1 Chronicles 15:26

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙ H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בֶּעְזֹ֣ר helped H5826
בֶּעְזֹ֣ר helped
Strong's: H5826
Word #: 2 of 14
to surround, i.e., protect or aid
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים And it came to pass when God H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים And it came to pass when God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 3 of 14
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
אֶ֨ת H853
אֶ֨ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַלְוִיִּ֔ם the Levites H3881
הַלְוִיִּ֔ם the Levites
Strong's: H3881
Word #: 5 of 14
a levite or descendant of levi
נֹֽשְׂאֵ֖י that bare H5375
נֹֽשְׂאֵ֖י that bare
Strong's: H5375
Word #: 6 of 14
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֲר֣וֹן the ark H727
אֲר֣וֹן the ark
Strong's: H727
Word #: 7 of 14
a box
בְּרִית of the covenant H1285
בְּרִית of the covenant
Strong's: H1285
Word #: 8 of 14
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
יְהוָ֑ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 9 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּזְבְּח֥וּ that they offered H2076
וַיִּזְבְּח֥וּ that they offered
Strong's: H2076
Word #: 10 of 14
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה and seven H7651
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה and seven
Strong's: H7651
Word #: 11 of 14
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
פָרִ֖ים bullocks H6499
פָרִ֖ים bullocks
Strong's: H6499
Word #: 12 of 14
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה and seven H7651
וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה and seven
Strong's: H7651
Word #: 13 of 14
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
אֵילִֽים׃ rams H352
אֵילִֽים׃ rams
Strong's: H352
Word #: 14 of 14
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

Cross References

Numbers 23:29And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.Job 42:8Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.1 Chronicles 29:14But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.Acts 26:22Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:2 Corinthians 3:5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;2 Corinthians 2:16To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?Ezekiel 45:23And seven days of the feast he shall prepare a burnt offering to the LORD, seven bullocks and seven rams without blemish daily the seven days; and a kid of the goats daily for a sin offering.Numbers 29:32And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:1 Samuel 7:12Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.2 Samuel 6:13And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.

Analysis & Commentary

Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order. The Hebrew term לֵוִי (Levi) - joined/attached is theologically significant here, pointing to Ordained worship according to God's prescription. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Ordained worship according to God's prescription. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ as true temple and worship center.

Historical Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Proper ark transport - Levitical worship order occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Questions for Reflection