These introductory verses that announce the right procedure for carrying the ark find no parallel in the Samuel text. They especially elaborate on the brief reference to those bearing the ark
in 2 Samuel 6:13.1
David’s name does not appear as the subject of the first sentence. 1 Chronicles 15:1 literally reads, He built houses for himself in the city of David
(see also 1 Chronicles 15:3). The Chronicler assumes that his readers will know that he is referring to David the king. The reference to the buildings that David built must point to a palace and other yet-unnamed structures, but these take second place on his list of priorities. David had never reneged on his commitment to bring the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13:3). A place
was cleared and a tent pitched in preparation for the ark’s arrival in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:17).2 The term place
frequently carries with it religious overtones.3 No details are given as to the nature of this tent (2 Samuel 6:17), but it must have been a new construction.4 Attention is drawn to it probably to demonstrate the completeness of David’s preparations as evidence of repentance for his earlier negligence.5
The Levites are introduced quite suddenly, with no explanation of how David had come to realize that their absence contributed to the calamity that occurred in 1 Chronicles 13:1–14. Their participation in the process is already implied by reference to those who bore
or carried
the ark in 2 Samuel 6:13. The major roles of the Levites are concisely summarized in 1 Chronicles 15:2: the Lord had chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord
and to minister to
(ESV, NIV, NLT) or to serve
(NEB, GNB) him forever. The transition of one to the other is detailed later in the chapter. Ministering before the Lord involved a variety of practical duties, with their musical ministry being emphasized by the Chronicler (1 Chronicles 6:32; 1 Chronicles 16:4; 2 Chronicles 29:11). By performing these roles and in view of the fact that the Lord had chosen them to carry the ark of the Lord,
alignment with the Mosaic law was maintained (Deuteronomy 10:8, Deuteronomy 18:5; Numbers 4:1–15; for the regulation about the poles, Exodus 25:13). Understandably, great attention to detail was ensured.
The final preparation for transfer of the ark to Jerusalem is the assembling of all Israel, just as had happened in 1 Chronicles 13:5. It is clear that David is assembling a holy procession to bring the ark to Jerusalem that now will have proper leadership and procedural practice.
1 David se bâtit des maisons dans la cité de David; il prépara une place à l'arche de Dieu, et dressa pour elle une tente.