1 Chronicles 13:6

And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, [that is], to Kirjathjearim, which [belonged] to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth [between] the cherubims, whose name is called [on it].

And David {H1732} went up {H5927}, and all Israel {H3478}, to Baalah {H1173}, that is, to Kirjathjearim {H7157}, which belonged to Judah {H3063}, to bring up {H5927} thence the ark {H727} of God {H430} the LORD {H3068}, that dwelleth {H3427} between the cherubims {H3742}, whose name {H8034} is called {H7121} on it.

David went up with all Isra'el to Ba'alah, that is, Kiryat-Ye'arim, which belonged to Y'hudah, to bring up from there the ark of God, ADONAI, who is enthroned above the k'ruvim, bearing the Name.

David and all Israel went up to Baalah of Judah (that is, Kiriath-jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name.

And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God Jehovah that sitteth above the cherubim, that is called by the Name.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 13:6 details King David's initial, grand endeavor to bring the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object of Israel, from Kirjathjearim to Jerusalem. This verse highlights the national unity under David's leadership and the deep desire to centralize the worship of God.

Historical and Cultural Context

After being anointed king over all Israel and establishing Jerusalem as his capital, one of David's primary goals was to bring the Ark of the Covenant to the city. The Ark, which symbolized God's presence and throne, had been stored at Kirjathjearim (also known as Baalah of Judah) for about 70 years since its return from Philistine captivity (see 1 Samuel 7:1-2). This move was intended to make Jerusalem not only the political capital but also the spiritual heart of the nation, uniting the tribes under the banner of God's direct presence. The gathering of "all Israel" signifies the national importance and widespread enthusiasm for this religious undertaking.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Centrality of God's Presence: David understood that true national strength and blessing came from the Lord. Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem was an act of declaring God's rightful place at the center of Israel's life and governance.
  • National Unity and Worship: The involvement of "all Israel" underscores a collective desire for spiritual revival and unified worship. It was a moment of national solidarity centered around their covenant God.
  • The Ark of the Covenant: This verse emphasizes the Ark's significance as the dwelling place of God's name and presence, specifically "that dwelleth between the cherubims." This refers to the Mercy Seat atop the Ark, where God's glory was manifested and where He met with His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it" is rich with theological meaning. The "LORD" translates the Hebrew personal name of God, YHWH (Yahweh), emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. The description "dwelleth between the cherubims" points to the Mercy Seat (kapporeth in Hebrew) on the Ark, which was considered God's earthly throne and the place where His Shekinah (divine presence/glory) resided. This imagery reinforces God's transcendence and His immanent presence among His people.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us of the importance of prioritizing God's presence in our lives and communities. Just as David sought to bring the Ark to the heart of Israel, believers today are called to make God the center of their personal and collective endeavors. While our worship no longer involves a physical ark, the principle remains: seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness first is paramount. It also serves as a prelude to the subsequent account of Uzzah's death (1 Chronicles 13:9-10), teaching us that good intentions must be coupled with obedience to God's prescribed ways.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:9

    And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which [is] Kirjathjearim:

  • 2 Kings 19:15

    And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest [between] the cherubims, thou art the God, [even] thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

  • Exodus 25:22

    And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

  • 1 Samuel 4:4

    So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth [between] the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, [were] there with the ark of the covenant of God.

  • Joshua 15:60

    Kirjathbaal, which [is] Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:

  • Psalms 80:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest [between] the cherubims, shine forth.

  • 1 Kings 8:16

    Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.
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