1 Chronicles 15:8

from the Elizaphanites, Shemaiah the chief and 200 of his relatives;

Study Bible

from the descendants of Elizaphan
The phrase "from the descendants of Elizaphan" refers to the lineage of Elizaphan, a Levite. Elizaphan, also known as Elzaphan, was a son of Uzziel, who was a son of Kohath, making him a part of the Kohathite clan within the tribe of Levi. The Kohathites had specific duties related to the tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in the service of God. This highlights the continuity of God's covenant with the Levites, who were set apart for sacred duties. The Hebrew root of Elizaphan means "God has protected," which underscores the divine protection and favor upon those who serve Him faithfully.

Shemaiah the chief
"Shemaiah the chief" identifies Shemaiah as the leader among the descendants of Elizaphan. The name Shemaiah means "heard by Yahweh," indicating a person who is attentive to God's voice and commands. As a chief, Shemaiah held a position of authority and responsibility, guiding his relatives in their duties. This reflects the biblical principle of leadership being rooted in obedience to God and service to others. The role of a chief among the Levites was not just administrative but also spiritual, ensuring that the worship and service in the tabernacle were conducted according to divine instructions.

and 200 of his relatives
The mention of "200 of his relatives" signifies the large number of Levites involved in the sacred task. This number indicates the strength and unity within the clan of Elizaphan, as they collectively participated in the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The involvement of such a significant number of relatives underscores the communal aspect of worship and service in ancient Israel. It also reflects the importance of family and community in fulfilling God's purposes, as each member played a role in the collective mission. This unity and cooperation among the Levites serve as an inspiration for the church today, emphasizing the power of working together in harmony for the glory of God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elizaphan
A descendant of Kohath, one of the sons of Levi. Elizaphan's family was part of the Levitical tribe responsible for specific duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple.

2. Shemaiah
The chief of the sons of Elizaphan. He played a significant role in organizing the Levites for the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

3. 200 Relatives
This refers to the group of Levites from the family of Elizaphan who were involved in the procession and service related to the Ark.

4. The Ark of the Covenant
The sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with His people. The event in this chapter is the transportation of the Ark to Jerusalem.

5. Jerusalem
The city chosen by God as the central place of worship for Israel, where King David brought the Ark to establish it as the spiritual center of the nation.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
The Levites, including the sons of Elizaphan, were tasked with specific roles. Their obedience to God's instructions was crucial for the successful transportation of the Ark. This teaches us the importance of following God's commands in our lives.

Leadership and Responsibility
Shemaiah, as the chief, exemplifies godly leadership. Leaders in the church today are called to guide their communities with integrity and faithfulness.

Community and Unity
The involvement of 200 relatives highlights the strength found in community and unity. The church is called to work together in harmony to fulfill God's purposes.

Reverence for God's Presence
The Ark symbolized God's presence among His people. We are reminded to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness.

Learning from Past Mistakes
The earlier mishandling of the Ark serves as a lesson in learning from past mistakes and seeking God's guidance in all endeavors.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the Levites in transporting the Ark of the Covenant inform our understanding of service and obedience in the church today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principles of godly leadership demonstrated by Shemaiah in our own leadership roles?

3. How does the unity of the 200 relatives in this passage inspire us to foster community within our own church or faith group?

4. What lessons can we learn from the reverence shown towards the Ark of the Covenant about how we approach worship and God's presence?

5. Reflect on a time when you learned from a past mistake. How can the account of the Ark's transportation encourage you to seek God's guidance in future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 6:18, 22
Provides genealogical context for Elizaphan, linking him to the Levitical lineage and the responsibilities of his descendants.

Numbers 3:30
Mentions Elizaphan as a leader among the Levites, highlighting the continuity of leadership within the tribe.

2 Samuel 6:12-15
Describes the parallel account of the Ark's transportation to Jerusalem, emphasizing the joy and reverence of the event.

1 Chronicles 13:9-14
Details the earlier failed attempt to move the Ark, underscoring the importance of following God's instructions precisely.