1 Chronicles 15:2

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָ֚ז

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

אָמַ֣ר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֔יד

H1732

Then David

david, the youngest son of jesse

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לָשֵׂ֞את

H5375

None ought to carry

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲר֧וֹן

H727

the ark

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

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

כִּ֖י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#11

הַלְוִיִּ֑ם

H3881

but the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

#12

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

בָ֣ם׀

#14

בָּחַ֣ר

H977

chosen

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

#15

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

for them hath the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

לָשֵׂ֞את

H5375

None ought to carry

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#17

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

אֲר֧וֹן

H727

the ark

a box

#19

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

for them hath the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#20

וּֽלְשָׁרְת֖וֹ

H8334

and to minister

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

#21

עַד

H5704

unto him for

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#22

עוֹלָֽם׃

H5769

ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Chronicles, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Chronicles.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?