1 Chronicles 13
1 Chronicles 13 begins with the story of how, after David became king, the ark of God (the covenant ark) is to be moved to Jerusalem, where it will be established. This is where David’s intention to reestablish Israel’s faith at its center becomes evident. David consults the people and the leaders together and decides that moving the ark will be the work of the entire Israelite community.
1verseDavid consulted with the captains of thousands and of hundreds, even with every leader.
2verseDavid said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is of the LORD 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.
3verseAlso, let’s bring the ark of our God back to us again, for we didn’t seek it in the days of Saul.”
4verseAll the assembly said that they would do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.
5verseSo 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.
6verseDavid went up with all Israel to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath Jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there God the LORD’s ark that sits above the cherubim, that is called by the Name.
7verseThey carried God’s ark on a new cart, and brought it out of Abinadab’s house; and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.
8verseDavid 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.
9verseWhen they came to Chidon’s threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled.
10verseThe LORD’s anger burned against Uzza, and he struck him because he put his hand on the ark; and he died there before God.
11verseDavid was displeased, because the LORD had broken out against Uzza. He called that place Perez Uzza, to this day.
12verseDavid was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring God’s ark home to me?”
13verseSo David didn’t move the ark with him into David’s city, but carried it aside into Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house.
14verseGod’s ark remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months; and the LORD blessed Obed-Edom’s house and all that he had.
Carrying the Ark and Uzzah’s Death
As David and all Israel rejoice greatly while carrying the ark, they set the ark on a new cart and proceed. But when the oxen stumble, Uzzah reaches out to steady the ark, and God strikes him so that Uzzah dies. This shows the tension between God’s holiness and respect for God’s law, and human good intentions and God’s command. Because of what happens, David becomes afraid and leaves the ark in the house of Obed-edom on that day.
A Clue to Blessing and a New Beginning
While the ark remains in the house of Obed-edom, Obed-edom and his family receive God’s blessing. This symbolically shows the blessing that comes when God’s presence comes, and it also hints at David’s change and preparation to move the ark again afterward.
Meditation Points
- When carrying out God’s work, it matters how you do it. You can reflect on the fact that although goodwill and the community’s enthusiasm are also needed, you must put God’s commands and will first.
- You can also think about how God’s presence brings blessing not only to those who feel fear, but to those who obey.
Try Applying It to Me
- In my life, when I try to carry out God’s will, do I look back to see whether I’m putting only my own thoughts and methods first?
- Check whether I’m doing things with humility and respect before God, and think about what I need to prepare so that my life becomes one where God’s presence remains.
