2 Chronicles 1:4

But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to [the place which] David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

But {H61} the ark {H727} of God {H430} had David {H1732} brought up {H5927} from Kirjathjearim {H7157} to the place which David {H1732} had prepared {H3559} for it: for he had pitched {H5186} a tent {H168} for it at Jerusalem {H3389}.

But the ark of God David had brought up from Kiryat-Ye'arim to the place he had prepared for it - he had set up a tent for it in Yerushalayim.

Now David had brought the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the place he had prepared for it, because he had pitched a tent for it in Jerusalem.

But the ark of God had David brought up from Kiriath-jearim to the place that David had prepared for it; for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 1:4 serves as a crucial parenthetical note within the opening account of Solomon's reign, explaining the location of the Ark of God relative to the tabernacle. While Solomon went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices at the tabernacle of the congregation (as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 1:3), this verse clarifies that the Ark, the supreme symbol of God's presence, was not there. Instead, King David had already brought it to Jerusalem.

Context

This verse provides vital background for understanding the spiritual landscape of Israel at the beginning of Solomon's rule. For decades, the Ark of the Covenant had been separated from the Mosaic Tabernacle. After its capture by the Philistines and subsequent return, the Ark resided at Kirjathjearim for many years. King David, driven by a deep desire to centralize Israel's worship and honor God, made it a priority to bring the Ark to his newly established capital, Jerusalem. He prepared a special tent for it, signifying Jerusalem as the spiritual heart of the nation, even before the construction of the permanent Temple by Solomon.

Key Themes

  • The Centrality of God's Presence: The Ark was not merely an artifact; it represented the very presence of God among His people. David's act of bringing it to Jerusalem underscored his understanding that the true strength and identity of Israel lay in the Lord's dwelling among them.
  • David's Devotion and Preparations: This verse highlights David's proactive spiritual leadership. His actions laid the groundwork for the future Temple, demonstrating his heart for God and his commitment to establishing a proper place for divine worship. His transfer of the Ark to Jerusalem was a monumental event in Israelite history.
  • Jerusalem as the Holy City: By bringing the Ark, David consecrated Jerusalem as the spiritual and political capital, a status it would hold for centuries. The tent he pitched was a temporary, yet significant, dwelling place for the Ark, anticipating the magnificent Temple Solomon would build.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the ark of God" (Hebrew: aron ha'Elohim) emphasizes its divine origin and sacred nature. It was not just an ordinary chest but the holy vessel containing the tablets of the Law, representing God's covenant with Israel. David's action of "pitched a tent" (Hebrew: natah ohel) for it underscores the temporary, yet reverent, nature of the dwelling he prepared, a stark contrast to the permanent Temple that would soon be built.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the importance of prioritizing God's presence in our lives and communities. Just as David painstakingly prepared a place for the Ark, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives as dwelling places for God through faith in Christ. It also illustrates the significance of spiritual leadership that actively seeks to honor God and establish environments conducive to worship and His presence. David's dedication to God's dwelling place serves as an enduring example of devotion.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Samuel 6:2

    And David arose, and went with all the people that [were] with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth [between] the cherubims.

  • 2 Samuel 6:17

    And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:25

    ¶ So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:28

    Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:1

    ¶ And [David] made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.

  • 1 Chronicles 16:1

    ¶ So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God.

  • 1 Chronicles 13:5

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

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