1 Chronicles 15:12
1 Chronicles 15:12 in Multiple Translations
And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it.
And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it.
and said unto them, Ye are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of Jehovah, the God of Israel, unto the place that I have prepared for it.
And said to them, You are the heads of the families of the Levites: make yourselves holy, you and your brothers, so that you may take the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place which I have made ready for it.
He told them, “You are the heads of the Levite families. You must make yourselves and your relatives ceremonially clean and pure before you bring back the Ark of God, the Lord of Israel to the place I have made for it.
And he saide vnto them, Ye are the chiefe fathers of the Leuites: sanctifie your selues, and your brethren, and bring vp the Arke of the Lord God of Israel vnto the place that I haue prepared for it.
and saith to them, 'Ye [are] heads of the fathers of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, ye and your brethren, and ye have brought up the ark of Jehovah, God of Israel, unto [the place] I have prepared for it;
and said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers’ households of the Levites. Sanctify yourselves, both you and your brothers, that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, up to the place that I have prepared for it.
And said to them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel to the place that I have prepared for it.
And he said to them: You that are the heads of the Levitical families, be sanctified with your brethren, and brine the ark of the Lord the God of Israel to the place, which is prepared for it:
David said to them, “You are the leaders of the clans descended from Levi. You and the other descendants of Levi must purify yourselves, in order to be able to do this special work for Yahweh. You must bring the Sacred Chest of Yahweh, the God of us Israelis, up to the place that I have made for it here in Jerusalem.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 15:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 15:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
לָ/הֶ֔ם
אַתֶּ֛ם
רָאשֵׁ֥י
הָ/אָב֖וֹת
לַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם
הִֽתְקַדְּשׁוּ֙
אַתֶּ֣ם
וַ/אֲחֵי/כֶ֔ם
וְ/הַֽעֲלִיתֶ֗ם
אֵ֣ת
אֲר֤וֹן
יְהוָה֙
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
אֶל
הֲכִינ֖וֹתִי
לֽ/וֹ
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
אַתֶּ֛ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
רָאשֵׁ֥י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-mp
הָ/אָב֖וֹת
ʼâb
H1
father
Art | N-mp
לַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Prep | Ngmpa
הִֽתְקַדְּשׁוּ֙
qâdash
H6942
to consecrate
V-Hithpael-Impv-2mp
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וַ/אֲחֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼâch
H251
brother
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וְ/הַֽעֲלִיתֶ֗ם
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp
אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲר֤וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
N-cs
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הֲכִינ֖וֹתִי
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 15:12
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ/הֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
אַתֶּ֛ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
רָאשֵׁ֥י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הָ/אָב֖וֹת
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Art | N-mp
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Prep | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
הִֽתְקַדְּשׁוּ֙
qâdash
H6942
"to consecrate"
V-Hithpael-Impv-2mp
To consecrate means to set something or someone apart as holy or sacred, like the priests in Exodus. This word is about making something clean or pure. It is used in the Bible to describe sacred rituals and moral purity.
Definition: : consecate/sanctify 1) to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be set apart, be consecrated 1a2) to be hallowed 1a3) consecrated, tabooed 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to show oneself sacred or majestic 1b2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred 1b3) to be holy 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate 1c2) to observe as holy, keep sacred 1c3) to honour as sacred, hallow 1c4) to consecrate 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be consecrated 1d2) consecrated, dedicated 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set apart, devote, consecrate 1e2) to regard or treat as sacred or hallow 1e3) to consecrate 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to keep oneself apart or separate 1f2) to cause Himself to be hallowed (of God) 1f3) to be observed as holy 1f4) to consecrate oneself
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 2:3; 2 Samuel 11:4; Isaiah 5:16.
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וַ/אֲחֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וְ/הַֽעֲלִיתֶ֗ם
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲר֤וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הֲכִינ֖וֹתִי
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 15:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 15:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 15:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 15:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 15:12
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 15:12
Context — Preparing to Move the Ark
10and from the Uzzielites, Amminadab the chief and 112 of his relatives.
11David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab.
12And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it.
13It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.” 14So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 35:6 | Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your fellow countrymen to carry out the word of the LORD given by Moses.” |
| 2 | Exodus 19:14–15 | When Moses came down from the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. “Be prepared for the third day,” he said to the people. “Do not draw near to a woman.” |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 15:14 | So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. |
| 4 | Romans 12:1–2 | Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 30:15 | And on the fourteenth day of the second month they slaughtered the Passover lamb. The priests and Levites were ashamed, and they consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings to the house of the LORD. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 15:1 | David constructed buildings for himself in the City of David, and he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it. |
| 7 | Revelation 5:9–10 | And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 15:3 | And David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the LORD to the place he had prepared for it. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 5:11 | Now all the priests who were present had consecrated themselves regardless of their divisions. And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 29:4–5 | Then he brought in the priests and Levites and gathered them in the square on the east side. “Listen to me, O Levites,” he said. “Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove from the Holy Place every impurity. |
1 Chronicles 15:12 Summary
[In 1 Chronicles 15:12, King David tells the leaders of the Levites to consecrate themselves, or set themselves apart, so they can bring the ark of the Lord to its new home. This means they had to make sure they were living a life that pleased God, without any sin or wrongdoing, as God is holy and demands holiness from those who serve Him (Leviticus 11:44-45). By doing so, they would be able to handle the ark, which represented God's presence, in a way that honored Him. Just like the Levites, we are called to live a life of holiness and obedience to God, as taught in Romans 12:1-2, so we can be used by Him to bring His presence into the world.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to consecrate oneself in 1 Chronicles 15:12?
To consecrate oneself means to set oneself apart for God's use, becoming holy and purified for His service, as seen in Exodus 19:10 and Numbers 8:5-7.
Why was it important for the Levites to consecrate themselves before bringing the ark of the Lord to its new place?
The Levites needed to consecrate themselves to approach God's presence in a state of purity, as God is holy and demands holiness from those who serve Him, as written in Leviticus 11:44-45.
What role did the heads of the Levitical families play in this process?
The heads of the Levitical families, including Zadok, Abiathar, and others, were responsible for leading their relatives in consecrating themselves and ensuring the proper handling of the ark, as they were the spiritual leaders and guardians of God's covenant, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:8-11.
How does this verse relate to our personal walk with God today?
Just as the Levites had to consecrate themselves to serve God, we too are called to set ourselves apart for God's use, living a life of holiness and obedience, as taught in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Reflection Questions
- What areas of my life need to be set apart for God's use, and how can I consecrate myself to Him?
- In what ways can I, like the Levites, take responsibility for leading others in spiritual matters and ensuring the proper handling of God's Word?
- How can I balance the desire for God's presence in my life with the need for personal holiness and purity, as seen in 1 Chronicles 15:12?
- What are some practical steps I can take to 'consecrate' myself, making myself a vessel fit for God's use, as described in 2 Timothy 2:21?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 15:12
And he said unto them, ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites,.... Of the families of the Levites, heads of their fathers' houses: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren; respectively
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 15:12
And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:12
Sanctify yourselves, by solemn purification and preparation of yourselves, both in soul and body. See Poole ",15".
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:12
1 Chronicles 15:12 And said unto them, Ye [are] the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, [both] ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto [the place that] I have prepared for it.Ver. 12. Sanctify yourselves.] Outwardly and inwardly. Holy things are to be handled sancte magis quam scite.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 15:12
(12) Chief of the fathers.—Heads of the father- houses. They were the heads of the chief divisions in each sub-group of the tribe. Sanctify yourselves.—Special purifications appear to have been prescribed in connection with all sacrifice and worship. (Comp. Genesis 35:2; Exodus 19:10; Exodus 19:15; Exodus 30:17-21.) Bathing the person, and washing or changing the garments, and keeping oneself aloof from whatever was regarded as defiling, were the main requisites. And all this was needful to teach Israel that the All-pure requires purity in His worshippers. (Comp. 2 Chronicles 30:3.) The ark of the Lord (Jehovah) God of Israel.—Contrast the simpler expression, “ark of God” (1 Chronicles 13 and 1 Chronicles 14:1-2). Here David uses a specially solemn title, by way of warning. Further, the term “God of Israel” suggests that the undertaking is national, and that the nation’s future welfare depends on its due performance (1 Samuel 2:30). Israel’s vocation was to be “a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” (Exodus 19:6), as the chronicler has well understood.
Unto the place that I have prepared for it.—Unto (that) I have prepared for it. The relative is omitted. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 29:3 and 2 Chronicles 1:4.)
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 15:12
12. the chief of the fathers of the Levites] R.V. the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites. sanctify yourselves] Cp. 2 Chronicles 29:5. For the method of sanctifying cp. Exodus 19:10; Exodus 19:15.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 15:12
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When Obedience Makes You Dance by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands. He highlights the story of Saul, who claimed to have obeyed God but was confronted by Samuel about |
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The Battle to Think Right by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a woman who is married to a man named Saul. However, she helps David, who is being hunted by Saul, escape. As a result, she is a |
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(Divine Attributes) 01 Visions of the Glory of God by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher describes a vision of four living creatures that he saw coming out of a glowing storm cloud. These creatures had the appearance of a man, but with four |
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The Fire of God by Dick Hussey | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Deuteronomy and the importance of the spoken word of God. He emphasizes the power and impact of the living, burning word of God m |
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(The Glory of God) in Marriage by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not conforming to the ways of the world but instead being transformed by renewing the mind. He highlights that God's will |
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(The Glory of God) in Ministering to the Lord by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Romans and its significance in understanding the Christian life. He emphasizes the faithfulness of God and how He fulfills all Hi |
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Ten Shekels and a Shirt (High Quality) by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Micah in Judges Chapter 17. He discusses two groups of people: the liberals who embrace humanism and the believers who serve the |