1 Chronicles 15:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּשְׂא֣וּ
bare
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
בְנֵֽי
And the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
הַלְוִיִּ֗ם
of the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#4
אֵ֚ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
אֲר֣וֹן
the ark
a box
#6
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#7
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
צִוָּ֥ה
commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#9
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
thereon as Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#10
כִּדְבַ֣ר
according to the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#11
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
בִּכְתֵפָ֥ם
upon their shoulders
the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
#13
בַּמֹּט֖וֹת
with the staves
a pole; by implication, an ox-bow; hence, a yoke (either literal or figurative)
#14
עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Chronicles. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection