📖 1 Chronicles — Chapter 13 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
1 Chronicles 13:1 And David Rconsulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.
1 Chronicles 13:2 And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, RIf it seem good unto you, and that it be of the LORD our God, let us Tsend abroad unto our brethren every where, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are Tin their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us:
1 Chronicles 13:3 And let us Tbring again Rthe ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.
1 Chronicles 13:4 And all the congregation said that they would do so: for Rthe thing was right in the eyes of all the people.
1 Chronicles 13:5 So RDavid gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.
1 Chronicles 13:6 And David went up, and all Israel, to RBaalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it.
1 Chronicles 13:7 And they Tcarried the ark of God Rin a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.
1 Chronicles 13:8 And RDavid and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with Tsinging, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.
1 Chronicles 13:9 And when they came unto the threshingfloor of RTChidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen Tstumbled.
1 Chronicles 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because Rhe put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.
1 Chronicles 13:11 And David was Rdispleased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called TPerezuzza to this day.
1 Chronicles 13:12 And David was Rafraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?
1 Chronicles 13:13 So David Tbrought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom Rthe Gittite.
1 Chronicles 13:14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And Rthe LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
1 Chronicles 13:1–6 — The desire to bring the ark
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
David consults leaders and invites the whole community to gather around the ark. The people agree, and he seeks to restore attention to God's presence after Saul's reign. Their shared enthusiasm is meaningful, but the unfolding account will show that good intentions must also follow God's instructions.
Key Truth: Good intentions need obedient practice.
Check What You Remember
1. Whom did David consult? (1 Chronicles 13:1)
Find it in 1 Chronicles 13:1 (KJV).
2. What did David want to bring back? (1 Chronicles 13:3)
Find it in 1 Chronicles 13:3 (KJV).
3. From which town was the ark brought? (1 Chronicles 13:6)
Find it in 1 Chronicles 13:6 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
1 Chronicles 13:7–10 — Celebration interrupted
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The ark is placed on a new cart while Israel celebrates. When the oxen stumble, Uzza reaches out to hold it and dies under God's judgment. The severe event interrupts the procession. Chapter 15 later explains the failure to follow the appointed order, helping readers understand this event within the ark's sacred requirements.
Key Truth: Reverence includes attention to God's instructions.
Check What You Remember
1. On what was the ark carried? (1 Chronicles 13:7)
Find it in 1 Chronicles 13:7 (KJV).
2. Who drove the cart with Uzza? (1 Chronicles 13:7)
Find it in 1 Chronicles 13:7 (KJV).
3. Why did Uzza reach out to the ark? (1 Chronicles 13:9)
Find it in 1 Chronicles 13:9 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
1 Chronicles 13:11–14 — Fear and blessing
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
David is displeased and afraid, and the ark stays at Obededom's house instead of entering David's city. During those three months the LORD blesses the household. The account holds together God's holiness and generosity. David must learn how to approach the ark rather than simply abandon the desire to bring it.
Key Truth: God's holiness and blessing must both be taken seriously.
Check What You Remember
1. What was the place called after Uzza's death? (1 Chronicles 13:11)
Find it in 1 Chronicles 13:11 (KJV).
2. At whose house did the ark remain? (1 Chronicles 13:13)
Find it in 1 Chronicles 13:13 (KJV).
3. How long did it remain there? (1 Chronicles 13:14)
Find it in 1 Chronicles 13:14 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Numbers 4:15 — The law warns against touching the holy things.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
Where might sincere enthusiasm need to be joined with closer attention to Scripture?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. What conditions does David express before gathering the people?
2. What past neglect motivates the desire to bring back the ark?
3. How does the narrative contrast the procession’s enthusiasm with the judgment?
4. How does David’s response change after Uzza’s death?
5. What result accompanies the ark’s stay with Obededom?
Notes
Write what you want to remember, questions to explore, or Scriptures to look up later. Your saved notes are private to your account.
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