1 Chronicles 13:2

KJV

And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If [it seem] good unto you, and [that it be] of the LORD our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, [that are] left in all the land of Israel, and with them [also] to the priests and Levites [which are] in their cities [and] suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us:

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto all the congregation {H6951} of Israel {H3478}, If it seem good {H2895} unto you, and that it be of the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, let us send {H7971} abroad {H6555} unto our brethren {H251} every where, that are left {H7604} in all the land {H776} of Israel {H3478}, and with them also to the priests {H3548} and Levites {H3881} which are in their cities {H5892} and suburbs {H4054}, that they may gather {H6908} themselves unto us:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then David said to the entire assembly of Isra'el, "If it seems good to you, and if it is the will of ADONAI our God, let's send messengers to the rest of our kinsmen in the land of Isra'el, and also to the cohanim and L'vi'im in their cities with surrounding open land, asking them to join us;

Berean Standard Bible

And 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.

American Standard Version

And David said unto all the assembly of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and if it be of Jehovah our God, let us send abroad every where unto our brethren that are left in all the land of Israel, with whom the priests and Levites are in their cities that have suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 13:2 records King David's pivotal proposal to the entire congregation of Israel, outlining his intention to bring the Ark of God back to Jerusalem. This verse reveals David's dual commitment to both national consensus and divine approval, emphasizing that such a significant undertaking, designed to restore God's central presence among His people, must align with the will of the Lord and involve the unified participation of all Israel, including the indispensable priests and Levites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's successful establishment as king over all Israel and his capture of Jerusalem, which he renamed the City of David ([1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King")-[1 Chronicles 12](/1_chronicles/12 "1 Chronicles 12 - David's Mighty Men")). Having consolidated his political power and secured a central capital, David's next major initiative, as recorded here, shifts from military and administrative concerns to spiritual ones. The narrative flow demonstrates David's understanding that true national stability and blessing depended not just on human leadership but on the manifest presence of God. This account in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - David's First Attempt to Bring the Ark") serves as the Chronicler's primary focus on David's attempt to retrieve the Ark, paralleling the narrative found in [2 Samuel 6:1-2](/2_samuel/6-1-2 "2 Samuel 6:1-2 - David's First Attempt to Move the Ark"). The Chronicler, writing for a post-exilic audience, emphasizes the importance of proper worship and adherence to God's commands, setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of the Ark's journey and David's desire to build a temple.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, throne, and covenant with Israel, had been largely neglected and out of its proper place for approximately 70 years, residing in Kirjath-jearim ([1 Samuel 7:2](/1_samuel/7-2 "1 Samuel 7:2 - The Ark's Long Stay in Kirjath-jearim")) since its capture by the Philistines and subsequent return. During this period, Israel's worship was decentralized, and the Ark's absence from a central sanctuary reflected a spiritual malaise. David's initiative to bring the Ark to Jerusalem was a profound act of spiritual restoration, aiming to re-establish the spiritual heart of the nation and centralize worship. Culturally, the Ark was not merely a religious artifact but the very emblem of Israel's unique relationship with Yahweh, their covenant God. Its proper handling and placement were governed by Mosaic Law, specifically concerning the role of the priests and Levites, underscoring the necessity of their involvement as stipulated in the verse.

* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 13:2 introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Approval and Sovereignty** is paramount, as David explicitly states, "If... it be of the LORD our God." This highlights the necessity of seeking God's will in all major undertakings, a principle echoed in [Proverbs 3:6](/proverbs/3-6 "Proverbs 3:6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"). Secondly, **National Unity and Consensus** are emphasized by David's address to "all the congregation of Israel" and his invitation for their agreement, fostering collective ownership of this sacred task. Thirdly, the theme of **Proper Worship and Reverence for God's Presence** is central, as the entire endeavor revolves around restoring the Ark, the symbol of God's dwelling among His people, to its rightful place. This also implicitly touches upon the theme of **Adherence to God's Law**, particularly concerning the specific roles of the [priests and Levites](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Duties of the Kohathites") in handling sacred objects, which becomes critically important later in the chapter.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _qâhâl'_):** From H6951, this term refers to a formally summoned assembly or community, often with a religious or national purpose. David's address to the "congregation of Israel" signifies that this was not a private decision or a command issued to a select few, but a proposal put before the entire body of the nation, emphasizing the communal and covenantal nature of the undertaking. It underscores the idea of a unified people responding to a divine call.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is God's personal, covenant name, "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," emphasizing His self-existent and eternal nature, and His unique, intimate relationship with Israel. David's insistence that the plan be "of the LORD our God" demonstrates his understanding that any national endeavor, especially one concerning the Ark, must originate from and be sanctioned by divine will, not merely human desire or political expediency. This sets a crucial theological precedent for all subsequent actions.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2895, this word signifies something that is pleasing, agreeable, or morally right. When David states, "If it seem good unto you," he is seeking the consensus and approval of the people. This highlights his desire for a unified national will, demonstrating a leadership style that values the people's agreement alongside, and subordinate to, divine approval.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said unto all the congregation of Israel":** This opening clause establishes David's leadership and his commitment to involving the entire nation in this significant spiritual initiative. It highlights a consultative and inclusive approach, seeking national consensus rather than simply issuing a royal decree.
* **"If [it seem] good unto you, and [that it be] of the LORD our God":** This is the core condition of David's proposal. It presents a dual requirement: human agreement ("good unto you") coupled with divine sanction ("of the LORD our God"). This demonstrates David's wisdom in seeking both popular support and, more importantly, God's explicit approval, prioritizing the divine will above all else.
* **"let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, [that are] left in all the land of Israel, and with them [also] to the priests and Levites [which are] in their cities [and] suburbs":** This outlines the comprehensive scope of the invitation. "Our brethren every where" signifies a desire for full national participation, encompassing all tribes. The specific inclusion of "priests and Levites" underscores their unique and indispensable role in handling the sacred Ark, indicating David's initial intention to adhere to the Mosaic Law regarding the Ark's transport.
* **"that they may gather themselves unto us":** The ultimate purpose of this broad invitation is to convene a national assembly. The goal is a unified gathering of the people, led by their king and spiritual authorities, to collectively undertake the sacred task of bringing the Ark back to its rightful place, symbolizing a national spiritual revival and centralization of worship.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 13:2 employs several key literary devices. **Consensus-building** is evident in David's direct address to "all the congregation of Israel" and his framing of the initiative as a proposal ("If it seem good unto you"), indicating a desire for national unity and shared ownership rather than autocratic command. This approach contrasts with typical royal decrees and highlights David's pastoral heart. **Theological Framing** is paramount through the phrase "and that it be of the LORD our God," which immediately places the entire undertaking under divine authority and scrutiny, establishing a critical theological lens through which the subsequent events should be understood. The verse also exhibits **Inclusivity**, as David explicitly calls for all "brethren" throughout the land and specifically mentions the "priests and Levites," emphasizing that this was a national, unified effort involving both civil and religious leadership. Finally, the verse serves as an element of **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the importance of proper procedure and divine will, which becomes tragically significant when Uzzah dies in the subsequent verses due to a deviation from God's prescribed method for transporting the Ark.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 13:2 stands as a testament to the profound importance of God's presence in the life of His people and the necessity of seeking His will in all endeavors, particularly those of national or spiritual significance. David's proposal demonstrates a leadership model that balances human consultation with divine authority, recognizing that true success and blessing flow from alignment with God's purposes. The initiative to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem was not merely a political move to centralize power but a deeply theological act to restore the visible symbol of God's covenant presence among His people. This act underscores the biblical theme that God desires to dwell with His people, and that proper reverence and obedience are required in approaching His holiness. The tragic events that follow this verse (Uzzah's death) further emphasize that even good intentions must be accompanied by strict adherence to God's revealed commands regarding sacred things.

* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Duties of the Kohathites Regarding the Ark")
* [1 Samuel 7:2](/1_samuel/7-2 "1 Samuel 7:2 - The Ark's Long Stay in Kirjath-jearim")
* [2 Samuel 6:1-2](/2_samuel/6-1-2 "2 Samuel 6:1-2 - David's First Attempt to Move the Ark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's approach in 1 Chronicles 13:2 offers profound lessons for contemporary leadership, community engagement, and personal spiritual disciplines. His desire to involve "all the congregation of Israel" and, crucially, to ensure the endeavor was "of the LORD our God," models a balanced and godly leadership style. It teaches us that significant undertakings, whether in the church, family, or workplace, benefit immensely from both collaborative input and, more importantly, a deep discernment of God's will. We are called to seek God's direction through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel, ensuring that our plans align with His purposes rather than merely our own ambitions or human consensus. Furthermore, David's zeal to restore God's presence reminds us of the priority believers should place on cultivating a vibrant relationship with God, both individually and corporately, recognizing that His presence is the ultimate source of life, guidance, and blessing. This verse challenges us to consider if our collective and individual pursuits are truly "of the Lord our God" and if we are inviting His full participation and guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community are you seeking to discern if your plans are truly "of the LORD our God"?**
* **How can leaders today better balance seeking consensus from their community with prioritizing divine guidance?**
* **What does David's zeal to bring the Ark back teach us about our own desire for God's manifest presence in our lives and churches?**
* **Are there "sacred things" in your life or ministry that require a more reverent and biblically informed approach?**

### FAQ
**Why did David consult the entire congregation of Israel and emphasize divine approval?**

Answer: David's decision to consult the entire congregation of Israel reflects a wise and inclusive leadership style. While he was king, he understood that a national spiritual undertaking of this magnitude required the unity and buy-in of the people. It fostered a sense of shared ownership and responsibility. More profoundly, his emphasis on "if it be of the LORD our God" reveals his deep theological conviction that any significant endeavor, especially one concerning the sacred Ark, must originate from and be sanctioned by God's will. This was not merely a democratic gesture but a spiritual imperative, acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty over Israel. David recognized that human effort, however well-intentioned, would be futile or even disastrous without divine blessing and direction, a lesson tragically underscored later in the chapter.

**What was the significance of the Ark of God, and why was its return so important?**

Answer: The Ark of God, or Ark of the Covenant, was the most sacred object in ancient Israel. It symbolized several critical aspects of God's relationship with His people:
1. **God's Presence:** It represented the very dwelling place of God among His people, particularly the mercy seat above it, where God's presence was manifested.
2. **God's Throne:** It was considered the earthly throne of Yahweh, from which He reigned over Israel.
3. **The Covenant:** It contained the tablets of the Law, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel and their obedience to His commands.
4. **National Identity:** For Israel, the Ark was inextricably linked to their identity as God's chosen people.

Its return was crucial because it signified a spiritual renewal and the re-establishment of God's central presence in the nation. For 70 years, the Ark had been neglected and out of place ([1 Samuel 7:2](/1_samuel/7-2 "1 Samuel 7:2 - The Ark's Long Stay in Kirjath-jearim")), reflecting a period of spiritual decline. David's initiative was a strategic move to restore proper worship, centralize the spiritual life of the nation in Jerusalem, and bring Israel back into a right relationship with their covenant God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 13:2, with its focus on bringing God's presence (symbolized by the Ark) back to the center of national life, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect dwelling of God among His people in Jesus Christ. David's earnest desire for the Ark to be "of the LORD our God" and his meticulous planning, though initially flawed in execution, point to the profound truth that God's presence cannot be approached on human terms alone. This yearning for God's manifest dwelling finds its complete fulfillment in the incarnation of Jesus, who is [Immanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus, Immanuel"). Just as the Ark was the physical representation of God's covenant, Jesus is the living embodiment of God's new covenant, the very Word made flesh who [dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). The national gathering to bring the Ark, meant to unify Israel around God's presence, prefigures the new spiritual assembly, the Church, which is unified by the indwelling Holy Spirit and gathered around Christ, our true [Ark of the New Covenant](/hebrews/9-4 "Hebrews 9:4 - The Ark in the Tabernacle"). Through Christ, we have direct access to God's presence, not through a physical object, but through the [new and living way](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - New and Living Way to God") opened by His sacrifice, fulfilling David's longing for God's dwelling in a way far beyond any earthly tabernacle or temple.

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 Samuel 31:1

¶ Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.

2 Kings 9:15

But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, [then] let none go forth [nor] escape out of the city to go to tell [it] in Jezreel.

Numbers 4:4

This [shall be] the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, [about] the most holy things:

Numbers 4:20

But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.

1 Chronicles 10:7

And when all the men of Israel that [were] in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, then they forsook their cities, and fled: and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.

1 Chronicles 15:2

Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever.

1 Chronicles 15:14

So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.