Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty:

1 CHRONICLES 15:5KJV
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1 Chronicles 15:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 15:5 mean?

1 Chronicles 15:5 lists Uriel as the chief among the sons of Kohath, along with 120 of his relatives. This verse is part of a record naming those responsible for helping carry the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

The writer is describing the organization of the Levites by King David as he prepares to move the Ark. Uriel is singled out as the leader ("chief") of his family group, the descendants of Kohath, who were given special duties in caring for the sacred objects. This verse highlights the careful planning and respect for tradition in handling holy things.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 15:5

  • "sons" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word refers to male descendants or members of a family group, emphasizing the importance of lineage and family roles in temple service.
  • "chief" (שַׂר, sar): This term means a leader, prince, or head, showing that Uriel had a position of authority among his relatives.
  • "hundred" (מֵאָה, me'ah) and "twenty" (עֶשְׂרִים, esrim): These numbers are precise, underlining the organized and accountable way the Levites were counted for their duties.

Why 1 Chronicles 15:5 matters

  • This verse shows the detailed care taken in organizing the Levites, which helps explain the seriousness with which the Israelites approached moving the Ark.
  • Naming Uriel as chief highlights the importance of leadership and family lines in temple service, connecting to earlier instructions given to the Levites.
  • The verse fits into a larger passage that emphasizes order, respect for tradition, and obedience to God's instructions in worship.

Where else these words appear

“Uriel” Hebrew H222 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 6:24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.
  • 1 Chronicles 15:11 And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,
  • 2 Chronicles 13:2 He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

“Kohath” Hebrew H6955 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • Numbers 4:15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:2 And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.