1 Chronicles 15:26

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בֶּעְזֹ֣ר

H5826

helped

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים

H430

And it came to pass when 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

אֶ֨ת

H853

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

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם

H3881

the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

נֹֽשְׂאֵ֖י

H5375

that bare

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

אֲר֣וֹן

H727

the ark

a box

בְּרִית

H1285

of the covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#10

וַיִּזְבְּח֥וּ

H2076

that they offered

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

#11

וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה

H7651

and seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

#12

פָרִ֖ים

H6499

bullocks

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

#13

וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה

H7651

and seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

#14

אֵילִֽים׃

H352

rams

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing covenant contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 covenant. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?