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.

For because ye did it not at the first {H7223}, the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} made a breach {H6555} upon us, for that we sought {H1875} him not after the due order {H4941}.

It's because you weren't there the first time that ADONAI our God broke out against us. We didn't seek him out according to the rule."

It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.”

For because ye bare it not at the first, Jehovah our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not according to the ordinance.

Commentary

Context

First Chronicles 15:13 is spoken by King David to the Levites and priests as they prepare for the second, successful attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This verse directly addresses the catastrophic failure of the first attempt, detailed in 1 Chronicles 13, where Uzzah died after touching the Ark. David acknowledges that God's judgment—the "breach" or divine outburst—occurred because they had not followed the prescribed divine method for transporting the sacred Ark. This reflection highlights a crucial lesson learned about the importance of obedience and reverence in approaching God's holy presence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Holiness: The verse powerfully emphasizes that God's holiness demands adherence to His specific instructions. The Ark of the Covenant was not merely a religious artifact but a symbol of God's tangible presence among His people, and its handling required absolute precision and reverence.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The "breach" upon them serves as a stark reminder that neglecting God's established ways leads to serious, even fatal, consequences. It underscores the principle that human intentions, no matter how good, cannot supersede divine commands.
  • Learning from Error and Repentance: David's statement shows a profound moment of national repentance and a commitment to correct past mistakes. Instead of abandoning the task, they learn from their error and diligently seek to understand and follow God's "due order" for the second attempt. This demonstrates a willingness to humble themselves and align their actions with God's will.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "made a breach upon us" comes from the Hebrew word perets (פרץ), which means "a breaking forth," "a bursting out," or "a breach." In this context, it refers to God's sudden and violent judgment, a divine outburst against their improper handling of the Ark. It signifies a forceful breaking in, highlighting the severity of His displeasure. The critical phrase "sought him not after the due order" uses the Hebrew k'mishpat (כמשפט), meaning "according to the judgment," "according to the custom," or "according to the rule." It emphasizes that they failed to follow the established, specific divine protocol for transporting the Ark, which was to be carried by the Levites using poles (Numbers 4:15; Exodus 25:14), not transported on a cart.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that approaching God, whether in worship, service, or personal devotion, must be done on His terms, not ours. While the specific laws regarding the Ark are no longer applicable, the underlying principle of reverence for God's holiness and obedience to His Word remains paramount. We are called to seek Him "after the due order" by submitting to His revealed will found in Scripture. This includes living according to His moral commands, worshipping Him in spirit and truth, and relying on the finished work of Christ for our access to Him. Learning from past failures, both personal and corporate, and humbly correcting our course according to God's instruction is essential for spiritual growth and avoiding unnecessary "breaches" in our walk with Him.

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Cross-References

  • 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 Corinthians 14:40

    Let all things be done decently and in order.

  • 1 John 1:8

    ¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

  • 1 John 1:10

    If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:2

    Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.

  • Proverbs 28:13

    ¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

  • 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.
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