And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.

1 CHRONICLES 15:27KJV
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1 Chronicles 15:27 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 15:27 mean?

1 Chronicles 15:27 describes how King David, the Levites who carried the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah the leader of the singing were all dressed in fine linen robes, and that David also wore a linen ephod. The verse highlights the special clothing worn during the ceremonial procession of bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem.

The setting is a joyful and significant moment in Israel’s history, where David organizes a grand procession to move the ark. The verse shows the care taken to honor God, with everyone involved wearing garments that set the event apart as holy and important. David, though king, dresses like the priests and Levites, emphasizing unity and reverence in worship.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 15:27

  • "Robe" (מְעִיל, me‘il): This word refers to a long, outer garment, often associated with priests or people in special roles. Its use here shows the dignity and sacredness of the occasion.
  • "Linen" (בּוּץ, buts): Linen was a fine, white fabric used for priestly garments, symbolizing purity. The mention of linen for both robes and the ephod underlines the ceremonial and pure nature of the event.
  • "Ephod" (אֵפוֹד, ephod): The ephod was a special vest-like garment worn by priests. David wearing an ephod shows his active participation in worship, not just as king but alongside the Levites.

Why 1 Chronicles 15:27 matters

  • The verse clarifies that David did not set himself above the Levites and priests but joined them in their sacred duties, showing humility and shared devotion.
  • It highlights the importance of preparation and reverence in worship, with everyone involved dressing in garments that marked the event as holy.
  • This detail connects to the wider narrative of 1 Chronicles 15, where David corrects earlier mistakes in moving the ark and ensures everything is done according to God’s instructions.

Where else these words appear

“Chenaniah” Hebrew H3663 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:29 Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.

“linen” Hebrew H948 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 4:21 The sons of Shelah the son of Judah were, Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of Ashbea,
  • 2 Chronicles 3:14 And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon.
  • Esther 1:6 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.

“linen” Hebrew H906 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
  • 1 Samuel 2:18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
  • Ezekiel 10:2 And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.

“robe” Hebrew H4598 · used in 27 verses

  • Exodus 28:4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.
  • Exodus 39:26 A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • Ezra 9:3 And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.