Teks -- 1 Chronicles 15:2-29 (NET)

15:2 Then David said, “Only the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the Lord chose them to carry the ark of the Lord and to serve before him perpetually. 15:3 David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring the ark of the Lord up to the place he had prepared for it. 15:4 David gathered together the descendants of Aaron and the Levites: 15:5 From the descendants of Kohath: Uriel the leader and 120 of his relatives. 15:6 From the descendants of Merari: Asaiah the leader and 220 of his relatives. 15:7 From the descendants of Gershom: Joel the leader and 130 of his relatives. 15:8 From the descendants of Elizaphan: Shemaiah the leader and 200 of his relatives. 15:9 From the descendants of Hebron: Eliel the leader and 80 of his relatives. 15:10 From the descendants of Uzziel: Amminadab the leader and 112 of his relatives. 15:11 David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar, along with the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. 15:12 He told them: “You are the leaders of the Levites’ families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves and bring the ark of the Lord God of Israel up to the place I have prepared for it. 15:13 The first time you did not carry it; that is why the Lord God attacked us, because we did not ask him about the proper way to carry it.” 15:14 The priests and Levites consecrated themselves so they could bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel. 15:15 The descendants of Levi carried the ark of God on their shoulders with poles, just as Moses had ordered according to the divine command. 15:16 David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint some of their relatives as musicians; they were to play various instruments, including stringed instruments and cymbals, and to sing loudly and joyfully. 15:17 So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; one of his relatives, Asaph son of Berechiah; one of the descendants of Merari, Ethan son of Kushaiah; 15:18 along with some of their relatives who were second in rank, including Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the gatekeepers. 15:19 The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals; 15:20 Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to the alamoth style; 15:21 Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah were to play the lyres according to the sheminith style, as led by the director; 15:22 Kenaniah, the leader of the Levites, was in charge of transport, for he was well-informed on this matter; 15:23 Berechiah and Elkanah were guardians of the ark; 15:24 Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer the priests were to blow the trumpets before the ark of God; Obed-Edom and Jehiel were also guardians of the ark. 15:25 So David, the leaders of Israel, and the commanders of units of a thousand went to bring up the ark of the Lord’s covenant from the house of Obed-Edom with celebration. 15:26 When God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the Lord’s covenant, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. 15:27 David was wrapped in a linen robe, as were all the Levites carrying the ark, the musicians, and Kenaniah the supervisor of transport and the musicians; David also wore a linen ephod. 15:28 All Israel brought up the ark of the Lord’s covenant; they were shouting, blowing trumpets, sounding cymbals, and playing stringed instruments. 15:29 As the ark of the Lord’s covenant entered the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked out the window. When she saw King David jumping and celebrating, she despised him.

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Wesley: 1Ch 15:5 - The sons

Of Amram or Izhar, Kohath's sons, Num 3:27, otherwise Elizaphan, 1Ch 15:8, and Hebron, 1Ch 15:9, and Uzziel, 1Ch 15:10, were Kohath's children.

Wesley: 1Ch 15:11 - The Priests

Abiathar the high-priest, and Zadok the second priest.

Wesley: 1Ch 15:18 - Second degree

The first rank of sacred musicians being those three famous persons named 1Ch 15:17, next to whom were these here named.

Wesley: 1Ch 15:18 - Porters

who were to keep the doors of the tabernacle and courts, but with all were instructed in musick, that when these were free from attendance upon their proper office, they might not be idle nor unprofitable in God's house.

Wesley: 1Ch 15:20 - Alamoth

Or, with Alamoth which is thought to be the name of an instrument of musick; or of a certain tune, or note, or part in musick. The certain signification of it is not now known; and the like may be said of Sheminith, 1Ch 15:21.

Wesley: 1Ch 15:21 - To excel

Which word may be added to note the excellency of that instrument, or part of musick; or that there was a greater extension or elevation of the voice than in the former. This way of praising God by musical instruments, had not hitherto been in use. But David instituted it by divine direction, and added it to the other ordinances of that dispensation.

Wesley: 1Ch 15:22 - For song

He was the moderator of the musick, instructing them when and how to lift up their voices, or change their notes, or make their stops.

Wesley: 1Ch 15:23 - Door

keepers - They were appointed to keep the door of the tent in which the ark was to be 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 prophane hands; for which end these two went before the ark, is their other two brethren mentioned in the close of 1Ch 15:24, came after it.

Wesley: 1Ch 15:26 - Helped

Encouraging them in their work with some comfortable sign of his presence with them. In all our religious exercises, we must derive help from heaven. God's ministers that bare the vessels of the Lord, have special need of divine help in their ministrations, that God may be glorified thereby, and the people edified.

Wesley: 1Ch 15:27 - Linen

With a linen ephod. This circumstance is repeated, because it was an unusual thing for one, who was no Levite, to wear a Levitical garment.

JFB: 1Ch 15:2 - Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites

After the lapse of three months (1Ch 13:14) the purpose of transporting the ark to Jerusalem was resumed. Time and reflection had led to a discovery of the cause of the painful catastrophe that marred the first attempt. In preparing for the solemn procession that was now to usher the sacred symbol into its resting-place, David took special care that the carriage should be regulated in strict conformity to the law (Num 4:5, Num 4:15; Num 7:9; Num 10:17).

JFB: 1Ch 15:3 - David gathered all Israel together

Some are of opinion that this was done on one of the three great festivals, but at whatever time the ceremonial took place, it was of great importance to summon a general convocation of the people, many of whom, from the long-continued disorders of the kingdom, might have had little or no opportunity of knowing anything of the ark, which had been allowed to remain so long in obscurity and neglect.

JFB: 1Ch 15:4 - David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites

The children of Aaron were the two priests (1Ch 15:11), Zadok and Abiathar, heads of the two priestly houses of Eleazar and Ithamar, and colleagues in the high priesthood (2Sa 20:25). The Levites were the chiefs of their father's house (1Ch 15:12); four belonging to the Kohathite branch, on whose shoulders the ark was to be borne; namely, Uriel, Shemaiah--descended from Elizaphan or Elzaphan-- (Exo 6:22), Hebron (Exo 6:18; 1Ch 6:2), and Amminadab from Uzziel (Exo 6:22).

JFB: 1Ch 15:12 - sanctify yourselves

This special sanctification, which was required on all grave and important occasions, consisted in observing the strictest abstinence, as well as cleanliness, both in person and dress (see on Gen 35:2; Exo 19:10, Exo 19:15); and in the neglect of these rules no step could have been taken (2Ch 30:3).

JFB: 1Ch 15:16-24 - David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint . . . the singers with instruments

These eminent Levites were instructed to train the musicians and singers who were under them, for the solemn procession. The performers were ranged in three choirs or bands, and the names of the principal leaders are given (1Ch 15:17-18, 1Ch 15:21), with the instruments respectively used by each. "Ben" (1Ch 15:18) is omitted (1Ch 15:20). Either it was used merely as a common noun, to intimate that Zechariah was the son of Jaaziel or Aziel, or Ben is the same as Azaziah [1Ch 15:21].

JFB: 1Ch 15:22 - Chenaniah, chief of the Levites

He was not of the six heads of the Levitical families, but a chief in consequence of his office, which required learning, without regard to birth or family.

JFB: 1Ch 15:22 - instructed about the song

He directed all these bands as to the proper time when each was to strike in or change their notes; or, as some render the passage, "He led the burdens, for he was skilled," that is, in the custom which it was necessary to observe in the carriage of the holy things [BERTHEAU].

JFB: 1Ch 15:23 - Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers

Who marched immediately in front, while Obed-edom and Jeiel went in the rear, of the ark.

JFB: 1Ch 15:25 - So David, and the elders . . . and captains . . . went

The pious design of David in ordering all his principal ministers and officers to take part in this solemn work and imparting so much pomp and imposing ceremony to the procession, was evidently to inspire the popular mind with a profound veneration for the ark and to give the young especially salutary impressions of religion, which would be renewed by the remembrance that they had been witnesses of the august solemnity in which the king and the highest aristocracy of the land participated, vying with all other classes to do honor to the God of Israel.

JFB: 1Ch 15:26 - it came to pass, &c.

(See on 2Sa 6:13-23).

JFB: 1Ch 15:26 - they offered seven bullocks and seven rams

The Levites seem to have entered on this duty with fear and trembling; and finding that they might advance without any such indications of divine wrath as Uzza had experienced (1Ch 13:10), they offered an ox and a fatted sheep immediately after starting (2Sa 6:13), and seven bullocks and seven rams--a perfect sacrifice, at the close of the procession (1Ch 16:1). It is probable that preparations had been made for the offering of similar sacrifices at regular intervals along the way.

JFB: 1Ch 15:27 - a robe of fine linen

Hebrew, Butz--is rather supposed in the later books to denote cotton.

JFB: 1Ch 15:27 - an ephod

A shoulder-garment, a cincture or cape over his dress. It was worn by the priests, but was not so peculiar to them as to be forbidden others (1Sa 2:18; 1Sa 22:18).

JFB: 1Ch 15:29 - Michal . . . saw . . . David dancing and playing

His movements would be slow and solemn, suitable to the grave and solemn character of the music. Though his royal robes were laid aside, he was attired like the other officials, showing a becoming humility in the immediate presence of God. The feelings manifested by Michal were only an ebullition of spleen from a proud and passionate woman.

Clarke: 1Ch 15:2 - None ought to carry the ark - but the Levites

None ought to carry the ark - but the Levites - It was their business; and he should have thought of this sooner, and then the unfortunate breach on Uzza would have been prevented; see 1Ch 15:13.

Clarke: 1Ch 15:15 - Upon their shoulders

Upon their shoulders - That is the staves which went through the rings rested on their shoulders, but the ark itself rested on the staves like a sedan on its poles

Clarke: 1Ch 15:15 - As Moses commanded

As Moses commanded - See Num 4:5, Num 4:15.

Clarke: 1Ch 15:17 - - Heman - Asaph - Ethan

- Heman - Asaph - Ethan - These were the three chief musicians in the time of David; see 1Ch 6:31.

Clarke: 1Ch 15:20 - With psalteries on Alamoth

With psalteries on Alamoth - Some suppose that the word signifies virgins, or women singers, the persons mentioned here being appointed to accompany them with psalteries, and preside over them

The Vulgate says arcana cantabant , they sang secret things or mysteries; probably prophetic hymns.

Clarke: 1Ch 15:21 - On the Sheminith

On the Sheminith - According to the Targum, this signifies an instrument that sounded an octave, or, according to others, an instrument with eight strings. The Syriac and Arabic have it, instruments to sing with daily, at the third, sixth, and ninth hour; the Vulgate, an octave, for a song of victory: some think the eighth band of the musicians is intended, who had the strongest and most sonorous voices; and that it is in this sense that shelomith and lenatstseach should be understood.

Clarke: 1Ch 15:22 - Chenaniah - he instructed about the song

Chenaniah - he instructed about the song - This appears to have been the master singer; he gave the key and the time, for he presided במשא bemassa , in the elevation, probably meaning what is called pitching the tune, for he was skillful in music, and powerful in his voice, and well qualified to lead the band: be might have been precentor.

Clarke: 1Ch 15:26 - God helped the Levites

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 labor, they sacrificed seven bullocks and seven rams.

Clarke: 1Ch 15:27 - A robe of fine linen

A robe of fine linen - A robe made of בוץ buts , probably the tuft or beard of the Pinna Magna, a species of muscle found every where on the shores of the Mediterranean, growing sometimes, as I have seen, to a foot and a half in length. I have seen a pair of gloves made of this very rich stuff; the color is a deep dark yellow, something inclining to what is called the lilac. The buts or byssus was not heard of in Israel before the time of David: after that it is frequently mentioned.

Clarke: 1Ch 15:29 - Michal - saw - David dancing - and she despised him

Michal - saw - David dancing - and she despised him - See this whole business explained 2Sa 6:20 (note), etc., where David’ s conduct is vindicated, and the nature of Michal’ s disgrace and punishment hinted at, but all left to the reader’ s determination.

TSK: 1Ch 15:2 - None ought to // to minister

None ought to : etc. Heb. It is not to carry the ark of God, but for the Levites. them hath. Num 4:2-15, Num 4:19, Num 4:20, Num 7:9; Deu 10:8, Deu 31:9; Jos 3:3, Jos 6:6; 2Ch 35:3

to minister : Num 8:13, Num 8:14, Num 8:24-26, Num 18:1-8; Isa 66:21; Jer 33:17-22

TSK: 1Ch 15:3 - gathered // to bring up

gathered : 1Ch 13:5; 1Ki 8:1

to bring up : 1Ch 15:1; 2Sa 6:12

TSK: 1Ch 15:4 - the children of Aaron

the children of Aaron : 1Ch 6:16-20, 1Ch 6:49, 1Ch 6:50, 1Ch 12:26-28; Exo 6:16-22; Num 3:4

TSK: 1Ch 15:5 - Uriel // brethren

Uriel : 1Ch 6:22-24

brethren : or, kinsmen

TSK: 1Ch 15:6 - Merari

Merari : 1Ch 6:29, 1Ch 6:30

TSK: 1Ch 15:7 - Joel

Joel : 1Ch 15:11, 1Ch 23:8

TSK: 1Ch 15:8 - Elizaphan // Shemaiah

Elizaphan : Exo 6:22, Elzaphan

Shemaiah : 1Ch 15:11

TSK: 1Ch 15:9 - Hebron

Hebron : 1Ch 6:2, 1Ch 23:12, 1Ch 23:19, 1Ch 26:23, 1Ch 26:30, 1Ch 26:31; Exo 6:18; Num 26:58

TSK: 1Ch 15:10 - Uzziel // Amminadab

Uzziel : 1Ch 6:18, 1Ch 23:12; Exo 6:18, Exo 6:22

Amminadab : 1Ch 6:22

TSK: 1Ch 15:11 - Zadok // Uriel

Zadok : 1Ch 12:28, 1Ch 18:16; 1Sa 22:20-23; 2Sa 8:17, 2Sa 15:24-29, 2Sa 15:35, 2Sa 20:25; 1Ki 2:35

Uriel : 1Ch 15:5-10

TSK: 1Ch 15:12 - Ye are the chief // sanctify

Ye are the chief : 1Ch 9:34, 1Ch 24:31

sanctify : 1Ch 15:14; Exo 19:14, Exo 19:15; 2Ch 5:11, 2Ch 29:4, 2Ch 29:5, 2Ch 30:15, 2Ch 35:6; Eze 48:11; Joh 17:17; Rom 12:1, Rom 12:2; Rev 5:9, Rev 5:10

TSK: 1Ch 15:13 - ye did it // the Lord // for that

ye did it : 1Ch 13:7-9; 2Sa 6:3

the Lord : 1Ch 13:10, 1Ch 13:11; 2Sa 6:7, 2Sa 6:8

for that : 1Ch 15:2; Num 4:15, Num 7:9; Deu 31:9; 2Ch 30:17-20; Pro 28:13; 1Co 11:2, 1Co 14:40; 1Jo 1:8-10

TSK: 1Ch 15:14 - sanctified

sanctified : Lev 10:3; 2Ch 29:15, 2Ch 29:34; Joe 2:16, Joe 2:17

TSK: 1Ch 15:15 - bare the ark

bare the ark : Exo 25:12, Exo 25:12-15, Exo 37:3-5, Exo 40:20; Num 4:6, Num 4:15, Num 7:9; 1Ki 8:8; 2Ch 5:9

TSK: 1Ch 15:16 - And David // chief // the singers // lifting up

And David : 2Ch 30:12; Ezr 7:24-28; Isa 49:23

chief : 1Ch 15:12; Act 14:23; 1Ti 3:1-15; 2Ti 2:2; Tit 1:5

the singers : 1Ch 15:27, 1Ch 15:28, 1Ch 6:31-38, 1Ch 13:8, 1Ch 16:42, 1Ch 23:5, 1Ch 25:1-6; 2Ch 29:28-30; Neh 12:36, Neh 12:46; Psa 87:7, Psa 149:3, Psa 150:3, Psa 150:4

lifting up : 2Ch 5:13; Ezr 3:10, Ezr 3:11; Neh 12:43; Psa 81:1, Psa 92:1-3, Psa 95:1, Psa 100:1; Jer 33:11

TSK: 1Ch 15:17 - Heman // Asaph // Ethan

Heman : 1Ch 6:33, 1Ch 25:1-5; 1Sa 8:2

Asaph : 1Ch 6:39, 1Ch 25:2; Psa 73:1, Psa 83:1 *titles

Ethan : 1Ch 15:19, 1Ch 6:44, son of Kishi

TSK: 1Ch 15:18 - the second // Zechariah // Jaaziel // Obededom

the second : 1Ch 25:2-6, 9-31

Zechariah : 1Ch 16:5, 1Ch 16:6

Jaaziel : 1Ch 15:20, Aziel

Obededom : 1Ch 13:14, 1Ch 16:5, 1Ch 16:38, 1Ch 26:4, 1Ch 26:8, 1Ch 26:15

TSK: 1Ch 15:19

1Ch 15:16, 1Ch 13:8, 1Ch 16:5, 1Ch 16:42, 1Ch 25:1, 1Ch 25:6; Psa 150:5

TSK: 1Ch 15:20 - Aziel // Alamoth

Aziel : 1Ch 15:18, Jaaziel

Alamoth : Psa 46:1 *title

TSK: 1Ch 15:21 - Mattithiah // harps // Sheminith to excel

Mattithiah : 1Ch 15:18, 1Ch 16:5

harps : 1Ch 25:6, 1Ch 25:7; 1Sa 10:5; Psa 33:2, Psa 81:1, Psa 81:2, Psa 92:3, Psa 150:3

Sheminith to excel : or, eighth to oversee, Psa 6:1, Psa 12:1 *titles

TSK: 1Ch 15:22 - for // song // he instructed

for : etc. or, for the carriage, he instructed about the carriage

song : Heb. lifting up, 1Ch 15:16, 1Ch 15:27

he instructed : 1Ch 25:7, 1Ch 25:8

TSK: 1Ch 15:23

1Ch 9:21-23; 2Ki 22:4, 2Ki 25:18; Psa 84:10

TSK: 1Ch 15:24 - the priests // Obededom

the priests : 1Ch 16:6; Num 10:8; 2Ch 5:12, 2Ch 5:13; Psa 81:13; Joe 2:1, Joe 2:15

Obededom : 1Ch 15:18, 1Ch 15:23

TSK: 1Ch 15:25 - David // captains // Obededom // with joy

David : 2Sa 6:12, 2Sa 6:13-23; 1Ki 8:1

captains : Num 31:14; Deu 1:15; 1Sa 8:12, 1Sa 10:19, 1Sa 22:7; Mic 5:2

Obededom : 1Ch 13:14

with joy : 1Ch 13:11, 1Ch 13:12; Deu 12:7, Deu 12:18, Deu 16:11, Deu 16:15; 2Ch 20:27, 2Ch 20:28; Ezr 6:16; Psa 95:1, Psa 95:2; Psa 100:1, Psa 100:2; Phi 3:3, Phi 4:4

TSK: 1Ch 15:26 - God // they // bullocks

God : 1Ch 29:14; 1Sa 7:12; Act 26:22; 2Co 2:16, 2Co 3:5

they : 2Sa 6:13; Psa 66:13-15

bullocks : Num 23:1, Num 23:2, Num 23:4, Num 23:29, Num 29:32; Job 42:8; Eze 45:23

TSK: 1Ch 15:27 - a robe // Chenaniah // song

a robe : 1Sa 2:18; 2Sa 6:14

Chenaniah : 1Ch 15:22

song : or, carriage, 1Ch 15:22

TSK: 1Ch 15:28 - brought up // with shouting // the cornet

brought up : 2Sa 6:15

with shouting : 1Ch 15:16, 1Ch 13:8; 2Ch 5:12, 2Ch 5:13; Ezr 3:10, Ezr 3:11; Psa 47:1-5, Psa 68:25, Psa 98:4-6; Psa 150:3-5

the cornet : Jerome on Hos 5:8 says this instrument is properly called in Greek κερατινη , from κερας [Strong’ s G2768], a horn. The trumpets were, according to Josephus, made of metal, and about a cubit in length. See note on Num 10:2.

TSK: 1Ch 15:29 - as the ark // Lord // Michal // dancing // she despised

as the ark : 1Ch 17:1; Num 10:33; Deu 31:26; Jos 4:7; Jdg 20:27; 1Sa 4:3; Jer 3:16; Heb 9:4

Lord : 2Sa 6:16

Michal : 1Sa 18:27, 1Sa 18:28, 1Sa 19:11-17, 1Sa 25:44; 2Sa 3:13, 2Sa 3:14

dancing : Exo 15:20; Psa 30:11, Psa 149:3, Psa 150:4; Ecc 3:4; Jer 30:19, Jer 33:11

she despised : 2Sa 6:20-23; Psa 69:7-9; Act 2:13; 1Co 2:14; 2Co 5:13

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: 1Ch 15:2 - But the Levites // For ever

But the Levites and that upon their shoulders; of which see Num 4:15 7:9 ; and not in a cart, as it was before, to our great grief and loss.

For ever i.e. so long as the ark is to be removed, and as that worship continues.

Poole: 1Ch 15:5 - Of the sons of Kohath

Of the sons of Kohath to wit, of Amram or Izhar, Kohath’ s sons, Num 3:27 . Otherwise Elizaphan, 1Ch 15:8 , and Hebron, 1Ch 15:9 , and Uzziel, 1Ch 15:10 , were Kohath’ s children; of which see Exo 6:17,18,22 .

Poole: 1Ch 15:11 - Zadok and Abiathar the priests

Zadok and Abiathar the priests i.e. the chief priests, Abiathar the high priest, and Zadok the second priest: see Num 3:32 .

Poole: 1Ch 15:12 - Sanctify yourselves

Sanctify yourselves by solemn purification and preparation of yourselves, both in soul and body. See Poole "Exo 19:10,15" .

Poole: 1Ch 15:13 - Because ye did it not at the first // We sought him not

Because ye did it not at the first because you did not sanctify and prepare yourselves by solemn prayer, and seeking counsel from God, and by a serious consideration of God’ s will as to the manner of carrying it; which it was your duty more than others to observe and see it executed.

We sought him not: he takes a part of the guilt to himself, because it was his duty, as well as theirs, diligently to read the law and word of God, and to see it executed, and their oversight did not excuse his. After the due order according to the rules which he appointed.

Poole: 1Ch 15:15

The children of the Levites, to wit, the Kohathites, Num 4:4 .

Poole: 1Ch 15:18 - Their brethren of the second degree // The porters

Their brethren of the second degree the first rank or degree of sacred musicians being those three famous persons named 1Ch 15:17 , next unto whom were these here named.

The porters who were to keep the doors of the tabernacle and courts but withal were instructed in music and singing, that when they were free from attendance upon their proper office, they might not be idle nor unprofitable persons in God’ s house.

Poole: 1Ch 15:20 - On Alamoth

In this catalogue Ben is omitted, who was mentioned 1Ch 15:18 . Yet others think him to be the same who is called Azaziah , 1Ch 15:21 . But Ben might be some other person, who was indeed appointed for this work, as is related, 1Ch 15:17,18 ; and yet he might be taken off by death or sickness, or some sudden and extraordinary accident which hindered his execution of the place and work allotted for him, which might force the chief of the Levites to appoint some other in his stead, when they came to put their institution in practice, as here they did.

On Alamoth or, with (as that particle is elsewhere used) Alamoth , which is thought to be the name of an instrument of music; or of a certain tune, or note, or part in music. The certain signification of it is not now known, nor is it necessary for us to know it. And the like may be said of Sheminith , 1Ch 15:21 .

Poole: 1Ch 15:21 - See Poole "1Ch 15:20" // To excel

See Poole "1Ch 15:20" .

To excel: the word may be here added to note the excellency of that instrument, or note, or part of music; or that there was a greater extension or elevation of the voice than in the former.

Poole: 1Ch 15:22 - Was for song

Was for song Heb. was for lifting up ; either,

1. Of the ark; he was for carriage of the ark, being appointed to instruct or direct the time and manner of carrying the ark, and when they should make a stand or a change in the bearers. Or rather,

2. Of the voice; he was the moderator of the music, instructing them when and how to lift up their voices, or change their notes, or make their stops, which best agrees with the following reason, because he was skillful; for this required far more skill than the carriage of the ark, which any man of common discretion could easily govern; and with 1Ch 15:27 , where this same Chenaniah is joined with the singers .

Poole: 1Ch 15:23

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; for which end these two went before the ark, as their other two brethren, mentioned in the close of 1Ch 15:24 , came after it, that so it might be guarded on all sides; which, how necessary it was to be done, sufficiently appears from the danger of coming too near the ark, or to look into it, which was exemplified in the Bethshemites, 1Sa 6:19 .

Poole: 1Ch 15:26 - When God helped the Levites

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 2Sa 6:13 .

Poole: 1Ch 15:27 - With a robe of fine linen

With a robe of fine linen i.e. with a linen ephod, as it is explained in the close of this verse, where this circumstance is repeated, because it was a notable and unusual thing for David, who was no Levite, to wear a Levitical garment. Of this and the following verses, See Poole "2Sa 6:14" , See Poole "2Sa 6:15" , See Poole "2Sa 6:16" .

Haydock: 1Ch 15:2 - Levites // For ever

Levites, of the family of Caath, ver. 13., and Numbers iv. 5. He was rendered more cautious by the death of Oza. (Calmet) ---

For ever, as long as this law subsists. (Haydock)

Haydock: 1Ch 15:5 - Brethren

Brethren. Relations. (Du Hamel)

Haydock: 1Ch 15:8 - Elisaphan

Elisaphan, a Caathite, (Exodus vi. 18, 22.) as well as Hebron and Oziel. (Calmet) ---

Perhaps Caath was also called by the first name. (Du Hamel)

Haydock: 1Ch 15:12 - Sanctified

Sanctified. Free from every legal uncleanness, continent, and washed. (Calmet)

Haydock: 1Ch 15:13 - Struck us // The law

Struck us. He partakes in the misfortune of Oza. (Haydock) ---

The law through ignorance. You must attend and give proper directions. (Menochius) ---

Hebrew, "because we did not seek him with judgment," (Du Hamel) or, "after the due order." (Protestants)

Haydock: 1Ch 15:18 - Ben // And Jaziel

Ben. His name is omitted, ver. 20, and in the Septuagint. The Syriac, &c., have "the son of Jaziel:" but we find the 9th Psalm addressed "to Ben, chief of the hand of young women," who sung and played on nables, ver. 20. (Calmet) ---

And Jaziel, called Oziel, ver. 20, as the Septuagint have here. (Haydock)

Haydock: 1Ch 15:20 - Zacharias // Psalteries

Zacharias, &c., presided over the second band, with nables, and Mathathias over the third, which had instruments of eight strings. The priests sounded the trumpets, (ver. 24.) which Chonenias directed all the music, in this solemn processions. (Calmet) ---

Psalteries. Literally, "nables." (Haydock) ---

The Vulgate sometimes renders it psalterion, at other times lyra, (Menochius) or symphonia. (St. Jerome, ad Dard.) (Tirinus) ---

Some have supposed that the word denotes bagpipes; but it was a stringed instrument made of wood. (Calmet) ---

Hebrew, "with nebalim over halamoth, " concerted things, or virgins, (Psalm lxvii. 26.) who sung the mysterious words of God. (Haydock)

Haydock: 1Ch 15:21 - Ozaziu // Of victory // For the octave

Ozaziu does not occur before. Septuagint have Ozias both here and [in] ver. 18, after Jehiel. (Haydock) ---

Of victory, such as was customary on the like occasions. ---

For the octave. Hebrew hasheminith, according to the Jews, means an instrument of eight strings; so when ten is mentioned, the Septuagint frequently supply "strings," Psalm xxxii. 2. (Menochius) ---

Hebrew, "they had guitars, and presided over the eighth band to intone. All the bands formed four choirs, distinguished by their instruments, the cymbal, nable, cinnor, (or guitar) and trumpets. (Calmet)

Haydock: 1Ch 15:22 - The prophecy

The prophecy. Singing praises to God is here called prophecy: the more, because these singers were often inspired men. (Challoner) ---

Hebrew Massa signifies a song, (Haydock) elevation, (Calmet) burden. (Syriac) So the Vulgate has onus Moab, &c., the burden or dreadful prediction against Moab. (Calmet) ---

Prophecy often denotes no more than a melodious canticle, 1 Kings x. 10. (Haydock) ---

Chonenias directed all this music. Septuagint simply style him "prince of the Levites, prince of the musicians" (Calmet) or Greek: archon ton odon (who gave out the songs) "because he was intelligent." (Haydock)

Haydock: 1Ch 15:24 - Jehias

Jehias is called Jehiel, ver. 18., and 21. He, Obededom, Barachias, and Elcana, (ver. 23.) were probably the four chief porters who attended the ark in arms; and others were, afterwards, stationed at the temple, chap. ix. 17. The two former took part also in the music, ver. 21. (Calmet) ---

Perhaps two preceded and two went behind the ark, to keep off the crowd. (Menochius)

Haydock: 1Ch 15:26 - Rams

Rams, in thanksgiving, that they had not been treated like Oza. (Calmet) ---

The Jews pretend that the ark was no burden to the Levites. (Tirinus) ---

Love makes all duties easy. (Haydock)

Haydock: 1Ch 15:27 - Linen // Ephod

Linen. Hebrew, "a cloak of byssus," or of the finest white linen. (Du Hamel) ---

Bysus has often occurred before in the Vulgate, but we find the Hebrew buts, here for the first time. It probably denotes the brilliant yellow silk taken from the fish pinna, of which St. Basil speaks. (Hexa. vii.) Justinian was clothed with it, on account of its rarity and brightness. (Procopius, de fabric. Yet as it would hardly assume any colour but black, it was not so much sought after as the silk of Persia. Not only David, but all the Levites, were thus richly adorned; as the latter were at the dedication of the temple, 2 Paralipomenon ii. 14. There was a manufactory of this byssus established by David, chap. iv. 21. That of Egypt was white, and is called schesch, or "cotton," Exodus xvi. 4. (Calmet) ---

Ephod. Septuagint, "a stole of byssus," or a long silken robe, (Haydock) which has been already expressed; (Tirinus) or rather, the ephod was only a girdle, which was not peculiar to the sacred ministers, 1 Kings ii. 18. (Calmet) ---

Samuel, though a child, wore one. (Worthington)

Haydock: 1Ch 15:29 - Heart

Heart, and reproached him for appearing without his regal ornaments, (Haydock; 2 Kings vi. 20.) as if he had been naked. No reproach could have been more unfounded, as we see David had on a robe of byssus, with the ephod. (Calmet)

Gill: 1Ch 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

Then David said,.... Either within himself, or to his ministers and courtiers about him:

none ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites; he saw his former mistake in employing those that were not Levites in bringing up the ark from Kirjathjearim, and bringing it in a cart, and not on the shoulders of the Levites, and so miscarried in his attempt, 2Sa 6:1 and, perhaps, had since more diligently consulted the law of God about this matter:

for them hath the Lord chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever; as long as the Levitical dispensation lasted, as appears from Num 1:50.

Gill: 1Ch 15:3 - And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem // to bring up the ark of the Lord

And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem,.... The chief and heads of the people:

to bring up the ark of the Lord; from the house of Obededom, where it had been three months, and for the sake of which his house was blessed, and which David heard of; and this encouraged him to take this step to fetch it from thence: unto his place, which he had prepared for it; 1Ch 15:1.

Gill: 1Ch 15:4-10 - And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites. // of the sons of Kohath

And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites. Whose business it was to bear the ark when there was any occasion for it: and from hence to the end of 1Ch 15:10 an account is given of the Levites, and their number employed in this affair:

of the sons of Kohath; a son of Levi, that is, of his posterity; for his immediate sons, and so those of the rest after mentioned, had been dead ages ago; the principal of those, at this present time, was Uriel, and his kindred, or those of the same family with him, were one hundred and twenty: of those of Merari, another son of Levi, the chief was Asaiah, with two hundred and twenty of his relations: of those of Gershon, another son of Levi, was Joel, and his brethren were one hundred and thirty: of the posterity of Elizaphan, a grandson of Kohath, Exo 5:18, the most noted was Shemaiah, who had two hundred of his family with him: and of those of Hebron, the son of Kohath, Exo 6:18, Eliel was the most famous, and he had eighty of his kindred with him: and of those of Uzziel, another son of Kohath in a different line from Elizaphan, who also was a son of Uzziel, was Amminadab the chief, who had one hundred and twelve of his kindred with him: the number of Levites, in all, gathered together, were eight hundred and sixty two, besides their chiefs.

Gill: 1Ch 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

And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests,.... See 2Sa 8:17.

and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab; the six chiefs before mentioned.

Gill: 1Ch 15:12 - And he said unto them, ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites // sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren // that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it

And he said unto them, ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites,.... Of the families of the Levites, heads of their fathers' houses:

sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren; respectively under each, whose numbers are before given, by washing their bodies and clothes, and abstaining from their wives:

that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it; 2Sa 6:17.

Gill: 1Ch 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

For because ye did it not at the first,.... Did not sanctify themselves, as the supplement in our version directs; but rather the sense is, ye were not there at first, when the ark was brought from Kirjathjearim as far as the house of Obededom, as they should have been; they were not then employed, as was their business, and therefore

the Lord our God made a breach upon us; by smiting Uzzah with death, who was no Levite, and touched the ark, which is called his "error", and for which God smote him, 2Sa 6:7 on which place Lud. Capellus observes, the word "shal", we there render "error", signifies a "disease" in the Arabic language, and might formerly design a sudden one with the Hebrew; as an apoplexy; and so the sense be, that God smote Uzzah with an apoplexy, of which he suddenly died:

for that we sought him not after the due order; but, instead of employing the Levites to carry the ark on their shoulders, it was put upon a cart.

Gill: 1Ch 15:14 - So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves // to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel

So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves,.... As they were ordered, and in the manner they should:

to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel; for though it was chiefly the work of the Levites, yet the priests might do it, and sometimes did, see Jos 3:13.

Gill: 1Ch 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.

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. Not only bare it on their shoulders, but with the staves in it, which rested on their shoulders, see Num 7:9, the reason of this command, that the ark should be carried on men's shoulders, and not in any carriage, according to Maimonides ^h, was both for the honour of it, and lest its form and structure should be any ways damaged.

Gill: 1Ch 15:16 - And David spake to the chief of the Levites // to appoint their brethren to be the singers // with instruments of music, psalteries, and harps, and cymbals // sounding by lifting up the voice with joy

And David spake to the chief of the Levites,.... The six before mentioned, 1Ch 15:11.

to appoint their brethren to be the singers; before the ark, as they brought it up:

with instruments of music, psalteries, and harps, and cymbals; which were used in those times, see 2Sa 6:5.

sounding by lifting up the voice with joy; the instrumental music was to be attended with vocal music, and that very sonorous and loud, and performed with all tokens of inward joy and gladness, as the occasion required.

Gill: 1Ch 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

So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel,.... The grandson of Samuel the prophet, 1Ch 6:33.

and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; a famous singer, often mentioned in the Psalms, 1Ch 6:39.

and of the sons of Merari their brethren, Ethan the son of Kushaiah; the same with the son of Kishi, 1Ch 6:44, these were the chief of the singers.

Gill: 1Ch 15:18 - And with them their brethren of the second degree // the fourteen following, 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

And with them their brethren of the second degree,.... Who were next unto them, both in office and skill in singing:

the fourteen following, 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; who, when they were not employed in singing, were doorkeepers of the sanctuary; either they had been porters at the tabernacle in Gibeon, or were so after the ark was placed in the tabernacle David prepared for it.

Gill: 1Ch 15:19 - So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan // to sound with cymbals of brass

So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan,.... The three principal of them: these were appointed

to sound with cymbals of brass; for as there were three sorts of musical instruments, 1Ch 15:16 these three chief singers had one of those instruments appropriated to them, one of which were the cymbals of brass, to which the apostle alludes, 1Co 13:1.

Gill: 1Ch 15:20 - And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah // with psalteries on Alamoth

And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah,.... Who were eight of the second degree; Aziel is the same with Jaaziel, 1Ch 15:18 and Ben is left out, in whose room Azaziah, in the next verse, seems to be put; Ben is thought to be sick or dead before they came to execute their office, and whom the father of Kimchi takes to be the same with him who is expressed in the title of Psa 9:1 which title is, "on Muthlabben", or the death of Ben: these were appointed to sound

with psalteries on Alamoth; psalteries were another kind of instruments of music; and Alamoth was either the beginning of a song, to the tune of which those instruments played, or the tune itself, and the note of it; either the treble or counter tenor, a shrill sound, like that of organs, which this word sometimes signifies, see Psa 46:1.

Gill: 1Ch 15:21 - And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah // with harps on the Sheminith to excel

And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah,.... These six were appointed to sound:

with harps on the Sheminith to excel; which Sheminith some take to be an harp with eight strings, or the beginning of a song, or a musical tone, the bass; see the title of Psa 6:1.

Gill: 1Ch 15:22 - And Chenaniah chief of the Levites was for song // for the burden // he instructed about the song // because he was skilful

And Chenaniah chief of the Levites was for song,.... But the chief for the song were Heman, Asaph, and Ethan; rather

for the burden, as the Targum; for the lifting up and bearing the ark:

he instructed about the song; or about the taking up and bearing the burden, the ark; directing when to take it up, and how far to go with it, and then rest:

because he was skilful; a wise and prudent man in all things, and so proper to direct in this business.

Gill: 1Ch 15:23 - And Berechiah, and Elkanah, were doorkeepers for the ark

And Berechiah, and Elkanah, were doorkeepers for the ark,.... Either while it was at Kirjathjearim, and at Obededom's house; or rather after it was put in the tabernacle David had prepared for it; though it may be best of all to understand it, that those, as it was carrying, went before it, to keep the people from pressing to it, and gazing on it.

Gill: 1Ch 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

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,.... With the silver trumpets; one use of which was to blow with when the camps and ark of the Lord moved, Num 10:5.

and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark; they went behind it, as the others before it, for the same purpose, as it was bringing up.

Gill: 1Ch 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

So David and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands,.... He and the principal men of the nation, and the officers of the army or militia:

went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the house of Obededom with joy; with all demonstrations of it; for which purpose such a band of music was prepared, as before described.

Gill: 1Ch 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

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 them to carry it with cheerfulness, and without fear, and so as to commit no error, nor in any respect provoke his displeasure, as when it was brought before from Kirjathjearim:

that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams; by way of thanksgiving, besides what David offered; and this was done by the way, see 2Sa 6:13.

Gill: 1Ch 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

And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen,.... For though a king, he, being among the singers, was clothed as they; for so it follows:

and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song; or of those that bore the burden, the ark, as the Targum:

with the singers; all were clothed in robes of fine linen:

David also had upon him an ephod of linen; which he had besides his linen robe, and was over it; and being a shorter and tighter garment, it bound the other closer to him; though some think this is explanative of the former, and designs the same, and is what others, besides priests, were, on occasion, allowed to wear, see 1Sa 2:18.

Gill: 1Ch 15:28 - Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting

Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting,.... See 2Sa 6:15.

Gill: 1Ch 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

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,.... Of the palace, to see the procession, see 2Sa 6:16 where not only this circumstance is related, and the inward contempt she had David in, because of his behaviour, but also what she said, and what David returned in answer to it.