The Significance of the Ark Narrative

The Significance of the Ark Narrative: Literary Formation and Artistry in the Book of Chronicles argues that there is only one author responsible for the second part of the ark narrative (1 Chr 15-16). The lists and unique material that are found within the narrative play an important literary role in the work. Other parts of the book of Chronicles, such as the genealogies (1 Chr 1-9) and David’s organization of the cult and civil servants (1 Chr 23-27) are also open to redaction criticism. The findings suggest that they also require a single author. This makes the role of the clergy one of the Chronicler’s own emphasis, which means that David’s organization of the clergy portrays Israel as a cultic community. It is worship planned by David and carried out under the authority of the Levites and priests that is consistently emphasized throughout the book. Therefore, the ark narrative should be viewed as the thematic and theological foundation of the book.