Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from 1 Chronicles 15:15. It's a really important and symbolic passage about responsibility and reverence! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a very serious and carefully managed task. “And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders…” – This refers to the Levites , which were a group of people who served as priests and guardians of the Tabernacle (a portable temple) that God had built for Israel. Think of them as the most important and trusted members of the community. “Bare” means to carry something, so they were literally carrying the Ark on their shoulders. “…with the staves thereon…” – This is key! The staves are long, wooden poles used to secure and protect the ark inside. They’re like a protective cover for the sacred items within. “as Moses commanded…” – This tells us this was a task given to them by Moses, the leader of Israel. So, putting it all together: Moses instructed the Levites to carry the Ark on their shoulders, using wooden staves as protection and reminders of God’s presence. It was a very important duty, and they were responsible for keeping it safe and secure. What does this verse tell us about reverence and responsibility? It shows that the people of Israel were entrusted with something incredibly sacred – the Ark itself – and that they had a serious obligation to handle it with care and respect. It highlights the importance of being loyal and faithful to God's commands. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant in the Bible? Talk about what the Ark symbolized (beyond just a container)? Give you some context about the role of the Levites?