King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 13:1 Mean?

1 Chronicles 13:1 in the King James Version says “And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.”

1 Chronicles 13:1 · KJV

Context

1

And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.

2

And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and that it be of the LORD our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us: send: Heb. break forth and send in their: Heb. in the cities of their suburbs

3

And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul. bring: Heb. bring about

Read 1 Chronicles 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Theological Analysis: This passage falls within the section on Ark of the Covenant - first attempt to bring it to Jerusalem. The Hebrew term קֹדֶשׁ (qodesh) - holiness is theologically significant here, pointing to Importance of approaching God properly. The Chronicler's narrative, while paralleling Samuel-Kings in places, offers a distinct theological perspective emphasizing temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Chronicles presents David not primarily as warrior-king but as worship organizer and temple planner. This verse contributes to that portrait by highlighting the spiritual dimensions of Israel's national life. The text demonstrates that true prosperity comes through proper worship and covenant obedience rather than merely military or political success.

Doctrinally, this passage teaches about Importance of approaching God properly. Cross-references throughout Chronicles connect David's reign to the broader redemptive narrative, showing how God's covenant promises advance through faithful human leadership while ultimately depending on divine grace and power. The messianic implications are profound: Christ mediates proper worship and access to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Background: This section describes events from David's reign (c. 1010-970 BCE) but was written centuries later during the Persian period (c. 450-400 BCE). The Chronicler's selectivity in retelling David's story serves his theological purposes—he omits David's sins (Bathsheba, Absalom's rebellion) while emphasizing David's worship reforms and temple preparations.

The historical setting of Ark of the Covenant - first attempt to bring it to Jerusalem occurred during Israel's united monarchy, when the nation reached its territorial and political zenith. Archaeological evidence from this period shows significant building projects and administrative development. However, the Chronicler writes for a much smaller, struggling post-exilic community, using David's golden age to inspire hope for restoration.

Ancient Near Eastern parallels show that temple construction and royal sponsorship of worship were common across cultures. However, Israel's understanding of worship centered on covenant relationship with the one true God rather than manipulation of capricious deities. This theological distinctiveness shapes the Chronicler's presentation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse's emphasis on Importance of approaching God properly challenge or affirm your current spiritual priorities and practices?
  2. What does Christ mediates proper worship and access to God teach you about Jesus Christ and His redemptive work?
  3. In what practical ways can you apply the principles of covenant faithfulness and proper worship demonstrated in this passage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיִּוָּעַ֣ץ1 of 8

“consulted”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

דָּוִ֗יד2 of 8

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עִם3 of 8
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שָׂרֵ֧י4 of 8

“with the captains”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הָֽאֲלָפִ֛ים5 of 8

“of thousands”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְהַמֵּא֖וֹת6 of 8

“and hundreds”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

לְכָל7 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נָגִֽיד׃8 of 8

“and with every leader”

H5057

a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 13:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 13:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 34:29-301 Chronicles 12:202 Chronicles 29:202 Kings 23:11 Chronicles 12:322 Samuel 6:1

Test Your Knowledge

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