1 Chronicles 13:1-14 (June 11, 2025)

The Ark Brought from Kiriath-Jearim

13:1 David consulted with the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with every leader. 2 And David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you and from the Lord our God, let us send abroad to our brothers who remain in all the lands of Israel, as well as to the priests and Levites in the cities that have pasturelands, that they may be gathered to us. 3 Then let us bring again the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it[a] in the days of Saul.” 4 All the assembly agreed to do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

Uzzah and the Ark

5 So David assembled all Israel from the Nile[b] of Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim. 6 And David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim that belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord who sits enthroned above the cherubim. 7 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart, from the house of Abinadab, and Uzzah and Ahio[c] were driving the cart. 8 And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.

9 And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. 10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. 11 And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzza[d] to this day. 12 And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?” 13 So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 14 And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.

Footnotes

1 Chronicles 13:3 Or him

1 Chronicles 13:5 Hebrew Shihor

1 Chronicles 13:7 Or and his brother

1 Chronicles 13:11 Perez-uzza means the breaking out against Uzzah

Summary

1 Chronicles 13 recounts one of David’s earliest initiatives as king—the decision to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. After consulting with the leaders and assembly of Israel, David gathers the people to retrieve the ark, which had remained in Kiriath-jearim since the days of Saul. However, instead of following the prescribed Levitical instructions, the ark is placed on a new cart. When the oxen stumble, Uzzah reaches out to steady the ark and is struck down by God. The chapter ends with the ark being placed temporarily in the house of Obed-edom, where God’s blessing rests.

Reflections

Zeal for God must be guided by reverent obedience

1 Chronicles 13:7–10 (ESV)

"7 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart, from the house of Abinadab, and Uzzah and Ahio were driving the cart. 8 And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.

9 And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. 10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God."

Many have said that David’s intentions were good, but the method was flawed. However, I disagree. I think David's intentions were bad. Here's why: According to the Law, the ark was to be carried by the Levites on their shoulders using poles (Numbers 4:15; 7:9). But, why did David ignore this clear directions?

David wanted to "show off" his accomplishments as king, rather than being obedient to the King of kings. Uzzah’s death reminds us that "sincerity" is not enough—true worship requires reverent obedience.

God's presence is glorious, but it is not to be handled casually

1 Chronicles 13:11–12 (ESV)

"11 And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzza[d] to this day. 12 And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?"

The ark represented God’s covenant presence. However, when approached carelessly, that same presence became a danger because it is also a holy presence. David’s initial frustration turns into holy fear. This passage reminds us that the God we worship is not only near and merciful, but also holy and awesome. His presence is both a gift and a weighty responsibility. Christians pray must be that all that is not holy within us would be crushed by the weight of God's glory!

God's blessing rests on those who revere His holiness

1 Chronicles 13:14 (ESV)

"And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had."

While Uzzah died for treating the ark improperly, Obed-edom’s household is blessed for receiving the ark with honor. Scripture does not tell us exactly what Obed-edom did, but the contrast suggests a posture of reverence and hospitality. God’s presence brings joy and blessing to those who humbly welcome Him.

Applications

Examine your "passion." It may be faking our true motives.

Do not confuse enthusiasm with faithfulness. God cares not only that we seek Him but also how we seek Him. Faith is not a display of accomplishments--it is a display of obedience to God's Word.

Prayer

Holy and righteous God,

We confess that we often pursue you on our own terms. Teach us to worship not only with passion, but with obedience. May we never treat Your presence lightly, but approach You with reverence and joy. Like Obed-edom, may our homes and hearts be places where Your holiness is welcomed and Your name is honored.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.