1 Chronicles 13 13

1 Chronicles 13:13 kjv

So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

1 Chronicles 13:13 nkjv

So David would not move the ark with him into the City of David, but took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.

1 Chronicles 13:13 niv

He did not take the ark to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.

1 Chronicles 13:13 esv

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.

1 Chronicles 13:13 nlt

So David did not move the Ark into the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-edom of Gath.

1 Chronicles 13 verses

1 Chronicles 13 13 Meaning

1 Chronicles 13:13 describes David's decision to pause the journey of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Following Uzzah's death for touching the Ark, David, gripped by fear and awe of the Lord's holiness, chose not to bring the sacred Ark into his city. Instead, he redirected it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite, signaling a temporary change in plans due to a profound realization of the proper reverence and handling required for God's holy presence.

1 Chronicles 13 13 Context

The chapter details King David's initial attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem, the new capital. This grand procession, involving a new cart and a joyful crowd, deviated from God's prescribed method of transport, which required Levites of the Kohathite clan to carry the Ark by its poles on their shoulders. When the oxen stumbled at the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark and was struck down by God's judgment. This unexpected and severe act of divine holiness filled David with both anger at the sudden loss and profound fear. Instead of proceeding as planned to the City of David, the Ark became too dreadful for him to manage. This verse (13:13) marks the direct consequence of Uzzah's death, describing David's immediate response: aborting the intended journey and finding an alternative, albeit temporary, resting place for the Ark out of fear and caution. The ark remained in the house of Obed-edom for three months before David properly learned and prepared for its second, successful transport.

1 Chronicles 13 13 Word analysis

• So: (Heb. וַיָּסַר, wayyāsar - lit. "And he turned aside"). This conjunction indicates a direct consequence of the preceding event, Uzzah's death. It marks a shift in David's plan and emotional state, from initial exuberance to fear-induced hesitation.
• David: King David, divinely chosen king of Israel. His actions here reflect both his spiritual aspiration to center Israel's worship in Jerusalem and his human fallibility in executing God's commands.
• brought not: Emphasizes the change of heart and the incomplete mission. David deliberately halted the direct movement of the Ark. His initial intent was noble, but his methodology was flawed.
• the ark: (Heb. הָאָרוֹן, hā’ārōn - "the Ark"). Refers specifically to the Ark of the Covenant, the holiest artifact in ancient Israel. It represented God's manifest presence, His throne on earth, His covenant with Israel, and held the Ten Commandments. Its profound sacredness required absolute adherence to divine instructions for handling.
• home to himself: David's personal aspiration for the Ark to be permanently housed in his capital, Jerusalem. This also indicates that the previous failed attempt felt personal in its implication of divine disapproval.
• to the city of David: Jerusalem, David's capital and the intended spiritual center of Israel. The deferral highlights the spiritual importance outweighing political expediency in this instance.
• but carried it aside: (Heb. וַיַּטֵּהוּ, wayyaṭṭēhû - lit. "and he turned it away/aside"). This signifies a deliberate detour and a temporary solution born of fear. It was not a total abandonment, but a deferral, a pause to regroup and reconsider.
• into the house: A private, residential dwelling. This signifies a provisional, non-sacred space for such a holy object, emphasizing the temporary nature of its placement due to the fear and urgency.
• of Obed-edom: A Levite (specifically a Korahite, identified in later chapters like 1 Chr 26:4-8). He and his family were appointed gatekeepers of the temple. His name means "servant of Edom" (perhaps derived from "Oved-ha'eved" "servant of the servant" or connected to his geographic association). His willingness to house the Ark indicates faith or courage.
• the Gittite: This refers to Obed-edom's origin, possibly from Gath-Rimmon, a Levite city in Dan (Josh 21:24-25, 1 Chr 6:69). While "Gittite" often referred to inhabitants of Philistine Gath, this usage identifies Obed-edom as a Levite associated with the city Gath-Rimmon, making him part of the authorized lineage to handle sacred objects, albeit with proper procedure. His Levite status (Kohathite) meant his family was indeed qualified, through direct contact, for proximity to holy things, provided they observed the precise methods.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David": This phrase captures David's initial intention, which was noble—to centralize worship in Jerusalem—but immediately juxtaposes it with the stark reality of the thwarted plan. It underscores his recognition of the severe consequences of improper handling of the holy.
• "but carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite": This marks the practical outcome of David's fear and reconsideration. It represents a provisional placement, a tactical retreat driven by caution and respect for God's holiness. The temporary sanctuary in a private home highlights the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the Ark at this time. The choice of Obed-edom, later revealed as a Levite, hints at God's providential care in guiding David towards the correct means, even in his error.

1 Chronicles 13 13 Bonus section

The account of the Ark's journey to Obed-edom's house and the subsequent blessing (1 Chr 13:14) reveals a significant aspect of God's character: while He judges irreverence severely, He also abundantly blesses those who, with proper respect, become guardians of His presence. The three months the Ark resided with Obed-edom resulted in significant blessing on his household. This experience for Obed-edom likely transformed him and his family's understanding of their God-given role, preparing some of them for vital temple service later as gatekeepers, musicians, and treasurers (1 Chr 15:18, 24; 26:4-8). This incident highlights God's justice, His holiness, and also His grace in drawing people closer through reverent obedience, setting a pattern for subsequent encounters with His divine presence. The contrast between Uzzah's fate and Obed-edom's blessing underscores the importance of the correct heart posture and adherence to God's method for approaching Him.

1 Chronicles 13 13 Commentary

1 Chronicles 13:13 stands as a pivotal moment in David's reign, underscoring the severe consequences of handling divine things according to human methods rather than God's explicit instructions. The death of Uzzah, though shocking, served as a profound lesson for David and the entire nation: God's holiness is not to be trifled with, and His commands must be precisely followed. David's decision to divert the Ark not only reveals his immediate fear and humility in the face of God's consuming fire but also sets the stage for a period of reflection. This pause allowed David to later investigate the Mosaic Law regarding Ark transport, leading to a rectified, successful procession based on God's directives. It illustrates that good intentions are insufficient without faithful obedience and reverent respect for God's presence and authority. It is a powerful reminder that proximity to God requires not only awe but also careful adherence to His revealed will.