1 Chronicles 13:6

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 13:6 describes King David's initial, grand, and nationally unified effort to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant, Israel's most sacred object, from Kirjathjearim (also known as Baalah) in Judah. This verse sets the stage for a pivotal moment in Israel's history, highlighting the deep desire to centralize the worship of the Lord and establish Jerusalem not only as a political capital but also as the spiritual heart of the nation, marking a significant step in David's reign to honor God's presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's consultation with his military commanders and "all Israel" regarding the retrieval of the Ark, indicating a collective decision and national enthusiasm for this undertaking (1 Chronicles 13:1-5). It precedes the tragic account of Uzzah's death (1 Chronicles 13:9-10), which serves as a stark reminder of the necessity of obedience to God's specific instructions regarding the handling of sacred things. The Chronicler's account here parallels that found in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem"), though with a distinct emphasis on the unity of "all Israel" and the Levites in the broader narrative of Chronicles, underscoring the spiritual and communal aspects of David's reign. This event is a foundational step in David's plan to build a permanent dwelling place for God, which eventually culminates in Solomon's Temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For approximately 70 years, the Ark of the Covenant had resided in Kirjathjearim, specifically in the house of Abinadab, after its return from Philistine captivity (cf. [1 Samuel 7:1-2](/1_samuel/7-1 "1 Samuel 7:1-2 - The Ark at Kirjathjearim")). This period saw a decline in centralized worship and a lack of proper attention to the Ark's sacred status. David, having established Jerusalem as his capital and unified the tribes, recognized the spiritual void and sought to rectify it by bringing the Ark to the new capital. This act was not merely political; it was a profound religious statement, aiming to restore God's rightful place at the center of Israel's national life. The gathering of "all Israel" for this purpose was a significant display of national unity and religious fervor, reflecting the cultural understanding that the Ark symbolized God's presence and covenant with His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several key themes prevalent in 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Centrality of God's Presence**, emphasizing David's understanding that the nation's strength and blessing were intrinsically linked to the Lord's active presence, symbolized by the Ark. Secondly, it underscores **National Unity and Collective Worship**, as "all Israel" participates in this sacred endeavor, demonstrating a shared commitment to their covenant God. This unity is a recurring motif in Chronicles, often contrasted with later divisions. Thirdly, the verse points to the **Sacredness of the Ark of the Covenant** itself, describing it as the dwelling place of God's name and presence, specifically "that dwelleth between the cherubims." This imagery, deeply rooted in the Pentateuchal descriptions of the tabernacle (e.g., [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Promise to Meet Israel at the Mercy Seat")), emphasizes the Ark's role as the earthly throne of the invisible God, where He met with His people and where His glory was manifested. The subsequent events in [1 Chronicles 13:9-10](/1_chronicles/13-9 "1 Chronicles 13:9-10 - Uzzah's Death") further develop the theme of God's holiness and the necessity of approaching Him according to His prescribed ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Baalah (Hebrew, _Baʿălāh'_):** This is an alternative name for Kirjathjearim, meaning "mistress" or "possessor," possibly referring to a high place or a place of worship. Its inclusion here clarifies the location for the reader, indicating the specific town within Judah where the Ark had been housed for decades. The dual naming highlights the geographical precision of the Chronicler's account.
* **Ark of God the LORD (Hebrew, _ʾărôn hāʾĕlōhîm YHWH'_):** This phrase is profoundly significant. "Ark of God" emphasizes its divine origin and sacred purpose. The addition of "the LORD" (YHWH, the personal covenant name of God) distinguishes the God of Israel from all other deities and underscores His unique relationship with His people. It signifies that this is not merely a religious artifact, but the very symbol of the living, covenant-keeping God's presence.
* **dwelleth [between] the cherubims (Hebrew, _yōšēḇ hakkərūḇîm'_):** This refers to the Mercy Seat (kapporeth) atop the Ark, flanked by two golden cherubim. The phrase describes God's symbolic throne and the place where His glory (Shekinah) was manifested. It signifies God's transcendent majesty yet His immanent presence among His people, particularly in the Holy of Holies. This imagery draws directly from the tabernacle instructions in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and Ark").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David went up, and all Israel,"**: This clause establishes David's leadership in this endeavor, but critically, it emphasizes the collective involvement of "all Israel." This highlights the national unity and widespread support for bringing the Ark, indicating a spiritual revival and a unified desire to honor God. "Went up" suggests a journey from Jerusalem or a lower elevation to Kirjathjearim.
* **"to Baalah, [that is], to Kirjathjearim, which [belonged] to Judah,"**: This specifies the destination, providing geographical clarity. Kirjathjearim, located in the territory of Judah, was where the Ark had been stored for a prolonged period (approximately 70 years) after its return from Philistine captivity. The parenthetical "that is" serves as an explanatory note for the reader, identifying Baalah as another name for Kirjathjearim.
* **"to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD,"**: This states the explicit purpose of the journey: to retrieve the Ark. The designation "the ark of God the LORD" underscores its supreme sacredness and its direct association with the covenant God of Israel, YHWH. This was not a mere transfer of an object, but a profound religious act.
* **"that dwelleth [between] the cherubims, whose name is called [on it]."**: This final clause provides a rich theological description of the Ark's significance. It refers to the Mercy Seat, the lid of the Ark, where God's presence was believed to reside between the two cherubim figures. "Whose name is called on it" signifies that the Ark was the tangible representation of God's presence, authority, and covenant relationship with Israel. It implies that God's very identity and character were associated with this sacred object.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Emphasis** is achieved through the repeated phrase "all Israel," underscoring the nationwide participation and unity in this religious undertaking, a common theme in Chronicles to portray David's reign as a golden age of unified worship. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "ark of God the LORD" serving as the central symbol of God's immanent presence, His covenant, and His throne among His people. The description "that dwelleth between the cherubims" is a form of **Theological Language** or **Circumlocution**, reverently describing God's presence without directly stating He physically dwells there, highlighting His transcendence while affirming His accessibility. The inclusion of both "Baalah" and "Kirjathjearim" is a form of **Apposition** or **Clarification**, providing precise geographical detail for the audience, ensuring no ambiguity about the Ark's long-term resting place.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 13:6 is foundational to understanding David's reign as one deeply committed to God's centrality in national life. The act of bringing the Ark to Jerusalem was not merely a political maneuver to consolidate power; it was a theological statement about the source of Israel's strength and identity. David recognized that true kingship was predicated on God's presence and blessing. This verse initiates a crucial period where David seeks to establish Jerusalem as the spiritual capital, a place where God's name would dwell and where His people could properly worship Him. It highlights the profound importance of God's presence for the well-being of His people and foreshadows the eventual construction of the Temple, a permanent dwelling place for the Ark and a focal point for national worship, though not without the immediate lesson of obedience to God's specific commands regarding sacred things.

* [2 Samuel 6:1-2](/2_samuel/6-1 "2 Samuel 6:1-2 - David Gathers Israel to Bring the Ark")
* [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God Promises to Meet Israel at the Mercy Seat")
* [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Instructions for Carrying the Ark")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the human desire to draw near to God and to place His presence at the center of our lives and communities. David's enthusiasm, shared by "all Israel," reflects a commendable zeal for God. However, the subsequent events (Uzzah's death) underscore a critical lesson: good intentions, no matter how fervent, must always be coupled with humble obedience to God's revealed will. Our worship and service must be done not merely with passion, but with reverence and according to His Word. For us today, this means seeking God's presence not in a physical object, but through His Spirit, His Word, and in community with other believers. It calls us to examine whether our personal lives, families, and churches truly prioritize God's presence and whether we are seeking Him on His terms, not our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "bringing the Ark" mean for us today in a spiritual sense?**
* **How can we ensure our zeal for God is matched by our obedience to His commands?**
* **In what ways do we, like David, seek to centralize God's presence in our personal lives and communities?**
* **What lessons can we draw from David's initial attempt regarding the balance between good intentions and divine instruction?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Ark of the Covenant at Kirjathjearim for so long?**

Answer: The Ark had been at Kirjathjearim for approximately 70 years after its return from Philistine captivity. Following its capture by the Philistines and the subsequent plagues it brought upon them, the Philistines returned the Ark to Israelite territory. It first arrived in Beth-shemesh, causing a plague there due to improper handling, and was then taken to Kirjathjearim, where it remained in the house of Abinadab (see [1 Samuel 6-7](/1_samuel/6 "1 Samuel 6-7 - The Ark's Return and Stay at Kirjathjearim")). During this period, there was no centralized place of worship for the Ark, and its sacredness was largely neglected until David's reign.

**What is the significance of the phrase "dwelleth between the cherubims"?**

Answer: This phrase refers to the Mercy Seat (kapporeth) on top of the Ark, which was flanked by two golden cherubim figures. According to the instructions given to Moses for the Tabernacle (e.g., [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Promise to Meet Israel at the Mercy Seat")), this was the specific place where God promised to meet with Israel and speak to them. It symbolized God's invisible presence, His throne, and the place where atonement was made on the Day of Atonement. It signifies God's transcendence (He is enthroned above) and His immanence (He is present among His people).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's earnest, though initially flawed, attempt to bring God's presence to the heart of Israel finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Ark of the Covenant, with its Mercy Seat and the dwelling of God "between the cherubims," was a powerful symbol of God's desire to be present among His people and the means by which He would meet with them. In the New Covenant, Jesus Himself becomes the true and ultimate dwelling place of God. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Jesus is Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")), embodying the very presence and glory that the Ark merely symbolized. He is the ultimate High Priest who entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, securing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, Our High Priest")). Through Christ, the "name" of God is truly called upon us, and we, as believers, become the temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")), fulfilling the longing for God's presence to reside not in a physical object, but within His people, united in Him. The desire to centralize God's presence, seen in David, is fully realized in the person and work of Christ, through whom we have direct access to the Father and in whom God's glory truly dwells.

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

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.