1 Chronicles 13:3

KJV

And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.

KJV (with Strong's)

And let us bring again {H5437} the ark {H727} of our God {H430} to us: for we enquired {H1875} not at it in the days {H3117} of Saul {H7586}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and let's bring back the ark of our God to ourselves, since we didn't go after it when Sha'ul was king."

Berean Standard Bible

Then let us bring back the ark of our God, for we did not inquire of Him in the days of Saul.”

American Standard Version

and let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we sought not unto it in the days of Saul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 13:3 captures King David's pivotal declaration to the assembly of Israel, expressing his fervent desire to restore the Ark of God to its rightful place at the center of national life. This verse highlights the spiritual neglect that characterized the preceding reign of King Saul, during which the nation largely failed to seek God's counsel and presence through the Ark, underscoring David's immediate priority to re-establish a kingdom founded on devotion to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in David's reign over all Israel, following his anointing as king in [1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King") and the establishment of Jerusalem as his capital ([2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David Conquers Jerusalem")). David's first major initiative as king of a united Israel is not military expansion or political consolidation, but the spiritual restoration of the nation by bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This decision, made in consultation with all the leaders ([1 Chronicles 13:1-2](/1_chronicles/13-1 "1 Chronicles 13:1-2 - David Consults with Leaders")), underscores his commitment to God's centrality, contrasting sharply with the spiritual apathy of Saul's era. The subsequent narrative in [1 Chronicles 13:5-14](/1_chronicles/13-5 "1 Chronicles 13:5-14 - Uzzah and the Ark") details the initial, flawed attempt to move the Ark and its tragic consequences, which ultimately led to a more reverent and successful transfer later in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets of the Law, was the most sacred object in Israel, symbolizing God's dwelling presence among His people and serving as a focal point for worship and divine communication ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Presence Above the Ark")). After its capture by the Philistines during the time of Eli ([1 Samuel 4](/1_samuel/4 "1 Samuel 4 - The Capture of the Ark")), it was eventually returned to Israelite territory but remained in the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-Jearim for decades ([1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - The Ark at Kiriath-Jearim")). During Saul's reign, the Ark was largely neglected, residing in an obscure location, indicating a period of spiritual decline where seeking God's direct guidance through His established means was no longer a priority. David's move represents a conscious effort to reverse this spiritual downturn and re-establish the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several key themes that permeate the Chronicler's narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **prioritization of God's presence** and worship as foundational for national well-being and righteous leadership, a stark contrast to Saul's self-reliant rule. Secondly, it explicitly addresses the **spiritual neglect during Saul's reign**, emphasizing the failure to "enquire at" the Ark, which symbolized a broader disinterest in seeking God's will and guidance. This sets the stage for David's reign as a period of **spiritual revival and restoration**. Thirdly, David's initiative to bring the Ark back was also a strategic move to **unify the nation** under a common spiritual purpose centered on the Lord, reinforcing the idea that true national unity stems from a shared commitment to God. Finally, the emphasis on **seeking God's will** through the Ark underscores the importance of divine counsel in all aspects of life, particularly in leadership, a theme that resonates throughout David's story, as seen in his frequent prayers and inquiries to the Lord before battles ([2 Samuel 5:19](/2_samuel/5-19 "2 Samuel 5:19 - David Inquires of the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ark (Hebrew, _'aron'_):** Refers to the Ark of the Covenant, the sacred chest containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod. It was the holiest object in Israel, representing God's throne on earth and His covenant presence among His people. Its neglect during Saul's reign signified a deep spiritual malaise, while David's initiative to bring it back symbolized a desire to restore God to the central place in the nation's life and governance.
* **Enquired (Hebrew, _darash'_):** This verb means "to seek," "to consult," "to inquire of," often with the connotation of seeking divine guidance or revelation. In the context of the Ark, it specifically refers to the practice of seeking God's counsel, typically through the high priest who would minister before the Ark, sometimes using the Urim and Thummim ([Numbers 27:21](/numbers/27-21 "Numbers 27:21 - Consulting God through the Priest")). The phrase "we enquired not at it" signifies a cessation of this vital spiritual practice, indicating a period where the nation, under Saul, operated without consistent divine consultation, relying instead on human wisdom and strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And let us bring again the ark of our God to us":** This opening clause reveals David's proactive and communal approach to spiritual leadership. The use of "us" indicates a shared responsibility and a desire for national participation in this sacred endeavor. "Bring again" implies a restoration, a return to a former, more righteous state where the Ark, symbolizing God's active presence and guidance, was central to Israel's identity and function. It underscores David's vision for a kingdom truly governed by God.
* **"for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul":** This explanatory clause provides the crucial motivation for David's initiative. It serves as a sharp indictment of Saul's reign, characterized by a profound spiritual negligence. The failure to "enquire at" the Ark signifies a broader abandonment of seeking God's will and relying on His direction. This omission led to Saul's tragic downfall and highlights the spiritual vacuum that David sought to fill by re-centering the nation on God's presence and counsel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Most prominently, there is a clear **Contrast** between the spiritual posture of David's reign and that of Saul's. David's proactive desire to restore the Ark and seek God's counsel stands in stark opposition to Saul's neglect and self-reliance, which ultimately led to his demise. The Ark itself functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing God's tangible presence, His covenant fidelity, and the source of divine authority and guidance for Israel. Its neglect under Saul symbolizes the nation's spiritual drift, while its proposed return under David symbolizes a move towards spiritual revival and alignment with God's will. Furthermore, David's statement, though declarative, carries the weight of a **Rhetorical Exhortation**, inviting the entire assembly to participate in this crucial act of national repentance and spiritual reorientation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 13:3 is a profound statement about the absolute necessity of prioritizing God's presence and actively seeking His will in the life of a leader and a nation. David's immediate focus on the Ark, rather than on military or political matters, demonstrates a deep theological understanding that true strength and success derive from a vibrant relationship with God. The "enquiring" at the Ark was not a mere ritual but a means of intimate communion and receiving divine direction, reflecting a core biblical principle that God desires to guide His people. The neglect during Saul's reign serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the spiritual and practical consequences of operating independently of God's counsel. David's initiative, therefore, is a theological declaration that God's active presence and guidance are indispensable for a righteous and flourishing kingdom.

* [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Presence Above the Ark")
* [Joshua 3:3](/joshua/3-3 "Joshua 3:3 - The Ark Leading Israel")
* [Psalm 105:4](/psalms/105-4 "Psalm 105:4 - Seeking the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's initiative to bring back the Ark serves as a powerful and enduring model for believers today. Just as the Ark symbolized God's presence and the means of seeking His counsel for ancient Israel, so too are we called to prioritize God's presence and actively seek His will in our individual lives, our families, and our communities. In a world brimming with distractions and pressures, it is easy to neglect our spiritual disciplines—prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship—which are our contemporary "means of enquiring" of God. The spiritual decline during Saul's reign, marked by a failure to consult God, stands as a stark warning against spiritual complacency and self-reliance. We are reminded that operating without intentional reliance on God's guidance leads to missteps and ultimately, spiritual barrenness. David's example challenges us to make God's presence the central pillar of our existence, ensuring that seeking His wisdom and direction is not an afterthought but the primary driver of our decisions and direction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, personal or communal, might I be neglecting to "enquire" of God's will?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more intentionally prioritize God's presence and guidance in my daily routine?**
* **How does my leadership, whether in family, work, or ministry, reflect a reliance on God's counsel rather than solely on human wisdom?**
* **What are the "arks" (symbols or means of God's presence) in my life that I might have allowed to become neglected or marginalized?**

### FAQ

**Why was the Ark neglected during Saul's reign?**

Answer: The neglect of the Ark during Saul's reign was largely a symptom of his spiritual decline and disobedience. Unlike David, who frequently sought God's counsel ([1 Samuel 23:2](/1_samuel/23-2 "1 Samuel 23:2 - David Inquires of the Lord")), Saul increasingly relied on his own judgment, even resorting to forbidden practices like consulting a medium ([1 Samuel 28:7](/1_samuel/28-7 "1 Samuel 28:7 - Saul Consults the Medium of Endor")). The Ark, which symbolized God's direct presence and authority, was left in an obscure location at Kiriath-Jearim for decades, indicating that seeking God's direct guidance through His established means was not a priority for Saul or the nation during his rule. This reflected a broader spiritual apathy and a shift from a theocentric kingdom to one driven by human leadership and political expediency.

**What was the significance of "enquiring at the Ark"?**

Answer: "Enquiring at the Ark" was a vital spiritual practice that signified seeking direct divine counsel and guidance for the nation. While the Ark itself was not consulted directly, it was the focal point of God's presence, specifically the mercy seat above it where God promised to speak ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Presence Above the Ark")). Typically, the high priest would minister before the Ark, often using the Urim and Thummim (sacred lots) to discern God's will on critical matters of national importance, such as going to war or making major decisions ([Numbers 27:21](/numbers/27-21 "Numbers 27:21 - Consulting God through the Priest")). The cessation of this practice during Saul's time highlighted a profound spiritual disconnect and a failure to rely on God's sovereign direction for the affairs of Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's earnest desire to bring the Ark of God back to the center of Israel's life finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Ark, as the preeminent symbol of God's presence among His people, foreshadowed the incarnate Son of God, Jesus, who is Emmanuel—"God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel, God With Us")). Where the Ark was a physical object confined to a specific place, Jesus is the very embodiment of God's glory and dwelling among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). David's lament that Israel "enquired not at it" during Saul's days speaks to humanity's innate tendency to neglect God. However, in Christ, we are given direct and unhindered access to God. Jesus is our ultimate High Priest, through whom we can now "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Furthermore, the New Covenant establishes a new reality where God's presence is not confined to an Ark or a temple, but the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), making each Christian a living temple of God. Thus, David's longing for God's presence is fully realized in Christ, who not only brings God to us but also empowers us to live in constant communion with Him.

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 7:1

¶ And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.

1 Samuel 7:2

And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.

1 Samuel 23:2

Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.

1 Samuel 14:18

And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.

1 Samuel 14:36

¶ And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.

1 Samuel 23:9

And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.

1 Samuel 23:12

Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver [thee] up.