Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

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).

Verse 13

15:13 See 13:1-10.

Verse 16

15:16-18 This is the first of three lists of Levitical musicians (see 15:19-22; 16:4-6). This list gave the names of the three leaders (Heman, Asaph, and Ethan; see 6:33-47) along with their assistants.

Verse 19

15:19-22 The second list of Levitical musicians focused on their musical specialties rather than their rank.

Verse 20

15:20 harps: Hebrew adds according to Alamoth. Alamoth is probably a melody, believed to be sung in the soprano range (related to Hebrew ‘almah, “young woman”).

Verse 21

15:21 lyres: Hebrew adds according to the Sheminith. Sheminith might be related to a term meaning “octave,” suggesting a lower vocal range.

Verse 29

15:29 The contempt of Michal (cp. 2 Sam 6:16-23) toward David stands in stark contrast to God’s blessing on the celebration (1 Chr 15:26); her description as the daughter of Saul implies that her attitude mirrored her father’s disregard for the Lord (see 1 Sam 10:10-12; 13:7-14; 15:10-23; 28:1-25).