C. F. Keil and Franz Delitzsch on 1 Chronicles 15:2-3

1Ch 15:2-3

The reason for the preparations made on this occasion for the solemn progress is assigned in the statement that David had resolved to cause the ark to be carried by the Levites alone, because God had chosen them thereto; cf. Num 1:50; Num 4:15; Num 7:9; Num 10:17. אז, “at that time,” i.e., at the end of the three months, 1Ch 13:14. לשׂאת לא, “there is not to bear,” i.e., no other shall bear the ark than the Levites. “By this arrangement, it is expressly acknowledged that it was contrary to the law to place it upon a cart; 1Ch 13:1-14 :17” (Berth.). For this purpose, the king assembled “the whole of Israel” in Jerusalem, i.e., the elders, the rulers over thousands, the heads of families; cf. 2Sa 6:15, where it is stated that ישׂאל כּל־בּית took part in the solemn march.