King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 13:5 Mean?

1 Chronicles 13:5 in the King James Version says “So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God fr...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Chronicles 13:5 · KJV

Context

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.

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.

6

And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it.

7

And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart. carried: Heb. made the ark to ride

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 · 17 words
וַיַּקְהֵ֤ל1 of 17

“gathered”

H6950

to convoke

דָּוִיד֙2 of 17

“So David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אֶת3 of 17
H853

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

כָּל4 of 17
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל5 of 17

“all Israel”

H3478

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

מִן6 of 17
H4480

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

שִׁיח֥וֹר7 of 17

“from Shihor”

H7883

shichor, a stream of egypt

מִצְרַ֖יִם8 of 17

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְעַד9 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

לְהָבִיא֙10 of 17

“even unto the entering”

H935

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

חֲמָ֑ת11 of 17

“of Hemath”

H2574

chamath, a place in syria

לְהָבִיא֙12 of 17

“even unto the entering”

H935

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

אֶת13 of 17
H853

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

אֲר֣וֹן14 of 17

“the ark”

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים15 of 17

“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

מִקִּרְיַ֖ת16 of 17
H7151

a city

יְעָרִֽים׃17 of 17

“from Kirjathjearim”

H7157

kirjath-jearim or kirjath-arim, a place in palestine

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 13:5 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 13:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 6:21-7:12 Samuel 6:11 Kings 8:651 Chronicles 15:3Joshua 13:3-61 Chronicles 13:6

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
Kiriath-jearimSettlement · Modern: Deir el Azar · 31.81°N, 35.10°E19 verses across 8 books
Lebo-hamathSettlement · Modern: Labweh · 34.19°N, 36.35°E12 verses across 9 books
Shihor 1River · Modern: Pelusiac branch of the Nile · 31.04°N, 32.55°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in 1 Chronicles 13 →

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