What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 13:5?

So David assembled all Israel

• David acts as shepherd-king, gathering every tribe and clan (2 Samuel 6:1; 1 Chronicles 28:1).

• The phrase “all Israel” highlights covenant unity—no faction is left out (Deuteronomy 33:5).

• By leading the initiative personally, David teaches that worship is a national—not merely private—priority (Psalm 122:1).

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from the River Shihor in Egypt

• Shihor marks the southern border of the promised land (Joshua 13:3; Isaiah 23:3).

• Mentioning it underscores the breadth of David’s call; even frontier settlers are invited to participate.

• God’s faithfulness in giving Israel the full extent of the land is quietly affirmed (Genesis 15:18).

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to Lebo-hamath

• This northern gateway near the Orontes River defines the opposite border (Numbers 34:8; 2 Kings 14:25).

• The expression “from … to …” paints a picture of a people stretching the length of God-given territory, now united around His presence.

• David’s kingdom foreshadows the Messiah’s reign “to the ends of the earth” (Psalm 72:8).

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to bring the ark of God

• The Ark symbolizes the throne of the LORD Almighty (Exodus 25:22; Psalm 132:7-8).

• David’s motive is spiritual, not political: restoring proper worship after decades of neglect (1 Samuel 7:2).

• Moving the Ark toward Jerusalem signals a new era where God’s presence is central to national life (2 Samuel 6:2; 1 Chronicles 15:3).

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from Kiriath-jearim

• The Ark had rested in the house of Abinadab here since its return from Philistine captivity (1 Samuel 6:21 – 7:2).

• The location, nestled in Judah’s hills, was safe but secondary; David desires a permanent, prominent dwelling (Psalm 24:7-10).

• The verse hints at pilgrimage: Israel journeys from periphery to center, from past complacency to renewed devotion.

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summary

1 Chronicles 13:5 shows David rallying every Israelite—from the farthest south to the farthest north—to reclaim the Ark from its long obscurity and restore God’s manifest presence to the heart of the nation. The verse celebrates unity, fulfills territorial promises, and sets the stage for a worship-centered kingdom under the rightful rule of the LORD.