And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it.

1 CHRONICLES 15:3KJV
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1 Chronicles 15:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 15:3 mean?

1 Chronicles 15:3 describes how King David gathered all the people of Israel in Jerusalem so they could bring the ark of the LORD to the special place David had prepared for it. This verse highlights a significant moment when the ark, a sacred object representing God's presence, was moved to its new home.

David is the main figure here, acting as both king and organizer. He calls together the whole nation, showing the importance of this event for everyone in Israel. The verse sets the stage for a major act of worship and unity, emphasizing David’s care in preparing a proper place for the ark in Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 15:3

  • The word for "gathered" (קָהַל, qāhal) means to assemble or call together, often for a significant or sacred purpose. This shows that David’s action was not casual but a formal, important gathering.
  • "Ark" (אָרוֹן, ’ārôn) refers to the sacred chest that held the tablets of the covenant. Its movement was a major religious event, not just a physical relocation.
  • "Place" (מָקוֹם, māqôm) means a specific, prepared spot, suggesting that David had intentionally set aside a worthy location for the ark, not just any space.
  • "Prepared" (כּוּן, kūn) carries the sense of making something ready or establishing it securely. This highlights David’s careful planning and respect for the significance of the ark.

Why 1 Chronicles 15:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the movement of the ark was a national event, involving all Israel, not just a private act by David or a small group.
  • The emphasis on preparation and gathering shows David’s respect for God and the seriousness with which he approached worship.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of David establishing Jerusalem as both the political and spiritual center of Israel, setting the stage for later developments in Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“gathered” Hebrew H6950 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
  • Numbers 20:10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
  • 2 Chronicles 5:2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.