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.

1 CHRONICLES 15:26KJV
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1 Chronicles 15:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 15:26 mean?

1 Chronicles 15:26 describes how, as the Levites carried the ark of the covenant, God helped them, and in response, they offered a sacrifice of seven bulls and seven rams. The verse highlights both God’s support for the Levites in their sacred duty and the people’s act of worship and gratitude through sacrifice.

This verse is set during King David’s efforts to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. The Levites, who were responsible for carrying the ark, are specifically mentioned as being helped by God, suggesting divine approval and protection during this important event. The offering of seven bulls and seven rams shows a significant act of worship, reflecting both thankfulness and reverence for God’s help.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 15:26

  • The word for "helped" is עָזַר (ʿāzar), meaning to assist or give aid. Its use here emphasizes that the Levites did not carry out their task by their own strength alone but with God’s active support.
  • "Levites" is לֵוִי (Lēwī), referring to the tribe set apart for temple service. Their special role is highlighted by God’s help as they carry the ark.
  • "Ark" is אֲרוֹן (ʾārōn), which refers to the sacred chest that symbolized God’s presence and covenant with Israel.
  • "Offered" is זָבַח (zāvaḥ), meaning to sacrifice. The act of offering seven bulls and seven rams (שֶׁבַע, shevaʿ, for "seven"; פַּר, par, for "bull"; אַיִל, ʾayil, for "ram") underscores the completeness and seriousness of their worship.

Why 1 Chronicles 15:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Levites’ successful carrying of the ark was not just a matter of ritual but depended on God’s direct help, correcting any idea that the ritual alone was enough.
  • The emphasis on offering a significant sacrifice after experiencing God’s help shows the importance of gratitude and worship in response to divine intervention.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by highlighting a turning point: unlike a previous failed attempt to move the ark, this time the process is marked by obedience, reverence, and God’s blessing.

Where else these words appear

“helped” Hebrew H5826 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
  • 2 Chronicles 20:23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.
  • Psalms 107:12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.

“bullocks” Hebrew H6499 · used in 119 verses

  • Genesis 32:15 Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.
  • Numbers 7:57 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:
  • Numbers 29:32 And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish:

“offered” Hebrew H2076 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.
  • 1 Samuel 1:21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:11 And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.