1 Chronicles 13:6 kjv
And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubim, whose name is called on it.
1 Chronicles 13:6 nkjv
And David and all Israel went up to Baalah, to Kirjath Jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who dwells between the cherubim, where His name is proclaimed.
1 Chronicles 13:6 niv
David and all Israel went to Baalah of Judah (Kiriath Jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim?the ark that is called by the Name.
1 Chronicles 13:6 esv
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.
1 Chronicles 13:6 nlt
Then David and all Israel went to Baalah of Judah (also called Kiriath-jearim) to bring back the Ark of God, which bears the name of the LORD who is enthroned between the cherubim.
1 Chronicles 13 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Sam 4:3 | And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, ...to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD... from Shiloh unto us,... | Ark as God's presence, central to Israel |
| 1 Sam 7:1-2 | And the men of Kirjath-jearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD,...and the ark abode in Kirjath-jearim a long time; for it was twenty years:... | Ark's long stay at Kiriath-jearim |
| 2 Sam 6:2 | And David went, and all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. | Parallel account, similar description of Ark |
| Ex 25:22 | And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims... concerning all things... | God meeting above the mercy seat/cherubim |
| Ps 80:1 | Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. | God enthroned above cherubim |
| Ps 99:1 | The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. | God enthroned above cherubim, ruling |
| Isa 37:16 | O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth:... | God as enthroned among cherubim, universal Lord |
| Ex 3:15 | ...This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations. | Significance of God's Name YHWH |
| Deut 12:5 | But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put His name there, even unto His habitation shall ye seek,... | Place where God's Name dwells |
| Josh 15:9 | And the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward,... to the cities of Mount Ephron; and the border went out to Baalah, which is Kirjath-jearim: | Kiriath-jearim (Baalah) in Judah's territory |
| Josh 9:17 | And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjath-jearim. | Kiriath-jearim as Gibeonite city |
| 1 Chr 28:2 | ...for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: | Ark as God's footstool, prepared for Temple |
| Num 7:89 | And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims:... | Ark as communication point with God |
| Lev 16:2 | ...for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. | God's appearance over the mercy seat |
| Pss 20:7 | Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. | Trust in the power of God's Name |
| Acts 4:12 | Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. | Power of a Name for salvation (spiritual heir) |
| Eph 1:21 | Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: | Authority associated with Name (echoes God's sovereignty) |
| Heb 9:3-5 | And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. | NT description of Ark and cherubim |
| 1 Chr 15:13 | For because ye were not with us at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought Him not after the due order. | Need for proper order in handling holy things |
| Rev 15:4 | Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested. | God's Name universally glorified (future fulfillment) |
1 Chronicles 13 verses
1 Chronicles 13 6 Meaning
This verse details the specific destination and profound spiritual purpose of David's and Israel's collective journey: to retrieve the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim, also known as Baalah. The Ark is identified as the physical representation of the LORD's presence, who is majestically enthroned above the cherubim, and where His sacred Name is invoked, signifying His essence, authority, and power. This action signifies a national commitment under David's leadership to re-establish the centrality of divine presence and proper worship in Israel.
1 Chronicles 13 6 Context
Chronicles 13:6 is part of a larger narrative recounting King David's initial attempt to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. Following his successful consolidation of power and establishing himself in Jerusalem, David recognized the spiritual void due to the Ark's prolonged absence from a central sanctuary. For many years, the Ark had resided in Kiriath-jearim after its return from Philistine captivity (1 Sam 7:1-2), a period during which it received little attention under King Saul. This verse specifically details David's and the nation's unified expedition to this obscure town to retrieve the sacred object, setting the stage for the dramatic and instructional events of Uzzah's death and David's subsequent learning of the proper, Levitical way to handle God's holy presence (detailed in 1 Chronicles 15-16). The Chronicler emphasizes David's good intentions and zealous desire for God's presence, highlighting the Ark's supreme importance as a symbol of divine dwelling.
1 Chronicles 13 6 Word analysis
- And David went up: (וַיַּעַל דָּוִיד - vayya'al David). "Went up" (from Hebrew `עָלָה`, 'alah) suggests ascending, either literally in topography (Kiriath-jearim likely being on higher ground than parts of the valley below it) or figuratively in terms of moving towards a significant, higher purpose. It highlights David's initiative and leadership in this sacred endeavor, marking his devotion to God from the outset of his united kingdom.
- and all Israel with him: (וְכָל-יִשְׂרָאֵל עִמּוֹ - v'khol-Yisra'el immo). Emphasizes the nationwide unity and collective participation in this critical religious act. It indicates widespread support for David's spiritual vision and the national desire to bring God's presence back to the forefront.
- to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim: (בַּעֲלָה אֶל קִרְיַת יְעָרִים - Ba'alah el Kiryat Ye'arim).
- Baalah: (בַּעֲלָה) means "mistress" or "possessor." It's an older or alternative name for Kiriath-jearim (cf. Josh 15:9). While `Baal` is often associated with Canaanite deities, here it simply denotes the place name. The Ark's presence sanctified this place regardless of its past associations.
- Kiriath-jearim: (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים - Kiryat Ye'arim) means "city of forests." This was a Gibeonite city (Josh 9:17) allotted to Judah (Josh 15:60) and the Ark's resting place for many decades (approx. 70 years, according to traditional reckoning involving Samuel and Saul's reign). Its designation here points to the Ark's long obscurity and the forgotten spiritual emphasis of the previous era.
- which belonged to Judah: (אֲשֶׁר לִיהוּדָה - asher li-Yehudah). Specifies the tribal territory of Kiriath-jearim, noting its location within Judah, David's own tribe. This reinforces the geographical context and subtly connects the Ark's journey with David's tribal origins and destiny as king of Judah and all Israel.
- to bring up thence: (לְהַעֲלוֹת מִשָּׁם - leha'alot misham). Lit. "to cause to ascend from there." Highlights the active and purposeful nature of the expedition: the intent to physically transport and elevate the Ark from its long-term, relatively obscure location.
- the ark of God: (אֲרוֹן הָאֱלֹהִים - aron ha'Elohim). The sacred Ark of the Covenant, Israel's most holy object, symbolizing God's dwelling place among His people. Its presence represented YHWH's authority, covenant, and active presence.
- the LORD, who dwelleth between the cherubim: (יְהוָה יֹשֵׁב הַכְּרוּבִים - YHWH yoshev ha-keruvim).
- the LORD: (יְהוָה - YHWH) The divine personal, covenant Name of God, emphasized over the general title "God." This underscores the intimate relationship between the Ark and the sovereign God of Israel.
- who dwelleth between the cherubim: This is a direct descriptor of God's enthroned presence. The Ark's "mercy seat" was surmounted by two golden cherubim, between which God was understood to reside or manifest His glory (Ex 25:22). It portrays God as the supreme, sovereign ruler, highlighting the Ark as His earthly throne-footstool and a mobile symbol of His cosmic reign.
- whose name is called by that Name / where His name is called: (אֲשֶׁר נִקְרָא שָׁם - asher niqra sham for "where His name is called there," common variants exist). This phrase reinforces the intimate connection between the Ark and God's manifested presence and reputation. "The Name" (הַשֵּׁם - HaShem) signifies God's very being, character, and authority. To invoke or proclaim His name `by/there` is to acknowledge His presence and power associated with the Ark, making it a sacred site of divine encounter and reverence.
- "And David went up, and all Israel with him": This phrase group signifies national unity and royal leadership for a divine cause. It contrasts with Saul's reign where the Ark was neglected and indicates David's earnest desire for a kingdom aligned with God's will.
- "to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim, which belonged to Judah": This group specifies the historical, geographical, and tribal context of the Ark's location. It highlights the long period of its relative obscurity and establishes the precise starting point of its relocation, underscoring its historical importance for David's tribal heritage.
- "to bring up thence the ark of God, the LORD, who dwelleth between the cherubim, whose name is called by that Name": This central phrase identifies the sacred object and profoundly describes the One it represents. It elevates the Ark from a mere container to the dwelling place of the sovereign LORD, whose glorious presence, power, and authority (`His Name`) are made manifest and invoked through it. This comprehensive description explains why the Ark's retrieval was paramount and sacred, setting the profound context for the subsequent narrative of proper worship and handling of holy things.
1 Chronicles 13 6 Bonus section
- Polemic against other gods: While "Baalah" might subtly reference Baal worship (a common concern in ancient Israel), the emphatic description of "the LORD, who dwelleth between the cherubim" serves as a powerful declaration that the God of Israel, YHWH, is the only true deity, distinct from and superior to all local pagan gods, even in a place named "Baalah."
- David's zealous heart: The Chronicler consistently highlights David's devout heart and unwavering commitment to God, despite his occasional failings. This verse is an early testament to his spiritual zeal, a trait critical for the future establishment of the Temple and proper national worship.
- Preparatory act for Temple: While the Temple would be built by Solomon, David's retrieval of the Ark was a crucial step in preparing for a permanent sanctuary. The Ark was the spiritual epicenter, and bringing it to Jerusalem was a necessary precursor to Jerusalem becoming the theological and political capital.
1 Chronicles 13 6 Commentary
1 Chronicles 13:6 captures David's devout initiative and Israel's collective aspiration to bring God's tangible presence, symbolized by the Ark, into the heart of their newly unified kingdom. The verse is laden with theological weight, portraying the Ark not just as an object but as the very earthly dwelling and throne of YHWH, the personal God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim where His Name, signifying His essence and power, is invoked. This immediate focus on the Ark at the beginning of David's united reign emphasizes the Chronicler's central theme: a righteous kingdom is founded upon proper worship and an intimate relationship with God, highlighting that true stability and authority derive from the Divine presence. This solemn description of the Ark sets the stage for the dramatic consequences of its mishandling, underlining the critical importance of divine instructions in matters of worship.