King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 13:8 Mean?

1 Chronicles 13:8 in the King James Version says “And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, ...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Chronicles 13:8 · KJV

Context

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

9

And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. Chidon: also called Nachon, 2.Sam.6.6. stumbled: or, shook it

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.

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 · 14 words
וְדָוִ֣יד1 of 14

“And David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְכָל2 of 14
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל3 of 14

“and all Israel”

H3478

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

מְשַֽׂחֲקִ֛ים4 of 14

“played”

H7832

to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play

לִפְנֵ֥י5 of 14

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים6 of 14

“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

בְּכָל7 of 14
H3605

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

עֹ֑ז8 of 14

“with all their might”

H5797

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

וּבְשִׁירִ֤ים9 of 14

“and with singing”

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

וּבְכִנֹּרוֹת֙10 of 14

“and with harps”

H3658

a harp

וּבִנְבָלִ֣ים11 of 14

“and with psalteries”

H5035

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

וּבְתֻפִּ֔ים12 of 14

“and with timbrels”

H8596

a tambourine

וּבִמְצִלְתַּ֖יִם13 of 14

“and with cymbals”

H4700

(only dual) double tinklers, i.e., cymbals

וּבַחֲצֹֽצְרֽוֹת׃14 of 14

“and with trumpets”

H2689

a trumpet (from its sundered or quavering note)

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 13:8 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 13:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 150:3-51 Chronicles 15:10-241 Chronicles 23:51 Chronicles 15:28Daniel 3:5-71 Chronicles 16:42

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