1 Chronicles 15:14
So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel.
So the priests and Levites
This phrase highlights the specific roles within the Israelite religious hierarchy. The priests and Levites were set apart for sacred duties, a tradition rooted in the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew word for "priests" is "kohen," and for "Levites," it is "levi'im." The Levites were descendants of Levi, one of Jacob's sons, and were chosen to assist the priests in temple duties. This distinction underscores the importance of order and divine appointment in worship, reflecting God's desire for holiness and structure in His service.

consecrated themselves
The act of consecration, from the Hebrew "qadash," means to set apart or make holy. This process involved ritual purification, symbolizing spiritual readiness and dedication to God's service. In a broader sense, it reflects the Christian call to holiness, as believers are urged to live lives set apart for God's purposes. The priests and Levites' consecration was essential for handling the sacred Ark, emphasizing the need for purity when approaching God.

to bring up the ark of the LORD
The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's presence and covenant with His people. The Hebrew word for "ark" is "aron," and it was a chest containing the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and manna. Bringing up the Ark signified moving it to a place of prominence, in this case, Jerusalem. This action was not merely logistical but deeply spiritual, symbolizing God's rightful place at the center of Israel's worship and life.

the God of Israel
This phrase reaffirms the identity of the LORD as the covenant God of Israel, Yahweh. It emphasizes the personal and national relationship between God and His chosen people. The use of "Israel" connects the narrative to the broader account of God's faithfulness and promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It serves as a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people, encouraging believers to trust in His promises and sovereignty.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Priests and Levites
These were the religious leaders and temple servants in Israel, responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the temple. In this context, they were tasked with the sacred duty of transporting the Ark of the Covenant.

2. Ark of the LORD
The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments. It symbolized God's presence and covenant with Israel.

3. Consecration
This refers to the act of making oneself holy or set apart for God's service. The priests and Levites had to purify themselves before handling the Ark.

4. David
King David was the ruler of Israel at this time and was responsible for organizing the transport of the Ark to Jerusalem.

5. Jerusalem
The city where David intended to bring the Ark, establishing it as the religious and political center of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Holiness
The consecration of the priests and Levites underscores the necessity of holiness when approaching God. As believers, we are called to live lives set apart for His service.

Reverence for God's Presence
The Ark represented God's presence among His people. We must approach God with reverence and respect, acknowledging His holiness and majesty.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The priests and Levites followed specific instructions for transporting the Ark. Similarly, we must adhere to God's Word and His guidance in our lives.

Preparation for Worship
Just as the priests prepared themselves to carry the Ark, we should prepare our hearts and minds for worship, ensuring we are spiritually ready to meet with God.

Leadership and Responsibility
David's leadership in organizing the transport of the Ark highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide others in worship and obedience to God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the act of consecration teach us about the nature of our relationship with God?

2. How can we apply the principle of reverence for God's presence in our daily lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are obedient to God's instructions in our personal and communal worship?

4. How can we prepare ourselves spiritually for worship, both individually and as a church community?

5. What responsibilities do we have as leaders or members of a faith community to ensure that our worship is pleasing to God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 19:10-15
This passage describes the consecration of the Israelites at Mount Sinai, highlighting the importance of purification before encountering God's presence.

Leviticus 8:6-12
Details the consecration of Aaron and his sons, emphasizing the ritual purity required for those serving in the priesthood.

2 Samuel 6:1-15
Provides a parallel account of the Ark's journey to Jerusalem, including the initial failed attempt due to improper handling.
The Bearers of the ArkF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 15:1-15
Removal of the Ark, or Carrying on the Work of GodJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 15:1-24
The Call to ServiceJ. Wolfendale.1 Chronicles 15:1-24
Three Valuable Virtues: Rectification, Admonition, ObedienceW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 15:2-15
Due Preparation for Divine ServiceR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 15:12-14
People
Aaron, Abiathar, Amasai, Amminadab, Asaiah, Asaph, Azaziah, Aziel, Bani, Ben, Benaiah, Berechiah, Chenaniah, David, Eliab, Eliel, Eliezer, Elipheleh, Elizaphan, Elkanah, Ethan, Gershom, Gershon, Heman, Jaaziel, Jehiah, Jehiel, Jehoshaphat, Jeiel, Joel, Joshaphat, Kohath, Kushaiah, Levites, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Merari, Merarites, Michal, Mikneiah, Nethaneel, Obededom, Saul, Shebaniah, Shemaiah, Shemiramoth, Unni, Uriel, Uzziel, Zadok, Zechariah
Places
Gezer, Jerusalem
Topics
Ark, Bring, Consecrated, Hallowed, Holy, Levites, Order, Priests, Sanctified, Sanctify, Themselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 15:14

     8270   holiness, set apart

1 Chronicles 15:1-16

     7390   Levites

Library
April the Sixteenth Priests of the Lord
"None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites." --1 CHRONICLES xv. 1-3, 11-15. There are prepared people for prepared offices. The Lord will fit the man to the function, the anointed and consecrated priest for the consecrated and consecrating ministry. But now, in the larger purpose of the Lord, and in "the exceeding riches of His grace," everybody may be a priest of the Lord. "He hath made us to be priests and kings unto God." And He will prepare us to carry our ark, and to "minister in
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The King --Continued.
The years thus well begun are, in the historical books, characterized mainly by three events, namely, the bringing up of the ark to the newly won city of David, Nathan's prophecy of the perpetual dominion of his house, and his victories over the surrounding nations. These three hinges of the narrative are all abundantly illustrated in the psalms. As to the first, we have relics of the joyful ceremonial connected with it in two psalms, the fifteenth and twenty-fourth, which are singularly alike not
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

The Lord's Supper
And as they did eat, Jesus took bread,' &c. Mark 14: 22. Having spoken to the sacrament of baptism, I come now to the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper is the most spiritual and sweetest ordinance that ever was instituted. Here we have to do more immediately with the person of Christ. In prayer, we draw nigh to God; in the sacrament, we become one with him. In prayer, we look up to Christ; in the sacrament, by faith, we touch him. In the word preached, we hear Christ's voice; in the
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Chronicles 15:14 NIV
1 Chronicles 15:14 NLT
1 Chronicles 15:14 ESV
1 Chronicles 15:14 NASB
1 Chronicles 15:14 KJV

1 Chronicles 15:14 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Chronicles 15:13
Top of Page
Top of Page