King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 13:1 Mean?

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

Context

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

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

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

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XIII. (1) **And David consulted.**—This consultation took place some time after the coronation at Hebron (comp. 2Samuel 6:1), “And David gathered together again every chosen man iıı Israel, thirty thousand.” This is all that Samuel has corresponding to our 1Chronicles 13:1-5. It is by no means necessary to assume that, “according to the context, we are still at Hebron in the assemblage of 350,000 warriors” (*Reuss*). Samuel implies the contrary. **Captains of thousands.**—*The thousands* (comp. 1Chronicles 12:20). **And the hundreds.**—Comp. Numbers 31:14. The hundreds were the smaller military divisions of the tribe, representing, perhaps, the warlike strength of the houses, as the thousands represented that of the clans or sub-tribes. **And with every leader.**—Rather, *viz. with every prince* (*nagîd*) or chief. These chiefs constituted the Great Council of the nation.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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.