1Chronicles 15:1 ¶ And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.
1Chronicles 15:2 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.
David built several houses in the city of David. JFB provides this note: “Where polygamy prevails, each wife has a separate house or suite of apartments for herself and children.”
The king prepared a special tent for the ark of God that became known as the tabernacle of David.
David must have done some reading in the scriptures. He realized that the ark of God should only be carried by the Levites as commanded by the LORD.
Deuteronomy 10:8 “At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.”
1Chronicles 15:3 And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it.
1Chronicles 15:4 And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites:
1Chronicles 15:5 Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty:
1Chronicles 15:6 Of the sons of Merari; Asaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred and twenty:
1Chronicles 15:7 Of the sons of Gershom; Joel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and thirty:
1Chronicles 15:8 Of the sons of Elizaphan; Shemaiah the chief, and his brethren two hundred:
1Chronicles 15:9 Of the sons of Hebron; Eliel the chief, and his brethren fourscore:
1Chronicles 15:10 Of the sons of Uzziel; Amminadab the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twelve.
1Chronicles 15:11 And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,
1Chronicles 15:12 And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it.
1Chronicles 15:13 For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.
So once again David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem to bring the ark of God to the tent that he had prepared for it. He assembled the descendants of Aaron and the Levites. This section lists the leaders of the different families—a total of over 860. David instructed the Levites to prepare themselves to transport the ark. He emphasized that it was because they had not followed the LORD’s instructions the first time that calamity had struck.
The NIV Commentary adds this note regarding the Levites sanctifying themselves: It “…involved certain prescribed ritual washings and the avoidance of any form of ceremonial defilement.”
We know this was three months later than the first attempt because it is noted that the ark stayed with Obededom for three months.
2 Samuel 6:11 “And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.”
The writer of Kings implies that it was the fact that Obededom’s family experienced such blessing due to the presence of the ark in their home that David was motivated to get the ark to Jerusalem as soon as possible. He wanted that blessing for Jerusalem.
2 Samuel 6:12 “And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.”
1Chronicles 15:14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.
1Chronicles 15:15 And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.
The priests and Levites did as the king had instructed and carried the ark upon their shoulders as the LORD had commanded through Moses.
1Chronicles 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.
1Chronicles 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah;
1Chronicles 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.
1Chronicles 15:19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass;
1Chronicles 15:20 And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;
1Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
1Chronicles 15:22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful.
1Chronicles 15:23 And Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.
1Chronicles 15:24 And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.
David even instructed the leaders of the Levites to assign specific men to sing with musical instruments.
Heman, Asaph and Ethan were appointed to use cymbals of brass.
Zechariah Aziel, Shermiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah and Benaiah played the lyres, a type of harp.
Mattithiah, Elipheleh, Mikneiah, Obededom, Jeiel and Azaziah played harps.
“Sheminith” = “through the idea of plumpness; a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the “perfect” seven)” – This seems to be a reference to the octave and playing with a full sound. Maybe this is a reference to using chords.
Chenaniah was chosen as the director of music since he was so skillful in that capacity.
Berechiah and Elkanah were chosen as the doorkeepers for the ark.
Shebaniah, Jehoshaphat, Nethaneel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah and Eliezer played the trumpets.
Obededom and Jehiah were also appointed as doorkeepers of the ark.
I think it is important to note in verse 16 that the Levites were to lift up their voices with joy. The LORD is honored when our worship of Him is filled with joy. That joy can be expressed in different types of music. That joy is not dependent upon our circumstances.
Matthew 5:11–12 “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven….”
2 Corinthians 6:4 “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses…As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing….”
Philippians 2:17 “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.”
Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
The NIV Commentary offers this note on verse 20: “The phrase ‘according to alamoth’ occurs also in the title to Ps 46. Since this noun means ‘maidens, virgins,’ such as are mentioned as beating tambourines in ceremonial processions of singers and other musicians (Ps 68:25), it may indicate music produced in a soprano register.”
Throughout scripture it is evident that the LORD is a God of order. Paul makes it very clear in his letter to the Corinthians that we are to worship him “decently and in order.” David made careful preparations to ensure that the transport of the ark was well organized.
1 Corinthians 14:26 & 39–40 “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation….For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace….Let all things be done unto edifying. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.”
1Chronicles 15:25 ¶ So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.
1Chronicles 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.
1Chronicles 15:27 And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.
1Chronicles 15:28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.
So David and leaders of Israel accompanied the ark as it was transported from the house of Obededom to Jerusalem. The people credited God with helping the Levites and offered a sacrifice of seven bulls and seven rams in gratitude. I am sure they needed some spiritual fortitude in light of the disastrous results of the previous attempt to move the ark.
David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were the Levites that carried the ark and all the musicians. The king was also wearing an ephod or girdle of linen. It is noted that great joy accompanied the transport of the ark as evidenced by the shouting and music making of the people.
The record in Kings tells us a bit more. After the ark had been placed in the tent that David had prepared for it, he offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. He then blessed the people and gave everyone present a “good piece of flesh and a flagon of wine.”
2 Samuel 6:17–19 “And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts. And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.”
Good note from Wiersbe: “The quality of our worship is often determined by the way we prepare for worship.”
1Chronicles 15:29 And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looking out at a window saw king David dancing and playing: and she despised him in her heart.
One person in particular, however, was not a part of the joyful celebration. Michal, the daughter of Saul, David’s first wife, was filled with loathing as she watched her husband expressing his joy so freely with dancing.
The record in Kings again tells us a bit more. Either the LORD was displeased with Michal’s reaction and closed her womb or David never went in to lay with her again since it is noted that she had no children until the day of her death.
2 Samuel 6:20–23 “Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour. Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.”
Note that David declares that his expression of joy was “before the LORD.” He wasn’t worried about what other people were thinking; he was focused on pleasing God.
I liked Guzik’s observation: “This expression of David’s heart showed that he had a genuine emotional link to God. There are two great errors in this area - the error of making emotions the center of our Christian life and the error of an emotionally detached Christian life. In the Christian life emotions must not be manipulated and they must not be repressed.”
1Chronicles 16:1 ¶ So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.
1Chronicles 16:2 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.
1Chronicles 16:3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
The narrative continues from the previous chapter…
As noted in the previous chapter, they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God after the ark had been safely placed in the tent that David had specifically prepared to house it. After the offerings had been made, David blessed the people in the name of the LORD. He then gave every person present a loaf of bread, a good piece of flesh and a flagon of wine.
Guzik notes: “The burnt offerings spoke of consecration. The peace offerings spoke of fellowship. This was a day of great consecration and fellowship with God.”
1Chronicles 16:4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel:
1Chronicles 16:5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;
1Chronicles 16:6 Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.
David appointed certain Levites to serve the LORD before the ark to burn incense, make petitions on behalf of the people and sing praises to God. Asaph was the designated leader, and Zechariah was his first assistant. Others serving with him are also listed. As noted, some were assigned to play specific instruments.
1Chronicles 16:7 ¶ Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.
David had prepared a song in honor of this day, and he gave it to Asaph and his brethren to perform. These words are mirrored in the first 15 verses of Psalm 105 and are basically repeated in Psalm 96.
1Chronicles 16:8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.
1Chronicles 16:9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.
David’s song begins with a call for his people to give thanks to the LORD and publicly testify of all that He had done for Israel. He encouraged them to sing songs of praise to the LORD as they told of His great miracles on behalf of Israel.
As a gifted musician, David knew that music was one of the most powerful ways to spread the message of God’s great works.
Thought: How much time do we spend talking about God in comparison to other things? He should dominate every aspect of our life and conversation.
A very pointed quote from Spurgeon noted by Guzik: “All the good that we enjoy comes from God. Recollect that! Alas, most men forget it. Rowland Hill used to say that worldlings were like the hogs under the oak, which eat the acorns, but never think of the oak from which they fell, nor lift up their heads to grunt out a thanksgiving.”
1Chronicles 16:10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
1Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.
David declares that those who seek the LORD should rejoice and glorify His name. He then encourages the people to personally ask the LORD to strengthen them on a daily continual basis.
I think David’s time in the wilderness especially served to impress upon him the importance of seeking the LORD’s provision for him on an ongoing basis. We who claim His name today would do well to follow his advice. If we are constantly in communion with the LORD, we are not likely to yield to evil temptations and will be more likely to make wise choices.
1Chronicles 16:12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
1Chronicles 16:13 O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
I believe David takes this admonition right from the mouth of God as recorded by Moses. The LORD urged His people to “remember” all that He had done for them as a means of encouragement and motivation concerning future choices. That memory would include both miracles of provision as well as times of judgment. David reminds the people again that God had specifically chosen them as His servants from among all the nations on earth.
We who know Christ as Savior also fall into the category of God’s chosen people and are privileged to be His servants. That status should be reflected in everything we do and say. Our testimony is most powerful when the truth of what we say is reflected in how we live.
1 Peter 2:5–10 “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ….But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
1 John 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
1Chronicles 16:14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.
1Chronicles 16:15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;
1Chronicles 16:16 Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;
1Chronicles 16:17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,
1Chronicles 16:18 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance;
1Chronicles 16:19 When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.
David goes on to declare that though the LORD is the God of Israel, He is sovereign over all nations on earth. Israel needs to remember, however, that the LORD made an everlasting covenant with their forefathers. Part of that covenant promise was to give the children of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob the land of Canaan as their inheritance. This covenant was made when they were but few in number living as foreigners in the land.
Another good quote from Guzik: “It was entirely appropriate that this psalm focuses on the idea of His covenant, because it was written for the arrival of the ark of the covenant into the place David prepared for it in Jerusalem.”
1Chronicles 16:20 And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people;
1Chronicles 16:21 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,
1Chronicles 16:22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
Though they lived as nomads among the nations, the LORD’s protective hand was over them. He warned kings of the nations not to touch His people or harm His prophets.
For example, remember how the LORD dealt with Pharaoh when Abraham had Sarai pose as his sister…
Genesis 12:17–19 “And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife. And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way.”
…and with Abimelech, king of Gerar.
Genesis 20:1–7 “And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife. But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.”
1Chronicles 16:23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.
1Chronicles 16:24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.
David then urges the people to sing to the LORD in testimony of His salvation, His glory among the nations and His wondrous works among all the nations.
Some of those marvelous works we so take for granted; e.g., that He continues to hold the universe together so that the laws of nature that He set in motion continue to work in tandem to support life on planet earth.
1Chronicles 16:25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.
1Chronicles 16:26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.
1Chronicles 16:27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.
David identifies the LORD, THE One to be feared among all “gods” (little g) as deserving of great praise. The “gods” of the nations are but impotent idols. The LORD, however, is the Creator of the heavens. His presence is one of glory and honor, and He exudes strength and gladness.
1Chronicles 16:28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
1Chronicles 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
1Chronicles 16:30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.
David urges the nations to acknowledge that the LORD is full of glory and power. He deserves their offerings and worship in recognition of His holiness—His unique position as LORD and Creator. Everyone on planet earth should fear and tremble before Him. He has firmly fixed the earth so that it cannot be moved.
What is it like to worship the LORD in the “beauty of holiness.” I’m not sure we’ll truly understand that until we get to heaven. We get glimpses even in this fallen world as creation testifies to that beauty. I can hardly wait to experience the wonder and beauty of being in His presence with no taint of sin.
1Chronicles 16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
1Chronicles 16:32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.
1Chronicles 16:33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.
David declares that the heavens and earth should be glad and rejoice. I believe this is a reference to the angels as well as mankind. We should be thankful that “The LORD reigns.” He is totally in control.
David even pictures every living thing in the seas and the fields rejoicing before the LORD. Even the trees of the wood can sing in the presence of the LORD as they wait for His coming to judge the earth.
1Chronicles 16:34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
1Chronicles 16:35 And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.
1Chronicles 16:36 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.
David closes his song by giving thanks to the LORD because of His goodness and the truth that His mercy endures forever.
It is because of the pity and compassion of a long-suffering Father that we can experience mercy, His willingness to spare us the treatment we deserve. How thankful we can be as His children that His mercies and compassions are new every morning.
Lamentations 3:22–23 “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
David urges the people to cry out to God for His salvation and deliverance from the heathen (those that do not recognize Him as LORD). We should pray for Him to gather us together so that we may give Him our thanks and rejoice in praising Him.
Again, David reiterates that the LORD God of Israel is to be adored (from the Hebrew for blessed) forever. What does it mean to adore the LORD? Webster tells us that it is to “worship with profound reverence…to honor as deity….to love in the highest degree….” Thought: Does my life reflect my adoration for the LORD?
All the people affirmed their agreement with David by saying “Amen” and praising the LORD.
“gather us together and deliver us” – David’s words concerned Israel. I read those words and look forward to the soon coming of Jesus to take His family home to heaven.
1Chronicles 16:37 ¶ So he left there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD Asaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, as every day’s work required:
1Chronicles 16:38 And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters:
1Chronicles 16:39 And Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon,
1Chronicles 16:40 To offer burnt offerings unto the LORD upon the altar of the burnt offering continually morning and evening, and to do according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which he commanded Israel;
1Chronicles 16:41 And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever;
1Chronicles 16:42 And with them Heman and Jeduthun with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were porters.
David then left the ark of the covenant of the LORD in the care of Asaph and his brethren to serve as they had been appointed. It seems that Obededom supervised those serving in Jerusalem. Other scripture identifies Abiathar as the priest in charge in Jerusalem, so maybe Obededom assisted him.
1 Chronicles 18:16 “And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests”
Zadok the priest was in charge over the priests that would minister at the tabernacle of the LORD in Gibeon. They would continue to offer the morning and evening sacrifices on the altar of burnt offerings as commanded by the LORD. It appears the Heman and Jeduthun led the group that would provide praise music at the tabernacle.
Wiersbe notes that the tabernacle and the ark were over 550 years old at this time.
1Chronicles 16:43 And all the people departed every man to his house: and David returned to bless his house.
Once the celebration was over everyone went home. David went home and blessed his house.