1 Chronicles 13
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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 us 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 suburbs, that they may gather themselves to us. 3Also, let us again bring the ark of our God back to us; 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 the brook 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 (public domain)
“And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, ‘How can I bring the ark of God home to me?’”
1 Chronicles 13:12
Summary
In 1 Chronicles chapter 13, King David makes a significant decision to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, recognizing it as a symbol of God's presence among His people. David gathers Israel's leaders and mobilizes the people to join in this important mission, demonstrating his commitment to restoring worship and reverence for God in the nation. The gathering reflects unity and the desire for a renewed relationship with God, as the Ark was previously neglected and kept away from the central worship of Israel. As they set out to retrieve the Ark, they encounter difficulties along the way, notably when Uzzah reaches out to stabilize the Ark as it stumbles, resulting in his death. This event causes David to pause and reflect, showcasing the seriousness of approaching God's holiness and the need for proper reverence. It highlights the theme of holiness and the proper way to worship and interact with God, emphasizing that God’s presence is not to be taken lightly. Ultimately, the chapter concludes with David understanding the weight of God's holiness but also reaffirming his determination to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It reveals a deep respect for God's authority and outlines the importance of following divine instructions in worship practices. This chapter sets the stage for David's future reign and the centrality of worship in Jerusalem, as it underscores the necessity of acknowledging God’s sovereignty and holiness in the life of Israel.
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