King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 13:6 Mean?

1 Chronicles 13:6 in the King James Version says “And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the... — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Chronicles 13:6 · KJV


Context

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

8

And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. singing: Heb. songs


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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 21 words
לְהַֽעֲל֣וֹת1 of 21

to bring up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

דָּוִ֤יד2 of 21

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְכָל3 of 21
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙4 of 21

and all Israel

H3478

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

בַּֽעֲלָ֔תָה5 of 21

to Baalah

H1173

baalah, the name of three places in palestine

אֶל6 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קִרְיַ֥ת7 of 21
H0
יְעָרִ֖ים8 of 21

that is to Kirjathjearim

H7157

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לִֽיהוּדָ֑ה10 of 21

which belonged to Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

לְהַֽעֲל֣וֹת11 of 21

to bring up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִשָּׁ֗ם12 of 21
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֵת֩13 of 21
H853

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

אֲר֨וֹן14 of 21

thence the ark

H727

a box

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֧ים׀15 of 21

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

יְהוָ֛ה16 of 21

the LORD

H3068

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

יוֹשֵׁ֥ב17 of 21

that dwelleth

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הַכְּרוּבִ֖ים18 of 21

between the cherubims

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

אֲשֶׁר19 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִקְרָ֥א20 of 21

is called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שֵֽׁם׃21 of 21

whose name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character


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 13:6 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 13:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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