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2 Samuel 5:11-6:23
New Century Version
2 Samuel 5:11-6:23
New Century Version
11 Hiram king of the city of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs, carpenters, and stonecutters. They built a palace for David. 12 Then David knew that the Lord really had made him king of Israel and that the Lord had made his kingdom great because the Lord loved his people Israel.
13 After he came from Hebron, David took for himself more slave women and wives in Jerusalem. More sons and daughters were born to David. 14 These are the names of the sons born to David in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, 16 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.
David Defeats the Philistines
17 When the Philistines heard that David had been made king over Israel, all the Philistines went to look for him. But when David heard the news, he went down to the stronghold. 18 The Philistines came and camped in the Valley of Rephaim. 19 David asked the Lord, “Should I attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”
The Lord said to David, “Go! I will certainly hand them over to you.”
20 So David went to Baal Perazim and defeated the Philistines there. David said, “Like a flood of water, the Lord has broken through my enemies in front of me.” So David named the place Baal Perazim.[a] 21 The Philistines left their idols behind at Baal Perazim, so David and his men carried them away.
22 Once again the Philistines came and camped at the Valley of Rephaim. 23 When David prayed to the Lord, he answered, “Don’t attack the Philistines from the front. Instead, go around and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 24 When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, act quickly. I, the Lord, will have gone ahead of you to defeat the Philistine army.” 25 So David did what the Lord commanded. He defeated the Philistines and chased them all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.
The Ark Is Brought to Jerusalem
6 David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel—thirty thousand of them. 2 Then he and all his people went to Baalah in Judah[b] to bring back the Ark of God. The Ark is called by the Name, the name of the Lord All-Powerful, whose throne is between the gold creatures with wings. 3 They put the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of Abinadab’s house on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, led the new cart 4 which had the Ark of God on it. Ahio was walking in front of it. 5 David and all the Israelites were celebrating in the presence of the Lord. They were playing wooden instruments: lyres, harps, tambourines, rattles, and cymbals.
6 When David’s men came to the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled. So Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark of God. 7 The Lord was angry with Uzzah and killed him because of what he did. So Uzzah died there beside the Ark of God. 8 David was angry because the Lord had killed Uzzah. Now that place is called the Punishment of Uzzah.
9 David was afraid of the Lord that day, and he said, “How can the Ark of the Lord come to me now?” 10 So David would not move the Ark of the Lord to be with him in Jerusalem. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom, a man from Gath. 11 The Ark of the Lord stayed in Obed-Edom’s house for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and all his family.
12 The people told David, “The Lord has blessed the family of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because the Ark of God is there.” So David went and brought it up from Obed-Edom’s house to Jerusalem with joy. 13 When the men carrying the Ark of the Lord had walked six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fat calf. 14 Then David danced with all his might before the Lord. He had on a holy linen vest. 15 David and all the Israelites shouted with joy and blew the trumpets as they brought the Ark of the Lord to the city.
16 As the Ark of the Lord came into the city, Saul’s daughter Michal looked out the window. When she saw David jumping and dancing in the presence of the Lord, she hated him.
17 David put up a tent for the Ark of the Lord, and then the Israelites put it in its place inside the tent. David offered whole burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord. 18 When David finished offering the whole burnt offerings and the fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord All-Powerful. 19 David gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins to every Israelite, both men and women. Then all the people went home.
20 David went back to bless the people in his home, but Saul’s daughter Michal came out to meet him. She said, “With what honor the king of Israel acted today! You took off your clothes in front of the servant girls of your officers like one who takes off his clothes without shame!”
21 Then David said to Michal, “I did it in the presence of the Lord. The Lord chose me, not your father or anyone from Saul’s family. The Lord appointed me to be over Israel. So I will celebrate in the presence of the Lord. 22 Maybe I will lose even more honor, and maybe I will be brought down in my own opinion, but the girls you talk about will honor me!”
23 And Saul’s daughter Michal had no children to the day she died.
2 Samuel 5:11-6:23
New International Version
2 Samuel 5:11-6:23
New International Version
11 Now Hiram(A) king of Tyre sent envoys to David, along with cedar logs and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built a palace for David. 12 Then David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom(B) for the sake of his people Israel.
13 After he left Hebron, David took more concubines and wives(C) in Jerusalem, and more sons and daughters were born to him. 14 These are the names of the children born to him there:(D) Shammua, Shobab, Nathan,(E) Solomon, 15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, 16 Elishama, Eliada and Eliphelet.
David Defeats the Philistines(F)
17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold.(G) 18 Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim;(H) 19 so David inquired(I) of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”
The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.”
20 So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, “As waters break out, the Lord has broken out against my enemies before me.” So that place was called Baal Perazim.[a](J) 21 The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his men carried them off.(K)
22 Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; 23 so David inquired of the Lord, and he answered, “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. 24 As soon as you hear the sound(L) of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front(M) of you to strike the Philistine army.” 25 So David did as the Lord commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines(N) all the way from Gibeon[b](O) to Gezer.(P)
The Ark Brought to Jerusalem(Q)(R)
6 David again brought together all the able young men of Israel—thirty thousand. 2 He and all his men went to Baalah[c](S) in Judah to bring up from there the ark(T) of God, which is called by the Name,[d](U) the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned(V) between the cherubim(W) on the ark. 3 They set the ark of God on a new cart(X) and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill.(Y) Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart 4 with the ark of God on it,[e] and Ahio was walking in front of it. 5 David and all Israel were celebrating(Z) with all their might before the Lord, with castanets,[f] harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals.(AA)
6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of(AB) the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. 7 The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act;(AC) therefore God struck him down,(AD) and he died there beside the ark of God.
8 Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath(AE) had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah.[g](AF)
9 David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, “How(AG) can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?” 10 He was not willing to take the ark of the Lord to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom(AH) the Gittite. 11 The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed him and his entire household.(AI)
12 Now King David(AJ) was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. 13 When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed(AK) a bull and a fattened calf. 14 Wearing a linen ephod,(AL) David was dancing(AM) before the Lord with all his might, 15 while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts(AN) and the sound of trumpets.(AO)
16 As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David,(AP) Michal(AQ) daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.
17 They brought the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it,(AR) and David sacrificed burnt offerings(AS) and fellowship offerings before the Lord. 18 After he had finished sacrificing(AT) the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed(AU) the people in the name of the Lord Almighty. 19 Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins(AV) to each person in the whole crowd of Israelites, both men and women.(AW) And all the people went to their homes.
20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked(AX) in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!”
21 David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed(AY) me ruler(AZ) over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.”
23 And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.
Footnotes
- 2 Samuel 5:20 Baal Perazim means the lord who breaks out.
- 2 Samuel 5:25 Septuagint (see also 1 Chron. 14:16); Hebrew Geba
- 2 Samuel 6:2 That is, Kiriath Jearim (see 1 Chron. 13:6)
- 2 Samuel 6:2 Hebrew; Septuagint and Vulgate do not have the Name.
- 2 Samuel 6:4 Dead Sea Scrolls and some Septuagint manuscripts; Masoretic Text cart 4 and they brought it with the ark of God from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill
- 2 Samuel 6:5 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint (see also 1 Chron. 13:8) songs
- 2 Samuel 6:8 Perez Uzzah means outbreak against Uzzah.
1 Chronicles 13-16
New Century Version
1 Chronicles 13-16
New Century Version
Bringing Back the Ark
13 David talked with all the officers of his army, the commanders of a hundred men and the commanders of a thousand men. 2 Then David called the people of Israel together and said, “If you think it is a good idea, and if it is what the Lord our God wants, let’s send a message. Let’s tell our fellow Israelites in all the areas of Israel and the priests and Levites living with them in their towns and pastures to come and join us. 3 Let’s bring the Ark of our God back to us. We did not use it to ask God for help while Saul was king.” 4 All the people agreed with David, because they all thought it was the right thing to do.
5 So David gathered all the Israelites, from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo Hamath, to bring the Ark of God back from the town of Kiriath Jearim. 6 David and all the Israelites with him went to Baalah of Judah, which is Kiriath Jearim, to get the Ark of God the Lord. God’s throne is between the golden, winged creatures on the Ark, and the Ark is called by his name.
7 The people carried the Ark of God from Abinadab’s house on a new cart, and Uzzah and Ahio guided it. 8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating in the presence of God. With all their strength they were singing and playing lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.
9 When David’s men came to the threshing floor of Kidon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark. 10 The Lord was angry with Uzzah and killed him, because he had touched the Ark. So Uzzah died there in the presence of God.
11 David was angry because the Lord had punished Uzzah in his anger. Now that place is called The Punishment of Uzzah.
12 David was afraid of God that day and asked, “How can I bring the Ark of God home to me?” 13 So David did not take the Ark with him to Jerusalem. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom who was from Gath. 14 The Ark of God stayed with Obed-Edom’s family in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-Edom’s family and everything he owned.
David’s Kingdom Grows
14 Hiram king of the city of Tyre sent messengers to David. He also sent cedar logs, bricklayers, and carpenters to build a palace for David. 2 Then David knew that the Lord really had made him king of Israel and that he had made his kingdom great. The Lord did this because he loved his people Israel.
3 David married more women in Jerusalem and had more sons and daughters. 4 These are the names of David’s children born in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, 6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 7 Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet.
David Defeats the Philistines
8 When the Philistines heard that David had been made king of all Israel, they went to look for him. But David heard about it and went out to fight them. 9 The Philistines had attacked and robbed the people in the Valley of Rephaim. 10 David asked God, “Should I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”
The Lord answered him, “Go, I will hand them over to you.”
11 So David and his men went up to the town of Baal Perazim and defeated the Philistines. David said, “Like a flood of water, God has broken through my enemies by using me.” So that place was named Baal Perazim.[a] 12 The Philistines had left their idols there, so David ordered his men to burn them.
13 Soon the Philistines attacked the people in the valley again. 14 David prayed to God again, and God answered him, saying, “Don’t attack the Philistines from the front. Instead, go around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 15 When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then attack. I, God, will have gone out before you to defeat the Philistine army.” 16 David did as God commanded, and he and his men defeated the Philistine army all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.
17 So David became famous in all the countries, and the Lord made all nations afraid of him.
The Ark Is Brought to Jerusalem
15 David built houses for himself in Jerusalem. Then he prepared a place for the Ark of God, and he set up a tent for it. 2 David said, “Only the Levites may carry the Ark of God. The Lord chose them to carry the Ark of the Lord and to serve him forever.”
3 David called all the people of Israel to come to Jerusalem. He wanted to bring the Ark of the Lord to the place he had made for it. 4 David called together the descendants of Aaron and the Levites. 5 There were one hundred twenty people from Kohath’s family group, with Uriel as their leader. 6 There were two hundred twenty people from Merari’s family group, with Asaiah as their leader. 7 There were one hundred thirty people from Gershon’s family group, with Joel as their leader. 8 There were two hundred people from Elizaphan’s family group, with Shemaiah as their leader. 9 There were eighty people from Hebron’s family group, with Eliel as their leader. 10 And there were one hundred twelve people from Uzziel’s family group, with Amminadab as their leader.
11 Then David asked the priests Zadok and Abiathar and these Levites to come to him: Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. 12 David said to them, “You are the leaders of the families of Levi. You and the other Levites must give yourselves for service to the Lord. Bring up the Ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place I have made for it. 13 The last time we did not ask the Lord how to carry it. You Levites didn’t carry it, so the Lord our God punished us.”
14 Then the priests and Levites prepared themselves for service to the Lord so they could carry the Ark of the Lord, the God of Israel. 15 The Levites used special poles to carry the Ark of God on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded, just as the Lord had said they should.
16 David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to play their lyres, harps, and cymbals and to sing happy songs.
17 So the Levites appointed Heman and his relatives Asaph and Ethan. Heman was Joel’s son. Asaph was Berekiah’s son. And Ethan, from the Merari family group, was Kushaiah’s son. 18 There was also a second group of Levites: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel. They were the Levite guards.
19 The singers Heman, Asaph, and Ethan played bronze cymbals. 20 Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah played the lyres. 21 Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah played the harps. 22 The Levite leader Kenaniah was in charge of the singing, because he was very good at it.
23 Berekiah and Elkanah were two of the guards for the Ark of the Agreement. 24 The priests Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer had the job of blowing trumpets in front of the Ark of God. Obed-Edom and Jehiah were also guards for the Ark.
25 David, the leaders of Israel, and the commanders of a thousand soldiers went to get the Ark of the Agreement with the Lord. They all went to bring the Ark from Obed-Edom’s house with great joy. 26 Because God helped the Levites who carried the Ark of the Agreement with the Lord, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven male sheep. 27 All the Levites who carried the Ark, and Kenaniah, the man in charge of the singing, and all the singers wore robes of fine linen. David also wore a robe of fine linen and a holy vest of fine linen. 28 So all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Agreement with the Lord. They shouted, blew horns and trumpets, and played cymbals, lyres, and harps.
29 As the Ark of the Agreement with the Lord entered Jerusalem, Saul’s daughter Michal watched from a window. When she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she hated him.
16 They brought the Ark of God and put it inside the tent that David had set up for it. Then they offered burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to God. 2 When David had finished giving the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. 3 He gave a loaf of bread, some dates, and raisins to every Israelite man and woman.
4 Then David appointed some of the Levites to serve before the Ark of the Lord. They had the job of leading the worship and giving thanks and praising the Lord, the God of Israel. 5 Asaph, who played the cymbals, was the leader. Zechariah was second to him. The other Levites were Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel. They played the lyres and harps. 6 Benaiah and Jahaziel were priests who blew the trumpets regularly before the Ark of the Agreement with God. 7 That day David first gave Asaph and his relatives the job of singing praises to the Lord.
David’s Song of Thanks
8 Give thanks to the Lord and pray to him.
Tell the nations what he has done.
9 Sing to him; sing praises to him.
Tell about all his miracles.
10 Be glad that you are his;
let those who seek the Lord be happy.
11 Depend on the Lord and his strength;
always go to him for help.
12 Remember the miracles he has done,
his wonders, and his decisions.
13 You are the descendants of his servant, Israel;
you are the children of Jacob, his chosen people.
14 He is the Lord our God.
His laws are for all the world.
15 He will keep his agreement forever;
he will keep his promises always.
16 He will keep the agreement he made with Abraham
and the promise he made to Isaac.
17 He made it a law for the people of Jacob;
he made it an agreement with Israel to last forever.
18 He said, “I will give the land of Canaan to you,
to belong to you.”
19 Then God’s people were few in number,
and they were strangers in the land.
20 They went from one nation to another,
from one kingdom to another.
21 But he did not let anyone hurt them;
he warned kings not to harm them.
22 He said, “Don’t touch my chosen people,
and don’t harm my prophets.”
23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Every day tell how he saves us.
24 Tell the nations about his glory;
tell all peoples the miracles he does.
25 The Lord is great; he should be praised.
He should be respected more than all the gods.
26 All the gods of the nations are only idols,
but the Lord made the skies.
27 He has glory and majesty;
he has power and joy in his Temple.
28 Praise the Lord, all nations on earth.
Praise the Lord’s glory and power;
29 praise the glory of the Lord’s name.
Bring an offering and come to him.
Worship the Lord because he is holy.
30 Tremble before him, everyone on earth.
The earth is set, and it cannot be moved.
31 Let the skies rejoice and the earth be glad.
Let people everywhere say, “The Lord is king!”
32 Let the sea and everything in it shout;
let the fields and everything in them rejoice.
33 Then the trees of the forest will sing
for joy before the Lord.
They will sing because he is coming to judge the world.
34 Thank the Lord because he is good.
His love continues forever.
35 Say to him, “Save us, God our Savior,
and bring us back and save us from other nations.
Then we will thank you
and will gladly praise you.”
36 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel.
He always was and always will be.
All the people said “Amen” and praised the Lord.
37 Then David left Asaph and the other Levites there in front of the Ark of the Agreement with the Lord. They were to serve there every day. 38 David also left Obed-Edom and sixty-eight other Levites to serve with them. Hosah and Obed-Edom son of Jeduthun were guards.
39 David left Zadok the priest and the other priests who served with him in front of the Tent of the Lord at the place of worship in Gibeon. 40 Every morning and evening they offered burnt offerings on the altar of burnt offerings, following the rules written in the Teachings of the Lord, which he had given Israel. 41 With them were Heman and Jeduthun and other Levites. They were chosen by name to sing praises to the Lord because his love continues forever. 42 Heman and Jeduthun also had the job of playing the trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments when songs were sung to God. Jeduthun’s sons guarded the gates.
43 Then all the people left. Each person went home, and David also went home to bless the people in his home.
Footnotes
- 14:11 Baal Perazim This name means “the Lord breaks through.”
1 Chronicles 13-16
New International Version
1 Chronicles 13-16
New International Version
Bringing Back the Ark(A)
13 David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. 2 He then said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the Lord our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our people throughout the territories of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their towns and pasturelands, to come and join us. 3 Let us bring the ark of our God back to us,(B) for we did not inquire(C) of[a] it[b] during the reign of Saul.” 4 The whole assembly agreed to do this, because it seemed right to all the people.
5 So David assembled all Israel,(D) from the Shihor River(E) in Egypt to Lebo Hamath,(F) to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim.(G) 6 David and all Israel went to Baalah(H) of Judah (Kiriath Jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the Lord, who is enthroned between the cherubim(I)—the ark that is called by the Name.
7 They moved the ark of God from Abinadab’s(J) house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it. 8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, timbrels, cymbals and trumpets.(K)
9 When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. 10 The Lord’s anger(L) burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down(M) because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God.
11 Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah.[c](N)
12 David was afraid of God that day and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?” 13 He did not take the ark to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom(O) the Gittite. 14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his household(P) and everything he had.
David’s House and Family(Q)
14 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs,(R) stonemasons and carpenters to build a palace for him. 2 And David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted(S) for the sake of his people Israel.
3 In Jerusalem David took more wives and became the father of more sons(T) and daughters. 4 These are the names of the children born to him there:(U) Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, 5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, 6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 7 Elishama, Beeliada[d] and Eliphelet.
David Defeats the Philistines(V)
8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel,(W) they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them. 9 Now the Philistines had come and raided the Valley(X) of Rephaim; 10 so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”
The Lord answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.”
11 So David and his men went up to Baal Perazim,(Y) and there he defeated them. He said, “As waters break out, God has broken out against my enemies by my hand.” So that place was called Baal Perazim.[e] 12 The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, and David gave orders to burn(Z) them in the fire.(AA)
13 Once more the Philistines raided the valley;(AB) 14 so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, “Do not go directly after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. 15 As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” 16 So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon(AC) to Gezer.(AD)
17 So David’s fame(AE) spread throughout every land, and the Lord made all the nations fear(AF) him.
The Ark Brought to Jerusalem(AG)
15 After David had constructed buildings for himself in the City of David, he prepared(AH) a place for the ark of God and pitched(AI) a tent for it. 2 Then David said, “No one but the Levites(AJ) may carry(AK) the ark of God, because the Lord chose them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister(AL) before him forever.”
3 David assembled all Israel(AM) in Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the Lord to the place he had prepared for it. 4 He called together the descendants of Aaron and the Levites:(AN)
5 From the descendants of Kohath,
Uriel(AO) the leader and 120 relatives;
6 from the descendants of Merari,
Asaiah the leader and 220 relatives;
7 from the descendants of Gershon,[f]
Joel the leader and 130 relatives;
8 from the descendants of Elizaphan,(AP)
Shemaiah the leader and 200 relatives;
9 from the descendants of Hebron,(AQ)
Eliel the leader and 80 relatives;
10 from the descendants of Uzziel,
Amminadab the leader and 112 relatives.
11 Then David summoned Zadok(AR) and Abiathar(AS) the priests, and Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel and Amminadab the Levites. 12 He said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families; you and your fellow Levites are to consecrate(AT) yourselves and bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. 13 It was because you, the Levites,(AU) did not bring it up the first time that the Lord our God broke out in anger against us.(AV) We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way.(AW)” 14 So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves in order to bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel. 15 And the Levites carried the ark of God with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded(AX) in accordance with the word of the Lord.(AY)
16 David(AZ) told the leaders of the Levites(BA) to appoint their fellow Levites as musicians(BB) to make a joyful sound with musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals.(BC)
17 So the Levites appointed Heman(BD) son of Joel; from his relatives, Asaph(BE) son of Berekiah; and from their relatives the Merarites,(BF) Ethan son of Kushaiah; 18 and with them their relatives next in rank: Zechariah,[g] Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom(BG) and Jeiel,[h] the gatekeepers.
19 The musicians Heman,(BH) Asaph and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals; 20 Zechariah, Jaaziel,[i] Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah and Benaiah were to play the lyres according to alamoth,[j] 21 and Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel and Azaziah were to play the harps, directing according to sheminith.[k] 22 Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it.
23 Berekiah and Elkanah were to be doorkeepers for the ark. 24 Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah and Eliezer the priests were to blow trumpets(BI) before the ark of God. Obed-Edom and Jehiah were also to be doorkeepers for the ark.
25 So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of units of a thousand went to bring up the ark(BJ) of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-Edom, with rejoicing. 26 Because God had helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord, seven bulls and seven rams(BK) were sacrificed. 27 Now David was clothed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and as were the musicians, and Kenaniah, who was in charge of the singing of the choirs. David also wore a linen ephod.(BL) 28 So all Israel(BM) brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouts,(BN) with the sounding of rams’ horns(BO) and trumpets, and of cymbals, and the playing of lyres and harps.
29 As the ark of the covenant of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart.
Ministering Before the Ark(BP)(BQ)(BR)
16 They brought the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched(BS) for it, and they presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before God. 2 After David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, he blessed(BT) the people in the name of the Lord. 3 Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins(BU) to each Israelite man and woman.
4 He appointed some of the Levites to minister(BV) before the ark of the Lord, to extol,[l] thank, and praise the Lord, the God of Israel: 5 Asaph was the chief, and next to him in rank were Zechariah, then Jaaziel,[m] Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom and Jeiel. They were to play the lyres and harps, Asaph was to sound the cymbals, 6 and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God.
7 That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise(BW) to the Lord in this manner:
8 Give praise(BX) to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations(BY) what he has done.
9 Sing to him, sing praise(BZ) to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
10 Glory in his holy name;(CA)
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
11 Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek(CB) his face always.
12 Remember(CC) the wonders(CD) he has done,
his miracles,(CE) and the judgments he pronounced,
13 you his servants, the descendants of Israel,
his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
14 He is the Lord our God;
his judgments(CF) are in all the earth.
15 He remembers[n](CG) his covenant forever,
the promise he made, for a thousand generations,
16 the covenant(CH) he made with Abraham,
the oath he swore to Isaac.
17 He confirmed it to Jacob(CI) as a decree,
to Israel as an everlasting covenant:
18 “To you I will give the land of Canaan(CJ)
as the portion you will inherit.”
19 When they were but few in number,(CK)
few indeed, and strangers in it,
20 they[o] wandered(CL) from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another.
21 He allowed no one to oppress them;
for their sake he rebuked kings:(CM)
22 “Do not touch my anointed ones;
do my prophets(CN) no harm.”
23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
24 Declare his glory(CO) among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
25 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;(CP)
he is to be feared(CQ) above all gods.(CR)
26 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.(CS)
27 Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his dwelling place.
28 Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.(CT)
29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;(CU)
bring an offering and come before him.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his[p] holiness.(CV)
30 Tremble(CW) before him, all the earth!
The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.(CX)
31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;(CY)
let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!(CZ)”
32 Let the sea resound, and all that is in it;(DA)
let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!
33 Let the trees(DB) of the forest sing,
let them sing for joy before the Lord,
for he comes to judge(DC) the earth.
34 Give thanks(DD) to the Lord, for he is good;(DE)
his love endures forever.(DF)
35 Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior;(DG)
gather us and deliver us from the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name,
and glory in your praise.”
36 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,(DH)
from everlasting to everlasting.
Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the Lord.”
37 David left Asaph and his associates before the ark of the covenant of the Lord to minister there regularly, according to each day’s requirements.(DI) 38 He also left Obed-Edom(DJ) and his sixty-eight associates to minister with them. Obed-Edom son of Jeduthun, and also Hosah,(DK) were gatekeepers.
39 David left Zadok(DL) the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the Lord at the high place in Gibeon(DM) 40 to present burnt offerings to the Lord on the altar of burnt offering regularly, morning and evening, in accordance with everything written in the Law(DN) of the Lord, which he had given Israel. 41 With them were Heman(DO) and Jeduthun and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord, “for his love endures forever.” 42 Heman and Jeduthun were responsible for the sounding of the trumpets and cymbals and for the playing of the other instruments for sacred song.(DP) The sons of Jeduthun(DQ) were stationed at the gate.
43 Then all the people left, each for their own home, and David returned home to bless his family.
Footnotes
- 1 Chronicles 13:3 Or we neglected
- 1 Chronicles 13:3 Or him
- 1 Chronicles 13:11 Perez Uzzah means outbreak against Uzzah.
- 1 Chronicles 14:7 A variant of Eliada
- 1 Chronicles 14:11 Baal Perazim means the lord who breaks out.
- 1 Chronicles 15:7 Hebrew Gershom, a variant of Gershon
- 1 Chronicles 15:18 Three Hebrew manuscripts and most Septuagint manuscripts (see also verse 20 and 16:5); most Hebrew manuscripts Zechariah son and or Zechariah, Ben and
- 1 Chronicles 15:18 Hebrew; Septuagint (see also verse 21) Jeiel and Azaziah
- 1 Chronicles 15:20 See verse 18; Hebrew Aziel, a variant of Jaaziel.
- 1 Chronicles 15:20 Probably a musical term
- 1 Chronicles 15:21 Probably a musical term
- 1 Chronicles 16:4 Or petition; or invoke
- 1 Chronicles 16:5 See 15:18,20; Hebrew Jeiel, possibly another name for Jaaziel.
- 1 Chronicles 16:15 Some Septuagint manuscripts (see also Psalm 105:8); Hebrew Remember
- 1 Chronicles 16:20 One Hebrew manuscript, Septuagint and Vulgate (see also Psalm 105:12); most Hebrew manuscripts inherit, / 19 though you are but few in number, / few indeed, and strangers in it.” / 20 They
- 1 Chronicles 16:29 Or Lord with the splendor of
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