Bible Commentaries
1 Chronicles 15

Verses 1-15

3. The importance of the priests and Levites 15:1-15

David had learned that he had to handle the ark as God had prescribed. He had to relate to God on His terms. His preparation of a tent for the ark in Jerusalem was in harmony with God’s instructions (Exodus 26). David scrupulously observed the Mosaic Law as he brought the ark into Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:13; 1 Chronicles 15:15). His obedience was worship, but David also provided for other expressions of worship: namely, music and praise.

"One cannot . . . understand the theology of Chronicles without understanding the centrality of worship and its formal apparatus to the life of the theocratic people." [Note: Ibid., p. 164.]

4. The joy produced by God’s presence 15:16-16:6

David provided for a full orchestra and choir to sing God’s praises at his new worship center. He originated musical guilds and services. [Note: See W. F. Albright, Archaeology and the Religion of Israel, pp. 125-26.] God’s presence in Israel’s capital symbolized His leadership over the nation, and it brought great joy to all the godly. This incident (1 Chronicles 15:16) marked the beginning of the Levitical singers’ ministry in Israel (1 Chronicles 16:7).

Michal possessed a different spirit, however (1 Chronicles 15:16). Her concept of kingship in Israel was her father’s, namely, that the human king was the ultimate authority in Israel as in other ancient Near Eastern countries. It was her attitude, rather than David’s actions, that was despicable.

According to the Mosaic Law, individual Israelites were to bring their sacrificial animals to the sanctuary and slay them themselves (Leviticus 1:3-5; Leviticus 3:2; 1 Chronicles 16:1-2). Only the priests were to place the blood and other parts of the animals on the altar (Leviticus 1:5; Leviticus 3:2; Leviticus 3:5). How could David, clothed in a priestly garment (1 Chronicles 15:27), offer sacrifices to God since he was not an Aaronic priest? Evidently he did so as a priest after the order of Melchizedek, fulfilling the provisions of the Abrahamic Covenant, rather than as an Aaronic priest serving under the Mosaic Covenant. [Note: See Thomas L. Constable, "A Theology of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth," in A Biblical Theology of the Old Testament, p. 96.] David realized he was the king promised to the patriarchs (Genesis 17:6; Genesis 49:10; et al.) for whom Israel had been looking (cf. 1 Samuel 2:10). [Note: See Eugene H. Merrill, "The Book of Ruth: Narration and Shared Themes," Bibliotheca Sacra 142:566 (April-June 1985):136; and Aubrey Johnson, Sacral Kingship in Ancient Israel, pp. 27-46.]

"David functioned as the type for the Messiah as a king who is also a priest." [Note: Thompson, p. 138.]

David personalized God’s blessing on Israel by giving each participant bread, meat, and fruit, which were emblems of fruitfulness (1 Chronicles 16:3).