1 Chronicles 13:7

And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.

And they carried {H7392} the ark {H727} of God {H430} in a new {H2319} cart {H5699} out of the house {H1004} of Abinadab {H41}: and Uzza {H5798} and Ahio {H283} drave {H5090} the cart {H5699}.

They set the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Avinadav, with 'Uza and Achyo, the sons of Avinadav, driving the cart.

So they carried the ark of God from the house of Abinadab on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding the cart.

And they carried the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 13:7 describes a pivotal moment in King David's reign: the attempt to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. This verse specifically details the method chosen for transporting the Ark from the house of Abinadab.

Context

After establishing his kingdom in Jerusalem, King David's heart's desire was to bring the Ark of the Covenant, the tangible symbol of God's presence and His covenant with Israel, to his capital city. The Ark had been residing in the house of Abinadab in Kirjath-jearim for many years, ever since its return from the Philistines (1 Samuel 7:1). This verse marks the beginning of David's initial, flawed attempt at its relocation.

Key Themes

  • Reverence for God's Presence: David's desire to bring the Ark to Jerusalem demonstrates a commendable zeal for God and a recognition of the Ark's importance as the dwelling place of God's glory among His people.
  • The Danger of Good Intentions Without Obedience: While David's motive was good, the method of transport was critically flawed. Carrying the Ark on a "new cart" (a practice borrowed from the Philistines, as seen in 1 Samuel 6:7) directly violated specific divine instructions.
  • Divine Holiness and Human Responsibility: The Ark was supremely holy, and God had given precise commands for its handling. Only Kohathite Levites were permitted to carry it on their shoulders by means of poles (Numbers 4:15; Deuteronomy 10:8). This disregard for God's law highlights the danger of presumption and the necessity of obeying God's commands precisely, not just with good intentions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Ark of God" (Hebrew: 'aron Elohim) emphasizes its sacred nature and its connection to the divine presence. The term "new cart" (Hebrew: 'agalah chadashah) implies a fresh, perhaps well-intentioned, but ultimately unauthorized means of transport. While a new cart might seem to signify respect or care, its use here was a direct affront to the specific instructions God had given regarding the Ark's sacred movement.

Practical Application

This verse, especially when viewed in light of the immediate consequences detailed in 1 Chronicles 13:9-10 (Uzza's death for touching the Ark), serves as a powerful reminder:

  • God's Holiness Demands Respect: God is holy, and His commands are not arbitrary. We must approach Him and His work on His terms, not our own.
  • Obedience Over Innovation: While innovation can be valuable, it must never supersede clear divine directives. Good intentions do not excuse disobedience.
  • Learning from Mistakes: David later learned from this tragic event and ensured the Ark was transported correctly by the Levites on their shoulders (1 Chronicles 15:2). This teaches us the importance of humility and correcting our course when we realize we have erred in God's service.
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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

  • Numbers 4:15

    And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • 2 Samuel 6:3

    And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that [was] in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:13

    For because ye [did it] not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

  • 1 Samuel 6:7

    Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from 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 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.
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