1 Chronicles 15:15

15 The Levites carried the Chest of God exactly as Moses, instructed by God, commanded - carried it with poles on their shoulders, careful not to touch it with their hands.

1 Chronicles 15:15 Meaning and Commentary

1 Chronicles 15:15

And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon
their shoulders, with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded,
according to the word of the Lord.
] Not only bare it on their shoulders, but with the staves in it, which rested on their shoulders, see ( Numbers 7:9 ) ( Exodus 25:14 ) , the reason of this command, that the ark should be carried on men's shoulders, and not in any carriage, according to Maimonides ^F8, was both for the honour of it, and lest its form and structure should be any ways damaged.

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FOOTNOTES:

F8 Moreh Nevochim, par. 3. c. 45. p. 479.

1 Chronicles 15:15 In-Context

13 The first time we did this, you Levites did not carry it properly, and God exploded in anger at us because we didn't make proper preparation and follow instructions."

14 So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the Chest of the God of Israel.

15 The Levites carried the Chest of God exactly as Moses, instructed by God, commanded - carried it with poles on their shoulders, careful not to touch it with their hands.

16 David ordered the heads of the Levites to assign their relatives to sing in the choir, accompanied by a well-equipped marching band, and fill the air with joyful sound.

17 The Levites assigned Heman son of Joel, and from his family, Asaph son of Berekiah, then Ethan son of Kushaiah from the family of Merari,