What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 13:6? David and all Israel • The verse opens with unified action: “David and all Israel” moved together. Unity among God’s people is emphasized (cf. 1 Chronicles 12:38; Psalm 133:1). • David gathers “all Israel,” not merely a small escort, underlining nationwide reverence for the ark. • Leading God’s people in worship shows David’s heart as a shepherd-king (2 Samuel 6:1; Acts 13:22). went up to Baalah of Judah (that is, Kiriath-jearim) • “Went up” hints at both geography (ascending the hill country) and spiritual aspiration (Psalm 24:3). • Baalah/Kiriath-jearim had housed the ark since the Philistines returned it, roughly 70 years earlier (1 Samuel 7:1-2). • Though peripheral to the nation’s life, this town safeguarded the ark during Israel’s spiritual drift, showing God preserves His presence even in obscurity. to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD • David’s aim is clear: relocate the ark to make it central again (1 Chronicles 13:3). • The ark is called “the ark of God the LORD,” stressing ownership and covenant (Exodus 25:10-16). • Moving the ark anticipates Jerusalem’s role as worship center (Deuteronomy 12:5; 2 Samuel 5:6-9). who is enthroned between the cherubim • God chose to manifest His throne “between the cherubim” atop the mercy seat (Exodus 25:22). • This imagery highlights His holiness and readiness to meet with His people (Psalm 99:1; Isaiah 37:16). • By pursuing the ark, David seeks the very presence and rule of God for the nation. the ark that is called by the Name • “The Name” signifies God’s revealed character and authority (Deuteronomy 12:11). • Associating the ark with “the Name” underscores its sacredness; misuse brings judgment (1 Samuel 6:19; 2 Samuel 6:6-7). • Proper reverence for God’s Name results in blessing and guidance (Jeremiah 7:12; Psalm 80:1). summary 1 Chronicles 13:6 records David’s united effort with all Israel to retrieve the ark from Kiriath-jearim and restore it to central prominence. The verse reminds us that God’s people thrive when they honor His presence, recognize His throne, and treat His Name with holy awe. |
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