1 Chronicles 13:13

KJV

So David brought not the ark [home] to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

KJV (with Strong's)

So David {H1732} brought {H5493} not the ark {H727} home to himself to the city {H5892} of David {H1732}, but carried it aside {H5186} into the house {H1004} of Obededom {H5654} the Gittite {H1663}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So David didn't bring the ark into the City of David; rather, David carried it aside into the house of 'Oved-'Edom the Gitti.

Berean Standard Bible

So he did not move the ark with him to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.

American Standard Version

So David removed not the ark unto him into the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 13:13 details a critical pivot in King David's initial attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Following the tragic, divinely ordained death of Uzzah, David's joyous procession was abruptly halted by fear and a profound realization of God's holiness. Consequently, David abandoned his immediate plan to house the sacred Ark in his capital, instead diverting it to the residence of Obed-Edom the Gittite, a decision that unexpectedly ushered in a period of remarkable divine blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the climax of David's first, ill-fated endeavor to transport the Ark of God to Jerusalem. The preceding narrative in [1 Chronicles 13:1-8](/1_chronicles/13-1-8 "1 Chronicles 13:1-8 - David's First Attempt to Bring the Ark") describes the grand assembly and David's zealous, yet unbiblical, decision to transport the Ark on a new cart, rather than by the divinely prescribed method of carrying it on poles by the Kohathite Levites, as detailed in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Instructions for Carrying the Ark"). The narrative reaches its terrifying peak in [1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9-10 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death"), where Uzzah, attempting to steady the Ark, is struck dead by God for touching it. This shocking event profoundly transforms David's initial joy into anger and then deep fear, as explicitly stated in [1 Chronicles 13:12](/1_chronicles/13-12 "1 Chronicles 13:12 - David's Fear of God"). Verse 13, therefore, serves as the immediate consequence of this fear, marking the temporary suspension of David's grand plan and setting the stage for the Ark's three-month sojourn in Obed-Edom's house, which is then followed by the properly orchestrated transfer in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the preeminent symbol of Yahweh's presence among Israel, containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. Its handling was governed by extremely strict Mosaic laws, primarily found in the book of [Numbers](/numbers "The Book of Numbers - Wilderness Wanderings"). Only specific Levite clans, the Kohathites, were permitted to carry it, and then only by poles inserted through rings, never by direct touch or on a cart. David's initial method, while perhaps influenced by Philistine practices (as seen in [1 Samuel 6:7-8](/1_samuel/6-7 "1 Samuel 6:7-8 - The Philistines Return the Ark")), was a direct violation of these divine stipulations. David's reign was characterized by his efforts to consolidate the kingdom and establish Jerusalem as both the political and religious capital. Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem was central to this vision. The designation "Obed-Edom the Gittite" is significant; while "Gittite" often refers to an inhabitant of the Philistine city of Gath, scriptural genealogies (e.g., [1 Chronicles 26:4-5](/1_chronicles/26-4-5 "1 Chronicles 26:4-5 - Obed-Edom's Descendants")) identify Obed-Edom as a Levite, specifically a Korahite gatekeeper. This suggests "Gittite" likely refers to his residence in Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical city ([Joshua 21:24](/joshua/21-24 "Joshua 21:24 - Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical City")), confirming his suitability and understanding of the sacred protocols for hosting the Ark.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes within the book of [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles "The Book of 1 Chronicles - David's Reign and Temple Preparations") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **absolute holiness and sovereignty of God**. The Uzzah incident, leading to David's fear and the Ark's diversion, serves as a stark reminder that God is not to be approached or handled casually, but on His own terms, with profound reverence and strict obedience to His commands. Secondly, it emphasizes the **necessity of obedience to God's revealed will**. David's initial zeal was commendable, but his method was flawed, demonstrating that good intentions do not supersede divine instruction. This incident forces David to learn the importance of meticulous adherence to God's law. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine blessing**, which becomes explicitly evident in the subsequent verse, [1 Chronicles 13:14](/1_chronicles/13-14 "1 Chronicles 13:14 - Blessing on Obed-Edom's House"). The temporary lodging of the Ark, born out of fear, unexpectedly becomes a conduit of abundant blessing for Obed-Edom's household, illustrating God's gracious favor upon those who honor His presence, even in unforeseen circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ark (Hebrew, _'ârôwn'_):** This term refers to the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in Israel, symbolizing God's throne, His presence among His people, and the covenant relationship. Its presence signified divine authority and blessing, but also demanded strict adherence to the laws governing its handling, underscoring God's unapproachable holiness and the severe consequences of irreverence.
* **Carried it aside (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_):** From the root meaning "to stretch or spread out," this verb here implies "to bend away" or "to turn aside." It vividly describes David's abrupt change of course for the Ark, diverting it from its intended destination in Jerusalem. This action was a direct consequence of his fear and a recognition that the Ark could not proceed without proper reverence and adherence to divine protocol.
* **Obed-Edom the Gittite (Hebrew, _'Ôbêd 'Ĕdôwm ha-Gittî'_):** "Obed-Edom" means "servant of Edom" or "servant of the Lord." The "Gittite" designation indicates his origin or residence in Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical city. This identity is crucial, as Obed-Edom was a Levite (a Korahite), making him knowledgeable about the proper care and reverence due to the Ark, thus his house became a suitable, albeit temporary, sanctuary for the sacred object.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So David brought not the ark [home] to himself to the city of David,"**: This clause reveals David's immediate and decisive change of plans. The connective "so" links directly to the fear and anger David experienced after Uzzah's death. His initial ambition to bring the Ark "home to himself" into his personal city, Jerusalem, was abruptly halted. This decision was not merely a logistical one but a profound response to God's manifest holiness and a recognition that the Ark could not be treated as a mere national trophy or personal possession without dire consequences.
* **"but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite."**: This second clause details the alternative action David took. Instead of proceeding to Jerusalem, the Ark was "carried aside," indicating a diversion from its intended path. The choice of Obed-Edom's house was likely based on its proximity to the site of Uzzah's death (Perez-Uzzah) and David's knowledge of Obed-Edom's Levitical lineage, which would ensure appropriate care for the sacred object. This temporary lodging, though born of fear and uncertainty, paradoxically became the setting for a powerful demonstration of God's blessing, paving the way for David's later, more reverent approach.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, juxtaposing David's initial enthusiastic but flawed attempt to bring the Ark to his capital with his sudden fear-driven decision to divert it. The intended destination, the "City of David," stands in stark contrast to the unexpected, temporary resting place in "the house of Obed-Edom," highlighting the disruption of human plans by divine intervention. There is also an element of **irony**; the mighty King David, who desires to establish God's presence in his capital, is rendered incapable of doing so by his own error, while a seemingly less prominent figure, Obed-Edom, becomes the unexpected recipient of God's manifest blessing. This narrative choice serves to underscore God's sovereignty over human status and ambition. Furthermore, the verse serves as a subtle form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the divine favor that would rest upon Obed-Edom's house, which is explicitly detailed in the very next verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 13:13 profoundly illustrates the unapproachable holiness of God and the absolute necessity of approaching Him on His own terms, not ours. David's initial, well-intentioned but presumptuous method of transporting the Ark on a cart, contrary to divine command, resulted in a swift and severe judgment. This incident served as a stark reminder that God's presence, while a source of blessing, is also a consuming fire for those who disregard His revealed will. David's fear was a healthy, albeit painful, lesson in reverence, forcing him to re-evaluate his understanding of God's character and the protocols for worship. The subsequent blessing on Obed-Edom's house, where the Ark was properly honored, further emphasizes that divine favor flows from obedience and reverence, even in unexpected and temporary circumstances.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Instructions for Carrying the Ark")
* [2 Samuel 6:9](/2_samuel/6-9 "2 Samuel 6:9 - David's Fear of the Lord")
* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalms/24-3-4 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our zeal for God, however fervent, must always be tempered by a profound reverence for His holiness and a diligent adherence to His revealed will. David's initial failure, born from good intentions but flawed execution, teaches us that God is concerned not only with "what" we do for Him, but "how" we do it. We are called to approach God not with casual familiarity or presumptuousness, but with a humble and obedient heart, recognizing His transcendent majesty. The unexpected blessing on Obed-Edom's house further encourages us, demonstrating that God's presence, when honored, brings abundant favor, even in circumstances that initially seem like setbacks or diversions. It challenges us to trust God's timing and methods, even when they differ from our own well-laid plans, and to recognize that His blessings can manifest in the most surprising places when His holiness is respected.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's fear and subsequent diversion of the Ark challenge our own assumptions about approaching God, particularly in our worship and service?**
* **What specific areas of our lives might reflect a casual or presumptuous attitude towards God's holiness, and how can we cultivate greater reverence and obedience?**
* **In what ways does the story of Obed-Edom encourage us about God's willingness to bless those who honor His presence, even in unexpected or temporary circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why was Uzzah struck dead for touching the Ark, and how did this affect David?**

Answer: Uzzah was struck dead because his action, though seemingly well-intentioned, violated a direct divine command regarding the Ark's handling. According to [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Instructions for Carrying the Ark"), only the Kohathite Levites were permitted to carry the Ark, and then only by its poles; touching the Ark directly was strictly forbidden under penalty of death, as it represented God's unapproachable holiness. God's judgment underscored His absolute sovereignty and the seriousness of His commands. This event profoundly affected David, transforming his initial joy into anger and then deep fear ([1 Chronicles 13:11-12](/1_chronicles/13-11-12 "1 Chronicles 13:11-12 - David's Anger and Fear")). He recognized the immense gravity of God's holiness and questioned his own ability to host such a sacred object, leading to the decision to divert the Ark.

**Who was Obed-Edom, and why was the Ark placed in his house?**

Answer: Obed-Edom was a Levite, specifically a Korahite, from Gath-Rimmon, a Levitical city ([1 Chronicles 26:4](/1_chronicles/26-4 "1 Chronicles 26:4 - Obed-Edom's Lineage")). His Levitical heritage meant he would have been familiar with the proper reverence and care due to the Ark. The Ark was placed in his house out of necessity and David's immediate fear. After Uzzah's death, David was unwilling to bring the Ark into Jerusalem due to the perceived danger ([1 Chronicles 13:12](/1_chronicles/13-12 "1 Chronicles 13:12 - David's Fear")), so he needed a safe, temporary resting place for it. Obed-Edom's house, likely nearby the site of the tragedy, provided this immediate solution, and his Levitical background made him a suitable caretaker.

**What is the significance of the Ark being diverted from the "City of David"?**

Answer: The diversion of the Ark from the "City of David" (Jerusalem) is highly significant. It highlights David's initial failure to understand and adhere to God's specific instructions for handling sacred things, despite his good intentions. This temporary setback meant a delay in establishing Jerusalem as the spiritual center of Israel, a key part of David's vision. More importantly, it underscored God's sovereignty over human plans and His unyielding demand for holiness and obedience. The Ark's detour served as a divine pause, allowing David time to learn the proper way to approach God's presence, leading to a more reverent and successful transfer later ([1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - The Ark Brought to Jerusalem")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, culminating in its diversion to Obed-Edom's house, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's dwelling place among His people, with its strict access requirements and the need for mediation, foreshadowed the coming of the One in whom God's presence would fully and permanently dwell. Jesus is the true "Ark," the Word made flesh, who tabernacled among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), embodying the very presence of God in human form. Unlike Uzzah's fatal touch or David's initial flawed attempt, Christ perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and obeyed every divine command, making Him the only one truly worthy to approach God. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Jesus has opened a new and living way into the very presence of God, not through adherence to external rituals or fear-driven avoidance, but through grace by faith ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Most Holy Place")). The blessing that rested upon Obed-Edom's house, where God's presence was honored, points to the infinitely greater blessing now available to all who welcome Christ into their lives. Believers, through union with Christ, become temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), carrying God's presence not in a physical chest, but within their very being. The ultimate "City of David" where God's presence eternally resides is the New Jerusalem, where God Himself will dwell with His people, and the Lamb is its lamp ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling Place is with Man") and [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is its Lamp")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 15:18

And with them their brethren of the second [degree], Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.

1 Chronicles 26:4

Moreover the sons of Obededom [were], Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth,

2 Samuel 6:10

So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

2 Samuel 6:11

And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.

1 Chronicles 26:8

All these of the sons of Obededom: they and their sons and their brethren, able men for strength for the service, [were] threescore and two of Obededom.

1 Chronicles 16:5

Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obededom: and Jeiel with psalteries and with harps; but Asaph made a sound with cymbals;

2 Samuel 4:3

And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)