1 Chronicles 15:28

Authorized King James Version

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Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

Original Language Analysis

וְכָל H3605
וְכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 1 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Thus all Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Thus all Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 2 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מַֽעֲלִים֙ brought up H5927
מַֽעֲלִים֙ brought up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 3 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲר֣וֹן the ark H727
אֲר֣וֹן the ark
Strong's: H727
Word #: 5 of 15
a box
בְּרִית of the covenant H1285
בְּרִית of the covenant
Strong's: H1285
Word #: 6 of 15
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
יְהוָ֔ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֔ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 7 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בִּתְרוּעָה֙ with shouting H8643
בִּתְרוּעָה֙ with shouting
Strong's: H8643
Word #: 8 of 15
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
וּבְק֣וֹל and with sound H6963
וּבְק֣וֹל and with sound
Strong's: H6963
Word #: 9 of 15
a voice or sound
שׁוֹפָ֔ר of the cornet H7782
שׁוֹפָ֔ר of the cornet
Strong's: H7782
Word #: 10 of 15
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
וּבַחֲצֹֽצְר֖וֹת and with trumpets H2689
וּבַחֲצֹֽצְר֖וֹת and with trumpets
Strong's: H2689
Word #: 11 of 15
a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)
וּבִמְצִלְתָּ֑יִם and with cymbals H4700
וּבִמְצִלְתָּ֑יִם and with cymbals
Strong's: H4700
Word #: 12 of 15
(only dual) double tinklers, i.e., cymbals
מַשְׁמִעִ֕ים making a noise H8085
מַשְׁמִעִ֕ים making a noise
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 13 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
בִּנְבָלִ֖ים with psalteries H5035
בִּנְבָלִ֖ים with psalteries
Strong's: H5035
Word #: 14 of 15
a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)
וְכִנֹּרֽוֹת׃ and harps H3658
וְכִנֹּרֽוֹת׃ and harps
Strong's: H3658
Word #: 15 of 15
a harp

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