1 Chronicles 13: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Chronicles 13 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, along with every leader (vv. 1-2). He expressed a desire to gather the people of Israel to restore the ark of God, which had not been sought during Saul’s reign (vv.

Key verse

“David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring God’s ark home to me?”
1 Chronicles 13:12 (WEB)

Outline

1 Chronicles 13:1–2 David Consults Leaders
1 Chronicles 13:3–5 Desire to Restore the Ark
1 Chronicles 13:6–8 Procession to Retrieve the Ark
1 Chronicles 13:9–10 Uzza’s Tragic Error
1 Chronicles 13:11–12 David's Fear and Displeasure
1 Chronicles 13:13–14 The Ark with Obed-Edom

Discussion questions

In v2, who does David consult with before making his proposal?
What musical instruments are mentioned in v8 that David and Israel used to celebrate?
Uzza's action in vv. 9-10 raises a question: why is his instinct to stabilize the Ark met with fatality?
David's response in v12 shows fear; what does this indicate about his understanding of God's presence?
When have you felt a responsibility to honor something sacred, as David did with the Ark?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Chronicles 13: 2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 15, 1 Samuel 6.

Before next time: read 1 Chronicles 14.