death of Uzza. Now, when the Levites had undertaken the work in due order, and no harm had befallen, it was understood that the Divine goodwill was with the enterprise. That they had borne the holy Ark six paces without any sign of wrath was enough to call forth the grateful offerings of hearts relieved from a dread which only ceased to haunt them when the event proved it to be groundless. Our text, more exact than Samuel, gives the number and kind of the victims then sacrificed. Others refer the two accounts to different sacrifices, taking Samuel to mean that at every six paces a bullock and a fat sheep were slain by priests stationed all along the course, while they suppose our text to refer to a final sacrifice, offered when the Ark had reached its destination. This solution of the difficulty appears incredible, especially as regards the supposition of priests not mentioned in the narrative. Another view understands our text in this sense, but makes the offering in Samuel an initial sacrifice of consecration. But it is not likely that the two sacrifices are really different: (1) because the narrative here is generally parallel with Samuel; and (2) the chronicler may have intentionally paraphrased the older text for the sake of explanation. (Comp. Numbers 23:1; Numbers 23:29 for the sacrifice.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:26

Verse 26. God helped the Levites] When they saw that God had made no breach among them, as he had in the case of Uzza, in gratitude for their preservation, and his acceptance of their labour, they sacrificed seven bullocks and seven rams.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 15:26

26. when God helped the Levites] In 2 Samuel 6:13, when they that bare the ark of the Lord had gone six paces. The Chronicler interprets the safe start as a sign of Divine assistance. seven bullocks and seven rams] In Sam. an ox and a fatling (so R.V., not, oxen and fatlings as A.V.). The smaller sacrifice of Samuel is represented as the king’s own offering, the larger sacrifice of Chron. as that of the king and his elders combined.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Chronicles 15:26

When God helped the Levites - The death of Uzza had deeply impressed both David and the Levites, and it was doubted whether God would allow the ark to be moved anymore.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:26

26. When God helped the Levites — By enabling them to remove the ark six paces without injury to any one. Comp. 2 Samuel 6:13.

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 15:26

SermonDescription
William MacDonald Principles of Giving by William MacDonald In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being led by the Lord to give the right amount at the right time. He shares a story of a man in San Luis Obispo who was pr
David Ravenhill Reason for Leaving Gig Harbor by David Ravenhill David Ravenhill shares his personal journey of faith and the divine guidance he has received throughout his life, culminating in his decision to leave his pastoral role in Gig Harb
Shane Idleman Money - Cirrhosis of the Giver by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman addresses the critical topic of money in his sermon 'Money - Cirrhosis of the Giver,' emphasizing the importance of stewardship and the dangers of allowing money to b
Andrew Murray What Does Consecration Mean? by Andrew Murray Andrew Murray explores the profound meaning of consecration, emphasizing that it is a divine privilege to return to God what is inherently His. He reflects on David's prayer in I C
Andrew Murray Entire Consecration by Andrew Murray Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound mystery of entire consecration to God, illustrating that all we possess comes from Him and that our privilege is to return it willingly. He ou
Octavius Winslow The Tithes Brought--the Blessing Given by Octavius Winslow Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of bringing all tithes into God's storehouse, as commanded in Malachi 3:10, highlighting that God desires our full commitment and faithfu
Andrew Murray Consecration by Andrew Murray Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound mystery of consecration, illustrating that all we have comes from God, and thus, we are called to willingly give back to Him what is already H

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