David again sets about bringing the ark into Jerusalem, having prepared a place for it (1 Chronicles 15:1). This time he tells the Levites to carry the ark, recognising that this is their task (v. 2). The first attempt to move the ark failed because “we did not enquire of [God] about how to do it in the prescribed way” (v. 13). But now, done “in accordance with the word of the Lord” (v. 15), the second attempt succeeds. God “gives more grace” (James 4:6) and “gives grace to the humble” (ESV). God gives second chances.

Roughly 900 Levites are involved (1 Chronicles 15:4–10), and their tasks carefully allocated: carrying the ark (vv. 14–15), playing musical instruments and acting as “gatekeepers” (vv. 16–24 ESV), and offering sacrifices (v. 26). The lists of names (vv. 4–11, 16–24) add further weight to this section. The point is clear: the Levites carried out their duties!

The whole occasion is marked by joy and celebration as “the ark of the covenant of the Lord” is brought up into “the City of David” (vv. 25–29): God’s choice of David as king is confirmed and the covenant relationship between God and Israel, disrupted for much of Saul’s reign, is now publicly and visibly restored. God dwells among His people once more.

One person who does not share in the joy is Michal, who despises David as she sees him dancing exuberantly: the Chronicler identifies her as “daughter of Saul” (v. 29), suggesting that, like Saul, she does not seek the things of God.

But the celebration continues: sacrifices are presented before the ark (16:1); gifts of food, tangible expressions of God’s blessing, are given to the people (v. 3); and, above all, there is worship of God in music and song (vv. 3–6).

Here the Chronicler includes a psalm (vv. 8–36), which is a compilation of verses from Psalm 105:1–15; Psalm 96:1–13; and Psalm 106:1, 47–48, in that order. This text is the Chronicler’s reflection on the events he has described. It is also a call to later generations: worship the Lord for His continuing faithfulness to His people!

The themes of this song of praise would have spoken to the Chronicler’s audience: God’s acts of power and covenant faithfulness (1 Chronicles 16:8–18); God’s protection of His people (vv. 19–22); and God’s rule over the nations and His superiority to the gods of the nations (vv. 23–33). The final prayer for God to gather Israel from the nations (vv. 35–36) clearly reflects the realities of the post-exilic period.

1 Chronicles 16 ends by summarising David’s worship arrangements: ministry before the ark in Jerusalem (vv. 37–38) and offerings at Gibeon, where the tabernacle and altar of burnt offering were still located (vv. 39–42; see 1 Kings 3:5; 2 Chronicles 1:3). Not until Solomon built the temple would this arrangement come to an end.

See also 2 Samuel 6:12–23; Psalms 96, 105, 106.