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1 Chronicles 13:1
Verse
Context
David Fetches the Ark
1Then David conferred with all his leaders, the commanders of hundreds and of thousands.2And he said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if this is of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers in all the land of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites in their cities and pasturelands, so that they may join us.
Sermons
Major Ian Thomas
Devern Fromke
Hans Peter RoyerMajor Ian ThomasMajor Ian ThomasMajor Ian ThomasSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
David consulted - Having taken the strong hold of Zion from the Jebusites, organized his army, got assurances of the friendly disposition of the Israelites towards him, he judged it right to do what he could for the establishment of religion in the land; and as a first step, consulted on the propriety of bringing the ark from an obscure village, where it had remained during the reign of Saul, to the royal city or seat of government.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
And David consulted with the captains of thousands, and hundreds, and with every leader. With the chiliarchs and centurions, and every officer in that large body of armed men in every tribe, who met to make and crown him king: for at that time was this consultation had, and therefore is connected with it; though the affair advised about was not yet done, as Dr. Lightfoot (h) observes, and was not done until some considerable time afterwards. Advice being taken, the several officers went with their men to their respective countries, to meet again at a certain time and place to put the thing projected into execution; and between this and that time were Hiram's message to David on his accession to the throne, the taking of Jerusalem, and the two battles with the Philistines, as the same writer notes; most of which are recorded before this in the book of Samuel, and follow here. (h) Works, vol. 1. p. 61, 62.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And David consulted with the captains of thousands, and hundreds, and with every leader. With the chiliarchs and centurions, and every officer in that large body of armed men in every tribe, who met to make and crown him king: for at that time was this consultation had, and therefore is connected with it; though the affair advised about was not yet done, as Dr. Lightfoot (h) observes, and was not done until some considerable time afterwards. Advice being taken, the several officers went with their men to their respective countries, to meet again at a certain time and place to put the thing projected into execution; and between this and that time were Hiram's message to David on his accession to the throne, the taking of Jerusalem, and the two battles with the Philistines, as the same writer notes; most of which are recorded before this in the book of Samuel, and follow here. (h) Works, vol. 1. p. 61, 62.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, I. David's pious proposal to bring up the ark of God to Jerusalem, that the royal city might be the holy city, Ch1 13:1-3. This part of the story we had not in Samuel. We may observe in this proposal, 1. That as soon as David was well seated on his throne he had thoughts concerning the ark of God: Let us bring the ark to us, Ch1 13:3. Two things he aimed at herein: - (1.) To do honour to God, by showing respect to his ark, the token of his presence. As soon as he had power in his hand he would use it for the advancement and encouragement of religion. Note, It ought to be the first and great care of those that are enriched and preferred to honour God with their honours, and to serve him, and the interests of his kingdom among men, with their wealth and power. David said not, "What pompous thing shall I do now?" or, "What pleasant thing?" but, "What pious thing?" (2.) To have the comfort and benefit of that sacred oracle. "Let us bring it to us, not only that we may be a credit to it, but that it may be a blessing to us." Those that honour God profit themselves. Note, It is the wisdom of those who are setting out in the world to take God's ark with them, to make his oracles their counsellors and his laws their rule. Those are likely to proceed in the favour of God who thus begin in the fear of God. 2. That he consulted with the leaders of the people about it, Ch1 13:1. Though it was without doubt a very good work, and being king, he had the authority to command the doing of it, yet he chose rather to do it by consultation, (1.) That he might show respect to the great men of the kingdom and put honour upon them. Though they made him king, yet he would not rule with a high hand. He did not say, "We will and command, and it is our royal pleasure, that you do so and so; and we will be obeyed," but, "If it seem good to you, and you think that the motion comes from the Lord our God, let us send out orders for this purpose." No prince that is wise will covet to be absolute. The people's allegiance is best secured by taking their concurrence in their representatives. Happy then art thou, O Britain! (2.). That he might be advised by them in the manner of doing it, whether just now, whether publicly. David was a very intelligent man himself, and yet consulted with his captains; for in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. It is wisdom to make use of the wisdom of others. (3.) That, they joining in it, it might pass the better for a national act and so might procure a national blessing. 3. That he would have all the people summoned to attend on this occasion, both for the honour of the ark and for the people's satisfaction and edification, Ch1 13:2. Observe, (1.) He calls the common people brethren, which bespeaks his humility and condescension (notwithstanding his advancement), and the tender concern he had for them. Thus our Lord Jesus is not ashamed to call his people brethren, Heb 2:11. (2.) He speaks of the people as a remnant that had escaped: Our brethren that are left in all the land of Israel. They had been under scattering providences. Their wars with the Philistines, and with the house of Saul, had wasted the country and cut off many. We now hope to see an end of these troubles. Let those that are left be quickened by late judgments, and present mercies, to seek unto God. (3.) He takes care that the priests and Levites especially should be summoned to attend the ark; for it was their province in a particular manner. Thus Christian magistrates should stir up ministers to do their duty when they see them remiss. 4. That all this is upon supposition that it is of the Lord their God. "Though it should seem good to you and me, yet if it be not of the Lord our God, we will not do it." What ever we undertake, this must be our enquiry, "Is it of the Lord? Is it agreeable to his mind? Can we approve ourselves to him in it? May we expect that he will own us?" 5. That thus it was requisite they should amend what has been amiss in the last reign, and, as it were, atone for their neglect: "For we enquired not at it in the days of Saul, and this was the reason why things went so ill with us: let that original error be amended, and then we may hope to see our affairs in a better posture." Observe, David makes no peevish reflections upon Saul. He does not say, "Saul never cared for the ark, at least in the latter end of this reign;" but, in general, We enquired not at it, making himself with others guilty of this neglect. It better becomes us to judge ourselves than others. Humble good men lament their own share in national guilt, and take shame to themselves, Dan 9:5, etc. II. The people's ready agreement to this proposal (Ch1 13:4): The thing was right in the eyes of all the people. Nobody could say to the contrary, but that it was a very good work and very seasonable; so that it was resolved, nemine contradicente - unanimously, that they would do so. Those that prudently proposed a good work, and lead in it, will perhaps find a more ready concurrence in it than they expected. Great men know not what a great deal of good they are capable of doing by their influence on others. III. The solemnity of bringing up the ark, Ch1 13:5, etc., which we read before, Sa2 6:1, etc. Here therefore we shall only observe, 1. That it is worth while to travel far to attend the ark of God. They came out of all parts of the country, from the river of Egypt, the utmost part south, to the entering of Hemath, which lay furthest north, (Ch1 13:5), to grace this solemnity. 2. That we have reason greatly to rejoice in the revival of neglected ordinances and the return of the tokens of God's presence. When the light of religion shines out of obscurity, when it is openly and freely professed, is brought into reputation, and countenanced by princes and great ones, it is such a happy omen to a people as is worthy to be welcomed with all possible expressions of joy. 3. When, after long disuse, ordinances come to be revived, it is too common for even wise and good men to make some mistakes. Who would have thought that David would commit such an error as this, to carry the ark upon a cart? Ch1 13:7. because the Philistines so carried it, and a special providence drove the cart (Sa1 6:12), he thought they might do so too. But we must walk by rule, not by example when it varies from the rule, no, not even by those examples which Providence has owned.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:1–17:27 These chapters chronicle the transformation of Jerusalem into the political and religious center of Israel, beginning with David’s disastrous attempt to transfer the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem (13:1-14; cp. 2 Sam 6:2-11).
1 Chronicles 13:1
David Fetches the Ark
1Then David conferred with all his leaders, the commanders of hundreds and of thousands.2And he said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if this is of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers in all the land of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites in their cities and pasturelands, so that they may join us.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Ark of the Covenant - Part 1
By Major Ian Thomas7.6K1:07:41Ark Of The CovenantEXO 20:3LEV 24:1DEU 6:51CH 13:1MAT 6:33JHN 14:15ROM 12:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samuel and the Israelites' battle against the Philistines. The Israelites were defeated, and the elders of Israel questioned why the Lord had allowed this to happen. They decided to bring the ark of the covenant to the battlefield, believing it would save them. However, the preacher highlights the importance of a personal relationship with God and obedience to His commands, rather than relying on token obedience or external rituals. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationship with God and their practice of the Christian faith.
David - Failure and Effectiveness
By Devern Fromke4.0K1:05:14David1CH 13:11CH 14:141CH 15:21CH 15:25MAT 6:331CO 14:341TI 2:12In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a group of people who were enthusiastic about evangelizing and helping forgotten people in their country. They set up their own bakery and laundry and even bought a whole abandoned city. However, their unity began to crumble, and one by one, families left. The speaker's father-in-law, who had a close relationship with God, shared a message from 1 Chronicles 13 that shed light on their situation. The sermon then explores the concept of failure and effectiveness in the life of David, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and abiding in God's anointing.
Featured Audio Sermon: Don't Take Away the Job From Jesus
By Hans Peter Royer1.3K38:14JOS 24:151CH 13:1JHN 12:25JHN 14:6HEB 4:14
This sermon from 1 Chronicles focuses on the story of David bringing back the Ark of God, highlighting the importance of seeking God's ways and submitting to His will rather than relying on human methods or wisdom. It emphasizes the need to follow Jesus and submit to His lordship, comparing rowing (self-effort) to sailing (submission to God's leading) in the Christian life. The speaker warns against dedicating our lives to God in a way that takes over His work, stressing the significance of abiding in Christ and allowing Him to lead us.
Ritual or Reality
By Major Ian Thomas1058:07Spiritual AwakeningAuthentic Faith1CH 13:1Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the contrast between ritual and reality in the relationship with God, using King David's desire to return the Ark of the Covenant as a pivotal moment for spiritual awakening in Israel. He highlights the significance of the Ark as a symbol of God's redemptive purpose through Jesus Christ, illustrating how the Old Testament foreshadows the New Testament's fulfillment in Christ's sacrifice. Thomas warns against the dangers of ritualistic practices that replace genuine faith and relationship with God, urging believers to seek a deeper, more authentic connection with the divine. He encourages the congregation to recognize the importance of the Holy Spirit in their lives, enabling them to embody Christ's ministry in a world that often mirrors spiritual decline. The sermon calls for a return to total dedication and obedience to God, rather than settling for token gestures of faith.
Ritual Takes the Place of Reality
By Major Ian Thomas759:20Spiritual AwakeningAuthentic Faith1CH 13:1Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the need for a genuine relationship with God over mere ritualistic practices, as illustrated by King David's desire to return the Ark of the Covenant to its rightful place. He highlights the spiritual decline of Israel under King Saul, where the people had lost their connection to God, leading to a reliance on empty rituals. Thomas draws parallels between the Old Testament and the New Testament, explaining how the Ark symbolizes God's redemptive purpose through Jesus Christ. He warns against the dangers of token obedience and urges believers to seek a deeper, more authentic faith. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a spiritual awakening, encouraging individuals to yield their lives to God for His divine purpose.
Ark of the Covenant (Transcription)
By Major Ian Thomas0The Presence of GodRestoration of Worship1CH 13:1Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the significance of the Ark of the Covenant as a symbol of God's presence and the necessity of restoring it to its rightful place in the lives of believers. He discusses the spiritual decline of the Church, drawing parallels between the historical context of Israel and the contemporary state of Christianity, where rituals often replace genuine relationships with God. Thomas warns against the dangers of detaching religious practices from Christ, urging the congregation to recognize that true faith must be rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus. He calls for a spiritual awakening that brings the Ark, representing Christ, back to the center of worship and life. Ultimately, he stresses that the essence of the Gospel is found in Jesus Christ, the living Word.
Look for the Anointing of God and the Grace of God Upon a Man
By Zac Poonen01CH 12:181CH 13:1PSA 133:1MAT 5:11LUK 6:22JHN 15:18ACT 5:411CO 1:272TI 1:151PE 4:14Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of recognizing and following God's anointing, using the example of those who stood by David during his most difficult times. He emphasizes the need to discern the true servants of God, who may not always be popular or recognized in their lifetime, and the importance of standing with them despite opposition. Poonen highlights the significance of seeking God's approval rather than the approval of men, and the value of consulting and working in fellowship with others to make decisions in alignment with God's will.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
David consulted - Having taken the strong hold of Zion from the Jebusites, organized his army, got assurances of the friendly disposition of the Israelites towards him, he judged it right to do what he could for the establishment of religion in the land; and as a first step, consulted on the propriety of bringing the ark from an obscure village, where it had remained during the reign of Saul, to the royal city or seat of government.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
And David consulted with the captains of thousands, and hundreds, and with every leader. With the chiliarchs and centurions, and every officer in that large body of armed men in every tribe, who met to make and crown him king: for at that time was this consultation had, and therefore is connected with it; though the affair advised about was not yet done, as Dr. Lightfoot (h) observes, and was not done until some considerable time afterwards. Advice being taken, the several officers went with their men to their respective countries, to meet again at a certain time and place to put the thing projected into execution; and between this and that time were Hiram's message to David on his accession to the throne, the taking of Jerusalem, and the two battles with the Philistines, as the same writer notes; most of which are recorded before this in the book of Samuel, and follow here. (h) Works, vol. 1. p. 61, 62.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And David consulted with the captains of thousands, and hundreds, and with every leader. With the chiliarchs and centurions, and every officer in that large body of armed men in every tribe, who met to make and crown him king: for at that time was this consultation had, and therefore is connected with it; though the affair advised about was not yet done, as Dr. Lightfoot (h) observes, and was not done until some considerable time afterwards. Advice being taken, the several officers went with their men to their respective countries, to meet again at a certain time and place to put the thing projected into execution; and between this and that time were Hiram's message to David on his accession to the throne, the taking of Jerusalem, and the two battles with the Philistines, as the same writer notes; most of which are recorded before this in the book of Samuel, and follow here. (h) Works, vol. 1. p. 61, 62.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, I. David's pious proposal to bring up the ark of God to Jerusalem, that the royal city might be the holy city, Ch1 13:1-3. This part of the story we had not in Samuel. We may observe in this proposal, 1. That as soon as David was well seated on his throne he had thoughts concerning the ark of God: Let us bring the ark to us, Ch1 13:3. Two things he aimed at herein: - (1.) To do honour to God, by showing respect to his ark, the token of his presence. As soon as he had power in his hand he would use it for the advancement and encouragement of religion. Note, It ought to be the first and great care of those that are enriched and preferred to honour God with their honours, and to serve him, and the interests of his kingdom among men, with their wealth and power. David said not, "What pompous thing shall I do now?" or, "What pleasant thing?" but, "What pious thing?" (2.) To have the comfort and benefit of that sacred oracle. "Let us bring it to us, not only that we may be a credit to it, but that it may be a blessing to us." Those that honour God profit themselves. Note, It is the wisdom of those who are setting out in the world to take God's ark with them, to make his oracles their counsellors and his laws their rule. Those are likely to proceed in the favour of God who thus begin in the fear of God. 2. That he consulted with the leaders of the people about it, Ch1 13:1. Though it was without doubt a very good work, and being king, he had the authority to command the doing of it, yet he chose rather to do it by consultation, (1.) That he might show respect to the great men of the kingdom and put honour upon them. Though they made him king, yet he would not rule with a high hand. He did not say, "We will and command, and it is our royal pleasure, that you do so and so; and we will be obeyed," but, "If it seem good to you, and you think that the motion comes from the Lord our God, let us send out orders for this purpose." No prince that is wise will covet to be absolute. The people's allegiance is best secured by taking their concurrence in their representatives. Happy then art thou, O Britain! (2.). That he might be advised by them in the manner of doing it, whether just now, whether publicly. David was a very intelligent man himself, and yet consulted with his captains; for in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. It is wisdom to make use of the wisdom of others. (3.) That, they joining in it, it might pass the better for a national act and so might procure a national blessing. 3. That he would have all the people summoned to attend on this occasion, both for the honour of the ark and for the people's satisfaction and edification, Ch1 13:2. Observe, (1.) He calls the common people brethren, which bespeaks his humility and condescension (notwithstanding his advancement), and the tender concern he had for them. Thus our Lord Jesus is not ashamed to call his people brethren, Heb 2:11. (2.) He speaks of the people as a remnant that had escaped: Our brethren that are left in all the land of Israel. They had been under scattering providences. Their wars with the Philistines, and with the house of Saul, had wasted the country and cut off many. We now hope to see an end of these troubles. Let those that are left be quickened by late judgments, and present mercies, to seek unto God. (3.) He takes care that the priests and Levites especially should be summoned to attend the ark; for it was their province in a particular manner. Thus Christian magistrates should stir up ministers to do their duty when they see them remiss. 4. That all this is upon supposition that it is of the Lord their God. "Though it should seem good to you and me, yet if it be not of the Lord our God, we will not do it." What ever we undertake, this must be our enquiry, "Is it of the Lord? Is it agreeable to his mind? Can we approve ourselves to him in it? May we expect that he will own us?" 5. That thus it was requisite they should amend what has been amiss in the last reign, and, as it were, atone for their neglect: "For we enquired not at it in the days of Saul, and this was the reason why things went so ill with us: let that original error be amended, and then we may hope to see our affairs in a better posture." Observe, David makes no peevish reflections upon Saul. He does not say, "Saul never cared for the ark, at least in the latter end of this reign;" but, in general, We enquired not at it, making himself with others guilty of this neglect. It better becomes us to judge ourselves than others. Humble good men lament their own share in national guilt, and take shame to themselves, Dan 9:5, etc. II. The people's ready agreement to this proposal (Ch1 13:4): The thing was right in the eyes of all the people. Nobody could say to the contrary, but that it was a very good work and very seasonable; so that it was resolved, nemine contradicente - unanimously, that they would do so. Those that prudently proposed a good work, and lead in it, will perhaps find a more ready concurrence in it than they expected. Great men know not what a great deal of good they are capable of doing by their influence on others. III. The solemnity of bringing up the ark, Ch1 13:5, etc., which we read before, Sa2 6:1, etc. Here therefore we shall only observe, 1. That it is worth while to travel far to attend the ark of God. They came out of all parts of the country, from the river of Egypt, the utmost part south, to the entering of Hemath, which lay furthest north, (Ch1 13:5), to grace this solemnity. 2. That we have reason greatly to rejoice in the revival of neglected ordinances and the return of the tokens of God's presence. When the light of religion shines out of obscurity, when it is openly and freely professed, is brought into reputation, and countenanced by princes and great ones, it is such a happy omen to a people as is worthy to be welcomed with all possible expressions of joy. 3. When, after long disuse, ordinances come to be revived, it is too common for even wise and good men to make some mistakes. Who would have thought that David would commit such an error as this, to carry the ark upon a cart? Ch1 13:7. because the Philistines so carried it, and a special providence drove the cart (Sa1 6:12), he thought they might do so too. But we must walk by rule, not by example when it varies from the rule, no, not even by those examples which Providence has owned.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:1–17:27 These chapters chronicle the transformation of Jerusalem into the political and religious center of Israel, beginning with David’s disastrous attempt to transfer the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem (13:1-14; cp. 2 Sam 6:2-11).