1 Chronicles 6:1

The sons of Levi. Chapter 6 deals with the tribe of Levi, its descendants and its cities. Verses 3 to 15 give the line of Aaron through Eleazar to Jehozadak and the Babylonian captivity. Beginning with Eleazar, 22 names are given for a period covering more than 8 centuries.

David gathered together. See the same narrative, with a longer introduction, in 1 Chron. 13:1, 6-14. David purposed that Jerusalem should be not only the civil but also the religious capital of the nation. For many years the ark had been at Kirjath-jearim, where it had been taken upon its return from the Philistines after the death of Eli (1 Sam. 7:1). David desired to house the ark in a national shrine at Jerusalem. Before proceeding with this purpose he called together the leaders of the nation (1 Chron. 13:1-4), to counsel with them regarding his plan.

All the chosen men. The transfer of the ark was to be a matter of imposing display and national rejoicing. David requested 30,000 of the leading men of the realm to gather in Jerusalem to participate in the solemn festivities.