King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 13:12 Mean?

1 Chronicles 13:12 in the King James Version says “And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?”

1 Chronicles 13:12 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

10

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.

11

And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day. Perezuzza: that is, The breach of Uzza

12

And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

13

So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite. brought: Heb. removed

14

And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.

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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 · 13 words
וַיִּירָ֤א1 of 13

“was afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

דָוִיד֙2 of 13

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת3 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃4 of 13

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בַּיּ֥וֹם5 of 13

“that day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֖וּא6 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֵאמֹ֑ר7 of 13

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֵ֚יךְ8 of 13

“How”

H1963

how?

אָבִ֣יא9 of 13

“shall I bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵלַ֔י10 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֖ת11 of 13
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֲר֥וֹן12 of 13

“the ark”

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃13 of 13

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 13:12 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 13:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:1201 Kings 8:27Job 25:5-61 Samuel 6:20Numbers 17:12-131 Samuel 5:10-11

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