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1 Chronicles 13

World English Bible

WEB

1David consulted with the captains of thousands and of hundreds, even with every leader. 2David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is of Yahweh our God, let’s send word everywhere to our brothers who are left in all the land of Israel, with whom the priests and Levites are in their cities that have pasture lands, that they may gather themselves to us. 3Also, let’s bring the ark of our God back to us again, for we didn’t seek it in the days of Saul.” 4All the assembly said that they would do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people. 5So David assembled all Israel together, from the Shihor River of Egypt even to the entrance of Hamath, to bring God’s ark from Kiriath Jearim. 6David went up with all Israel to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath Jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there God Yahweh’s ark that sits above the cherubim, that is called by the Name. 7They carried God’s ark on a new cart, and brought it out of Abinadab’s house; and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart. 8David and all Israel played before God with all their might, even with songs, with harps, with stringed instruments, with tambourines, with cymbals, and with trumpets. 9When they came to Chidon’s threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled. 10Yahweh’s anger burned against Uzza, and he struck him because he put his hand on the ark; and he died there before God. 11David was displeased, because Yahweh had broken out against Uzza. He called that place Perez Uzza, to this day. 12David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring God’s ark home to me?” 13So David didn’t move the ark with him into David’s city, but carried it aside into Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house. 14God’s ark remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months; and Yahweh blessed Obed-Edom’s house and all that he had.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

1 Chronicles Chapter 13 recounts a significant moment in Israel's history when King #David seeks to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. This chapter emphasizes David's desire to honor God and restore proper worship among the people of Israel. David gathers all the leaders of Israel and proposes the idea of retrieving the Ark, which had been neglected and remained in the house of #Abinadab for many years. The unity of the leaders and the people is evident as they agree to this plan, showcasing a collective commitment to reestablishing the presence of God among them. This act symbolizes a turning point in Israel's spiritual life, as the Ark represents God's covenant and His dwelling among His people (Exodus 25:22).

As David and the people set out to transport the Ark, they place it on a new cart, which reflects their good intentions but also highlights a critical oversight. When the oxen stumble, Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark and is struck dead by God for his irreverence. This shocking event causes David to fear and question the appropriateness of bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. The chapter concludes with David leaving the Ark at the house of #Obed-Edom, where it remains for three months, during which time God blesses Obed-Edom and his household. This chapter serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of approaching Him with reverence and obedience, as well as the need for proper understanding of His commands regarding worship.

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Referenced by

  1. 2 Samuel 6:2v6Both passages describe David's effort to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, highlighting the significance of the Ark as the symbol of God's presence.

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