1 Chronicles 13:5

KJV

So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.

KJV (with Strong's)

So David {H1732} gathered {H6950} all Israel {H3478} together {H6950}, from Shihor {H7883} of Egypt {H4714} even unto the entering {H935} of Hemath {H2574}, to bring {H935} the ark {H727} of God {H430} from Kirjathjearim {H7157}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So David summoned all Isra'el to come together, from Shichor in Egypt all the way to the entrance of Hamat, to bring the ark of God from Kiryat-Ye'arim.

Berean Standard Bible

So David assembled all Israel, from the River Shihor in Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim.

American Standard Version

So David assembled all Israel together, from the Shihor the brook of Egypt even unto the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 13:5 describes King David's ambitious and unifying initiative to bring the Ark of God, the sacred symbol of God's presence and covenant, from its long-standing location in Kirjathjearim to a more central and honored place. This verse highlights David's immediate prioritization of God's place in the newly unified kingdom, gathering the entirety of Israel from its southern to its northern borders for this significant spiritual endeavor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in David's reign as king over all Israel, immediately following the account of his anointing and the establishment of Jerusalem as his capital ([1 Chronicles 11](/1_chronicles/11 "1 Chronicles 11 - David Becomes King")). Having secured his political base, David's next major undertaking is not military expansion but a profound spiritual act: bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This demonstrates his commitment to centering the nation's life and worship on God. The subsequent verses in [1 Chronicles 13](/1_chronicles/13 "1 Chronicles 13 - David's First Attempt to Move the Ark") detail the initial, ill-fated attempt to move the Ark, culminating in Uzzah's death, which underscores the extreme holiness of the Ark and the necessity of adhering to God's prescribed methods for handling it.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For many decades, the Ark had resided in Kirjathjearim, specifically in the house of Abinadab, after its return from the Philistines ([1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - The Ark at Kirjathjearim")). This period saw a significant decline in centralized worship and a general neglect of the Ark's proper place in national life. David's decision to move the Ark was thus a monumental act of religious restoration and national reunification. The phrase "from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath" was a common biblical idiom used to denote the full geographical extent of the promised land of Israel, from its traditional southwestern border near Egypt to its northernmost reach in modern-day Syria. This emphasizes the comprehensive, national scope of David's undertaking, involving all tribes in a unified act of worship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Centrality of God's Presence** in the life of Israel; David's primary concern is to bring the symbol of God's dwelling place to the heart of his kingdom. Secondly, it highlights **National Unity and Restoration**, as "all Israel" is gathered for a common, sacred purpose, signifying a unified kingdom under David's leadership seeking to restore proper worship. Thirdly, it speaks to **Davidic Kingship**, portraying David as a pious leader who prioritizes God's glory and the spiritual well-being of his nation, setting him apart from his predecessor Saul. Finally, the narrative surrounding the Ark's movement, initiated in this verse, emphasizes the **Holiness and Significance of the Ark**, not merely as an artifact but as the tangible representation of God's covenant and law, demanding reverence and adherence to divine instruction, as seen in the later, successful attempt in [1 Chronicles 15](/1_chronicles/15 "1 Chronicles 15 - David Successfully Brings the Ark to Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gathered (Hebrew, _qahal'_):** This verb signifies a formal assembly or congregation, often with a religious or national purpose. It implies a deliberate, organized convocation of the entire nation, not merely a casual meeting. This highlights David's leadership in uniting Israel for a sacred endeavor, emphasizing the collective and unified nature of the effort to honor God.
* **Shihor (Hebrew, _Shihor'_):** Likely referring to the "brook of Egypt" or a wadi that served as the traditional southwestern boundary of the land of Canaan/Israel. Its mention here, coupled with Hemath, forms a merism to define the full geographical scope of the land.
* **Hemath (Hebrew, _Hamath'_):** A significant city-state located in modern-day Syria, far to the north of Israel. "The entering of Hemath" refers to the gateway or approach to its territory, marking the northernmost extent of the ideal Israelite territory. Its inclusion underscores the comprehensive nature of the national gathering, encompassing all parts of the promised land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So David gathered all Israel together":** This clause establishes David's active role as king, demonstrating his initiative and leadership in uniting the diverse tribes of Israel. The emphasis on "all Israel" signifies a comprehensive national effort, reflecting the newly unified kingdom under David's rule and his desire for a shared spiritual purpose.
* **"from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath":** This geographical phrase provides the full scope of the gathering. It is a common biblical idiom denoting the entire breadth of the land of Israel, from its southernmost boundary near Egypt to its northernmost limits. This detail underscores the immense scale of the assembly and the widespread national support for David's spiritual objective.
* **"to bring the ark of God":** This is the explicit purpose of the grand assembly. The Ark of God was the most sacred object in Israel, symbolizing God's presence, covenant, and authority. David's immediate focus on relocating it signifies his deep reverence for God and his intention to place God at the very center of his kingdom and national life.
* **"from Kirjathjearim":** This specifies the Ark's long-term, somewhat isolated dwelling place. For many decades, the Ark had remained in this town, indicating a period of neglect regarding its proper ceremonial place. Moving it from Kirjathjearim was a symbolic act of spiritual renewal, bringing God's presence back into the heart of the nation's worship and governance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary techniques to convey its significance. The most prominent is **Merism**, seen in the phrase "from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath," which uses two geographical extremes to represent the entire land of Israel. This device effectively communicates the comprehensive and unified nature of the national gathering. Additionally, the **Ark of God** functions as a powerful **Symbol**, representing God's manifest presence, His covenant with Israel, and His divine authority. David's action of gathering the nation to bring the Ark also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the eventual establishment of Jerusalem as a central place of worship and the future construction of the Temple, where God's presence would ultimately reside. The narrative structure of Chronicles itself, by placing this spiritual initiative so early in David's reign, emphasizes David's **Pious Characterization**, portraying him as a king who prioritizes God above all else.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's earnest desire to bring the Ark of God to a central place in Israel's national life reflects a profound theological truth: the importance of God's manifest presence among His people. Throughout biblical history, God has consistently sought to dwell with humanity, from His walk in the Garden of Eden to His presence in the Tabernacle and Temple. The Ark, with its unique holiness and representation of the divine, served as a tangible reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His active involvement in Israel's affairs. David's initiative was not merely a logistical move but a theological statement, acknowledging that the true strength and blessing of the kingdom lay in God's favor and abiding presence. This act of national unity centered on God's presence foreshadows the ultimate gathering of God's people around His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Dwelling Among Israel")
* [Numbers 10:33-36](/numbers/10-33 "The Ark Leading Israel")
* [Psalm 132:8](/psalms/132-8 "God's Resting Place")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 13:5 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the centrality of God's presence in our lives, our families, and our communities. Just as David prioritized bringing the Ark—the symbol of God's dwelling—to the heart of his kingdom, we are called to prioritize God's Spirit and His Word in our daily existence. This involves intentionally creating space for worship, prayer, and obedience, ensuring that God is not relegated to the periphery but is truly at the center of our decisions and aspirations. The national unity seen in David's gathering challenges us to seek spiritual unity within the body of Christ, working together across differences to advance God's kingdom and make His presence known in the world. It also highlights the importance of leadership, whether in the church, home, or workplace, that genuinely seeks to honor God and foster spiritual devotion among those it influences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's immediate focus on the Ark challenge our own priorities as individuals and communities in placing God at the center?**
* **In what practical ways can we, like David, seek to unify God's people around His presence and purpose in our contemporary context?**
* **What "Kirjathjearims" (places of neglect or periphery) might God's presence be relegated to in our modern lives, and how can we actively "bring Him out" and into prominence?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Ark at Kirjathjearim for so long before David moved it?**

Answer: After its capture by the Philistines and subsequent return to Israel, the Ark was placed in the house of Abinadab in Kirjathjearim, where it remained for approximately 20 years, and then continued to reside there until David's reign. This prolonged stay reflects a period of spiritual decline and a lack of initiative from Israel's leadership to properly restore the Ark to a central place of worship and reverence. It wasn't until David, a king after God's own heart, took the throne that this significant spiritual oversight was addressed, as detailed in [1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "The Ark at Kirjathjearim").

**What is the significance of the geographical boundaries mentioned ("from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath")?**

Answer: This phrase is a common biblical idiom used to describe the full, ideal territorial extent of the land of Israel, from its traditional southwestern border near Egypt ("Shihor of Egypt") to its northernmost reach near the city of Hamath in modern-day Syria ("the entering of Hemath"). Its inclusion in this verse emphasizes that David's endeavor to bring the Ark was a truly national effort, involving the participation and unity of all the tribes across the entire breadth of the promised land. It underscores the widespread support and the comprehensive nature of this spiritual undertaking.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 13:5 describes David's earnest desire to bring God's symbolic presence (the Ark) into the heart of Israel, this act finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Ark was a shadow of the true dwelling place of God among humanity, and in Christ, God Himself tabernacled among us, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus is the ultimate Temple, the very embodiment of God's presence, as He declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "Jesus, the True Temple")). David's gathering of "all Israel" to unite around the Ark foreshadows the grand gathering of all nations—both Jew and Gentile—who are drawn to Christ and united in Him, becoming a spiritual house where God dwells by His Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Built on the Foundation, United in Christ")). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the veil separating humanity from God's holy presence was torn, granting believers direct access to the Father ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Access to God Through Christ")). Thus, David's longing for God's presence is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, who not only brings God's presence to us but also brings us into God's presence.

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 6:21

And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjathjearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, [and] fetch it up to you.

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.

2 Samuel 6:1

¶ Again, David gathered together all [the] chosen [men] of Israel, thirty thousand.

1 Kings 8:65

And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, [even] fourteen days.

1 Chronicles 15:3

And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it.

Joshua 13:3

From Sihor, which [is] before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, [which] is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:

Joshua 13:6

All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, [and] all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.