I Chronicles Chapter 15
Please read: I Chronicles 15 –
It was David’s intent to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. He wanted it to be where the heart of the kingdom was. And he wanted to do it correctly this time, God’s way. The Bible says that he prepared a tent for the Ark to be placed. This tent was not the tabernacle. We will learn in the next chapter that David kept the tabernacle at Gibeon rather than having it moved to Jerusalem. This was probably in anticipation of the temple that would be built in Jerusalem.
You will note that the chronicler includes details of genealogy of those involved in the procession. These list of names are important to establish that the Levites were present and organized for this task. They knew what they needed to do when David called for them to consecrate themselves before the LORD before going to retrieve the Ark. These were men who had studied the law of God (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).
Let's Reflect
1. What besides the tent for the Ark had been built in Jerusalem?
2. There is a large list of the numbers of people who were called to go with David to bring back the Ark of the Covenant. Why do you think David wanted all these people to go rather than just a few Levite men?
3. In the first attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, Uzzah had died instantly because he had reached out his hand to steady the Ark that wobbled as it was carried on a cart. According to verse 13 what did David say about the reason that incident happened?
4. According to verse 15 what was going to be the correct way to transport the Ark?
5. David obviously wanted this day to be momentous and full of celebration. According to verse 16 what did he ask some of the Levites to do?
6. In verses 23 and 24 we learn that there were 4 men appointed to be gatekeepers of the door of the tent. What were their names?
“They were appointed to keep the door of the tent, in which the ark was to be put and kept, that no unallowed person might press in and touch it; and in like manner they were to attend upon the ark in the way, and to guard it from the press and touch of profane hands.” [Poole]
7. The Levites who carried the Ark felt a great deal of responsibility to do this correctly. What does the Bible say that they also did as a way of showing gratitude to God for helping them do it correctly?
8. David in true worship to God had humbly removed his kingly robes and dressed as the others were dressed and danced in pure joy of this momentous occasion. What did his wife Michal think of David’s actions?
9. The noise of shouts, of singing and instruments playing as well as the dancing were all in celebration of one thing – the Ark being brought into the city. But more importantly the celebration was because the people knew what about the Ark of the Covenant? See verse 28.
