1 Chronicles 13:1 kjv
And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.
1 Chronicles 13:1 nkjv
Then David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.
1 Chronicles 13:1 niv
David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.
1 Chronicles 13:1 esv
David consulted with the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with every leader.
1 Chronicles 13:1 nlt
David consulted with all his officials, including the generals and captains of his army.
1 Chronicles 13 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Sam 6:1-2 | David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel... to bring up the ark... | Parallel account of David gathering men |
| 1 Chr 11:3 | ...they made David king over Israel... | David established as King |
| 1 Chr 12:38-40 | ...all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king... | Unity and support for David's rule |
| Prov 11:14 | Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in abundance of counselors there is safety. | Wisdom of seeking counsel |
| Prov 15:22 | Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. | Importance of multiple counselors |
| Prov 24:6 | For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. | Guidance in major undertakings |
| Ezra 7:28 | ...he inclined to me the steadfast love of the king and his counselors... | Example of rulers consulting advisors |
| Neh 5:7 | Then I took counsel with myself, and I brought charges against the nobles... | Nehemiah seeking counsel/making decisions |
| Ps 33:10-11 | The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever... | God's counsel ultimately prevails |
| Isa 9:6 | For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor... | Christ as the ultimate Counselor |
| Dan 4:7 | ...the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the diviners came... | Rulers seeking various forms of counsel |
| Ex 18:17-26 | Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good... you and the people... will wear yourselves out... appoint able men... | Moses taking counsel from Jethro |
| Deut 17:15-20 | ...you may not put a foreigner over you... a king should not acquire many horses... nor shall he acquire much silver... | Israel's king to rule justly and wisely |
| 1 Ki 12:6-15 | King Rehoboam consulted with the old men... and the young men... Rehoboam rejected the advice... | Negative example of rejecting wise counsel |
| Acts 15:6 | The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. | Church leaders consulting on vital matters |
| Rom 12:6-8 | Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us... the one who leads, with zeal... | Leadership involves gifts and wisdom |
| Heb 13:7, 17 | Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God... Obey your leaders and submit to them... | Importance of respectful leadership |
| Num 10:33-36 | When the ark set out, Moses said, “Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered...” | Significance of the Ark leading Israel |
| Ex 25:10-22 | They shall make an ark of acacia wood... a mercy seat... two cherubim... | Instructions for building the Ark |
| 1 Sam 4:3-4 | When the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the LORD struck us today... Let us bring the ark of the covenant...” | Ark's role in the national consciousness |
1 Chronicles 13 verses
1 Chronicles 13 1 Meaning
David, having established his rule and conquered Jerusalem, demonstrates prudent and collaborative leadership by consulting with all the high-ranking military commanders (of thousands and of hundreds) and all other national leaders before initiating the crucial project of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This signifies a communal and unified approach to a pivotal national and spiritual endeavor.
1 Chronicles 13 1 Context
This verse initiates a significant turning point in David's reign, marking his intent to firmly establish Jerusalem as the spiritual heart of Israel in addition to its political capital. David has recently been anointed king over all Israel (1 Chr 11:1-3) and has conquered Jerusalem, establishing it as the "City of David" (1 Chr 11:4-9). The historical backdrop includes the Ark of the Covenant having been separated from the central place of worship since its capture by the Philistines and its subsequent return to Kirjath-jearim, remaining in the house of Abinadab for many years (1 Sam 4:1-7:2). David's move to bring the Ark to Jerusalem is thus a pivotal act of spiritual renewal and national unification. This consultation before action reflects David's considered leadership, seeking unity and consent from the national leaders before undertaking such a monumentally important and symbolically charged enterprise for all of Israel.
1 Chronicles 13 1 Word analysis
- David: Refers to King David. In the Chronicler's narrative, David is portrayed as a paradigm of righteous leadership, deeply concerned with establishing proper worship. His actions here set a precedent for later kings regarding the nation's spiritual well-being.
- consulted: (Hebrew: וַיִּוָּעֵץ, vayyiwa'eṣ, from the root יעץ ya'ats) This verb means "to advise," "to counsel," or "to deliberate together." It suggests David was not merely announcing a decision but genuinely seeking input and gaining consensus. This indicates a wise and inclusive leadership style, emphasizing prudence and shared responsibility for national undertakings. It underscores that even a king divinely appointed sought counsel.
- with the commanders: (Hebrew: עִם שָׂרֵי, ‘im śārê) "Commanders" (śārê) indicates high-ranking officials. It refers to those in authority. David did not act unilaterally.
- of thousands and of hundreds: (Hebrew: הָאֲלָפִים וְהַמֵּאוֹת, hā’ăLāphîm wəhammē’ôṯ) This describes the standard military hierarchy of Israel, common since the time of Moses (Ex 18:21, Deut 1:15). These were not just military officers, but often functioned as civic leaders within their respective divisions, representing a significant portion of the national leadership and populace. Their inclusion demonstrates David's intent to engage the entire nation.
- with every leader: (Hebrew: וְלָכָל־נָשִׂיא, wələḵol-nāśî’) "Every leader" (nāśî’) is a broader term encompassing civil or tribal chiefs, princes, or prominent representatives. This phrase emphasizes the comprehensiveness of David's consultation, ensuring that all key segments and significant voices within Israel's socio-political and spiritual structure were included in the deliberation. This ensured broad national support and buy-in for the sacred venture.
- Words-Group analysis: "David consulted with the commanders... with every leader." This phrase highlights David's judicious and communal approach to leadership. Instead of a unilateral decree, David involves the full spectrum of national authority – military and civil. This collaborative process ensures that the weighty undertaking of bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem would be a national project with collective agreement, demonstrating wisdom and a desire for unity. It contrasts with leaders who govern by autocratic decree, showcasing a model of inclusive governance essential for a people under God.
1 Chronicles 13 1 Bonus section
The Chronicler, writing to a post-exilic audience, often highlights themes of national unity, proper worship, and the importance of adhering to God's ordinances. This verse serves to show David as a unifying figure who brought the fragmented tribes of Israel together under a shared spiritual purpose. The very act of consulting various leaders underlines the Chronicler's emphasis on Israel's corporate identity and shared responsibility towards God's will. Although David sought broad human counsel, the subsequent narrative (1 Chr 13:9-10) tragically shows that human intention and consensus, however well-meaning, do not override specific divine commands regarding the handling of holy things, pointing to the paramount importance of strict obedience to God's law (e.g., Num 4:15).
1 Chronicles 13 1 Commentary
First Chronicles 13:1 initiates the pivotal account of David's attempt to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. This opening verse portrays David as a wise and strategic king who understands the importance of shared governance and national unity, particularly for an undertaking as spiritually significant as restoring the Ark. His consultation with "commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with every leader" signals his deliberate move to make the return of the Ark a project endorsed and participated in by the entire nation, not just a personal initiative. This action establishes a leadership principle: even divinely appointed leaders benefit from seeking counsel, fostering transparency, and securing broad consensus for major decisions that affect the spiritual and national life of the people. This spirit of cooperation was essential for rebuilding the nation's spiritual core.