David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem: The four chapters under discussion in this section are often taken as a unit traditionally referred to as the “ark narrative.” Although there are different scholarly views on the existence of such an ark narrative and its divisions (see Additional Note on 13:1–16:43), the contents of these chapters deal mainly with the bringing of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. The exception is 1 Chronicles 14 (taken over from the source text), which deals with seemingly unrelated matters.

The Chronicler made extensive use again of source material known from other biblical records. Second Samuel 5:11–25 forms the basis for 1 Chronicles 14:1–16 (with 14:17 being the Chronicler’s own material). The Chronicler furthermore used 2 Samuel 6:1–23, but in a very peculiar wa…