Here is an outline of this section of the book:
The successful transfer of the ark (1 Chronicles 15:1–16:43)
The ark completes its journey (1 Chronicles 15:1–29)
Preparations for transfer (1 Chronicles 15:1–24)
Transfer of the ark proper (1 Chronicles 15:25–16:3).
Celebration of the ark’s arrival (1 Chronicles 16:4–43)1
This very simple structure is consistent with the Chronicler’s aims and methods, but questions have arisen as to the arrangement of the material in these two chapters. Commentators are puzzled as to why the writer intersperses narrative (1 Chronicles 15:1–3, 1 Chronicles 15:11–15, 1 Chronicles 15:25–29) with genealogical data or repetitious lists
(1 Chronicles 15:4–10, 1 Chronicles 15:6–24). Because of this seeming inconsistency, some have concluded that 1 Chronicles 15:4–10 and 1 Chronicles 15:16–24 are later additions to the text and that the Chronicler contributed only the narrative sections. Far from being a patchwork piece of editing from various sources,2 this chapter is a literary masterpiece that unites several thematic interests: David, ark, Levites, Jerusalem, divine blessing, and worship.3
There is, however, no randomness in the canonical order of the Scriptures, and there must be logical reasons for this apparent disconnectedness. In the first place, these lists are not chronological but are arranged by the Chronicler to highlight his purpose in writing. Second, the lists serve the purpose of anticipating what follows in the section of narrative. The Levites who consecrated themselves (1 Chronicles 15:11–15) are shown to have legitimate ancestries (1 Chronicles 15:4–10). This was a relevant issue in postexilic Israel (Ezra 2:59–63; Nehemiah 7:61–65). The presence and qualifications of the musicians are justified by their selection in 1 Chronicles 15:16–24. However, the main aim of 1 Chronicles 15:1–29 is not to describe the Levites’ history and organization. The two central themes seem to be David’s role with regard to the Levites and the priority of worship in Israel. David is the person chiefly responsible for the Levites’ transformed role (1 Chronicles 15:3, 1 Chronicles 15:11, 1 Chronicles 15:16).4 This is not meant to unduly exalt David or his kingship but to emphasize his role as a second Moses and the application of the law of Moses to different circumstances (see Numbers 3:5–9).5 But there is another reason why the Chronicler lays emphasis on the role and activities of the priests and Levites. Postexilic Israel had come to neglect the Levites in the days of Nehemiah (see Nehemiah 13:10), which pointed to a far deeper problem, and that was a neglect of God.
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.