1 Chronicles 15 Explained - 5 Minute Bible Study

1 Chronicles 15 Short Summary:

The fifth chapter of 1 Chronicles documents the Ark of the Covenant finally arriving in Jerusalem. After the tragedy of Uzzah, the Ark was kept in Obed-edom’s house, somewhere between Kiriath-jearim and Jerusalem. It was in Obed-edom’s house for three months before David had the priests bring it to Jerusalem.

What is 1 Chronicles 15 About?

WHEN:

• The Book of 1 Chronicles was written several hundred years after King David’s reign.  

• David became king of Judah in approximately 1055 B.C, the year Saul died. David’s reign spanned approximately 40 years (1055-1015 B.C.). He reigned over Judah for 7 years and 6 months, before becoming king over all Israel. His reign over all Judah and Israel lasted 33 years.

• The events of chapter 15 took place 3 months after the events of chapter 13 (Uzzah and the Ark of the Covenant).

CHARACTERS:

• David – The 2nd king of Israel.

• Obed-edom – The Ark of the Covenant was kept in his house for 3 months after the death of Uzzah.

• Zadok and Abiathar – The chiefs of the priests who oversaw the care of the Ark of the Covenant.

• Michal – David’s first wife. She was the daughter of King Saul.

WHERE:

• Jerusalem became known as the city of David.

• The Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem from Kiriath-jearim, where it had been neglected during the reign of Saul.

OUTLINE:

• PREPARATIONS FOR TRANSPORTING THE ARK OF THE COVENANT (15:1-24):

  • After the tragedy of Uzzah, the Ark of the Covenant was kept in the house of Obed-edom, which was somewhere between Kiriath-jearim and Jerusalem.

  • It remained there 3 months, until David decided to bring it to Jerusalem.

  • He commanded the priests to carry the Ark on their shoulders using special poles, which was God’s prescribed way of transporting the holy items (Numbers 7:9).

  • They were not to carry the Ark on a wagon, as they had on the occasion when Uzzah was killed.

  • Zadok, Abiathar, and the heads of the Levitical families were to consecrate themselves for the special job of transporting the Ark.

  • The Levites appointed men as musicians to sing and to play harps, lyres, and symbols during the Ark’s procession. Verses 16-24 record the names of the men appointed.

• THE ARK OF THE COVENANT IS BROUGHT TO JERUSALEM (15:25-28):

  • David invited all the Israelites to gather for the day of celebration.

  • The Levites took the Ark from the house of Obed-edom and carried it on their shoulders towards Jerusalem.

  • The people rejoiced and sacrifices were offered.

  • When the Ark made it to Jerusalem, it was put in a special tent David had prepared for it.

• MICHAL DESPISES DAVID (15:29):

  • When Michal saw David dancing and celebrating in the streets of Jerusalem, she “despised him in her heart.”

  • 2 Samuel 6:20-23 provides us with a few more details.

  • Michal rebuked David for “uncovering himself” in front of the female servants during his celebration.

  • But David told Michal his celebration was in honor of the Lord, and he did not take her rebuke to heart.

APPLICATION:

• If you can’t do something right the first time, do it right the second time.

• David and the Levites failed big time when they caused Uzzah’s death by ignoring God’s instructions, but they did their best to listen to God on their second attempt.

• You can’t always go back and fix your mistakes, but you can resolve to do things right the next time.

• Luckily, God is very patient, and He gives out lots of second chances. He gives us opportunities to change and fix our behavior.

• If you’ve failed in the past, but you’re still here reading this application, it means God is giving you another chance to do things right the second time.