1 Chronicles 13

1 Chronicles 13:1

B. David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem (Chaps. 1316)13:1-8 Chapter 13 records David’s first attempt to bring the ark to his newly acquired royal city. The ark had been neglected during the reign of Saul. The Philistines had captured it and held it for seven months, then returned it to Kirjath Jearim, where it was kept in the house of Abinadab, a Levite (1 Sam. 47). Now, at David’s instigation, Uzza and Ahio put the ark . . . on a new cart for the trip to Jerusalem. Shihor in Egypt probably refers to the brook of Egypt (Wady el Arish). 13:9-12 When the oxen stumbled, Uzza put out his hand to steady the ark. Immediately God . . . struck him dead. The law forbade anyone to touch the ark, even the priests (Num_4:15). When the Kohathites carried the ark, they placed the poles on their shoulders, but did not come in contact with the ark itself. The place was henceforth called Perez Uzza (outburst against Uzza). David became angry and fearful of bringing the ark to Jerusalem. 13:13, 14 So the ark was taken aside to the house of Obed-Edom, a Levite, where it remained for three months, bringing great blessing to its host.