SUMMARY
This chapter establishes Jerusalem as the dwelling place of God and sets the stage for the future construction of the TempleThe Jerusalem temple, unlike the tabernacle, was a permanent structure, although (like the tabernacle) it was a place of worship and religious activity. On one occasion Jesus felt such activity was unacceptable and, as reported in all four Gospels, drove from the temple those engaged... More by David’s son SolomonThird king of Israel who was known for wisdom and building the first Temple. More. The Chronicler portrays this episode as the fulfillment of the divine will to reside in the city of David—complete with representatives of all Israel (singers, musicians, gatekeepers, eldersElders are leaders who exercise wisdom or leadership by virtue of their age and experience. In the New Testament elders, along with the chief priests and scribes, constituted the primary opposition to Jesus when he taught in Jerusalem. More, commanders, etc.) whose presence underscores the coalescence of the entire nation around its God and anointed king.
ANALYSIS
The Chronicler bases this passage on the return of the ark in 2 SamuelThe judge who anointed the first two kings of Israel. More 6, but adds to the earlier narrative considerably. Major additions in Chronicles include the theme of divine providence and the fulfillment of God’s will in relocating the ark in Jerusalem. For instance, the Chronicler adds that “DavidSecond king of Israel, David united the northern and southern kingdoms. More commanded that no one but the Levites were to carry the ark of God, for the Lord had chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord and to minister to him forever” (1 Chronicles 15:2). This verse notes that God “had chosen” the Levites to carry the ark—an addition that recalls Deuteronomy 31:25, in which, under Moses’ leadership the Levites bear the ark. This evocation of Israel’s past also alludes to David fulfilling a Mosaic role.
In another Deuteronomistic echo, the Chronicler states, “David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the Lord to its place, which he had prepared for it” (1 Chronicles 15:3). This language recalls Moses’ words to Israel that “you shall bring everything that I command you to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name” (Deuteronomy 12:11; cf. 14:23; 16:2, 6, 11; 26:2). Once again, the Chronicler’s David fulfills the charge from MosesProphet who led Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land and received the law at Sinai. More that God had established before the people of Israel had even entered the Promised Land.
