King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 13:2 Mean?

1 Chronicles 13:2 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 13:2 · 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

4

And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.


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 · 26 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 26

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דָּוִ֜יד2 of 26

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

לְכֹ֣ל׀3 of 26
H3605

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

קְהַ֣ל4 of 26

unto all the congregation

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל5 of 26

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אִם6 of 26
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

עֲלֵיכֶ֨ם7 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

ט֜וֹב8 of 26

If it seem good

H2895

to be (transitively, do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense

וּמִן9 of 26
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

יְהוָ֣ה10 of 26

unto you and that it be of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֗ינוּ11 of 26

our 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

נִפְרְצָה֙12 of 26

abroad

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

נִשְׁלְחָ֞ה13 of 26

let us send

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

עַל14 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַחֵ֣ינוּ15 of 26

unto our brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הַנִּשְׁאָרִ֗ים16 of 26

every where that are left

H7604

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

בְּכֹל֙17 of 26
H3605

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

אַרְצ֣וֹת18 of 26

in all the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל19 of 26

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְעִמָּהֶ֛ם20 of 26
H5973

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

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֥ים21 of 26

and with them also to the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְהַלְוִיִּ֖ם22 of 26

and Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

בְּעָרֵ֣י23 of 26

which are in their cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מִגְרְשֵׁיהֶ֑ם24 of 26

and suburbs

H4054

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

וְיִקָּֽבְצ֖וּ25 of 26

that they may gather

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

אֵלֵֽינוּ׃26 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to


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 13:2 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 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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