So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.

1 CHRONICLES 15:25KJV
Know the Bible

1 Chronicles 15:25 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 15:25 mean?

1 Chronicles 15:25 describes how King David, along with the elders of Israel and the leaders over thousands, went together to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom, and they did so with joy. The verse highlights the shared excitement and importance of this event for the nation’s leaders.

This verse is set during a key moment when David organizes the return of the ark, which symbolized God’s presence, to Jerusalem. The elders and captains joined David, showing that this was a united effort by Israel’s leadership. The mention of “joy” emphasizes the positive, celebratory mood as they moved the ark from Obededom’s house, marking a turning point in Israel’s worship life.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 15:25

  • אֲרוֹן (’aron, “ark”): This word refers to the sacred chest that held the tablets of the covenant. Its mention underscores the holiness and significance of what was being moved.
  • בְּרִית (berit, “covenant”): This word means “agreement” or “promise,” reminding the reader that the ark represented God’s special relationship with Israel.
  • שִׂמְחָה (simchah, “joy”): The word for “joy” here points to a deep, communal happiness, not just a formal procession but a heartfelt celebration.

Why 1 Chronicles 15:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the return of the ark was not just David’s personal project but a national event involving all the key leaders of Israel.
  • The emphasis on joy shows that this was a moment of restoration and hope, not just a ritual or duty.
  • By connecting this verse to the wider passage, it becomes clear that careful preparation and unity were seen as essential for honoring God’s presence among the people.

Where else these words appear

“Obededom” Hebrew H5654 · used in 15 verses

  • 2 Samuel 6:10 So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:38 And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters:

“joy” Hebrew H8057 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Esther 9:18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.