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.

1 CHRONICLES 15:28KJV
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1 Chronicles 15:28 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 15:28 mean?

1 Chronicles 15:28 describes how all the people of Israel brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD into Jerusalem with great celebration, using loud shouts and a variety of musical instruments, including cornets, trumpets, cymbals, psalteries, and harps. The verse highlights the joyful and public nature of this important event.

This verse is set during King David’s reign, as he leads the people in moving the ark—a sacred chest representing God’s presence—into the city. The detailed mention of instruments and noise shows the unity and excitement of the whole nation, emphasizing how significant and festive this moment was for Israel.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 15:28

  • The word for "shouting" is תְּרוּעָה (teru‘ah), which often means a loud cry of joy or a trumpet blast. Here, it stresses the exuberant and communal nature of the celebration.
  • "Cornet" is שׁוֹפָר (shofar), a ram’s horn used for signaling and worship. Its use marks the event as both a public announcement and a sacred occasion.
  • "Trumpets" is חֲצֹצְרָה (ḥaṣoṣrah), which refers to metal trumpets used by priests in ceremonies. This shows that the celebration was organized and involved religious leaders.
  • "Cymbals" is מְצִלְתַּיִם (meṣiltayim), which are clashing percussion instruments, adding to the loud, joyful noise.
  • "Psalteries" is נֶבֶל (nevel), a type of stringed instrument, and "harps" is כִּנּוֹר (kinnor), another stringed instrument. These highlight the variety and richness of the music used in worship.

Why 1 Chronicles 15:28 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that worship in ancient Israel was quiet or somber; it was often loud, musical, and communal, especially at major events.
  • The detailed list of instruments and the emphasis on noise show that the whole community, including priests and musicians, participated in honoring God together.
  • Understanding this verse helps connect the larger story of David’s efforts to bring the ark to Jerusalem, showing his desire to center Israel’s worship around God’s presence.