King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 13:9 Mean?

“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”

1 Chronicles 13:9 · KJV

Context

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.

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

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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 · 14 words
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ1 of 14

“And when they came”

H935

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

עַד2 of 14
H5704

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

גֹּ֣רֶן3 of 14

“unto the threshingfloor”

H1637

a threshing-floor (as made even); by analogy, any open area

כִּידֹ֑ן4 of 14

“of Chidon”

H3592

kidon, a place in palestine

וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח5 of 14

“put forth”

H7971

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

עֻזָּ֜א6 of 14

“Uzza”

H5798

uzza or uzzah, the name of five israelites

אֶת7 of 14
H853

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

יָד֗וֹ8 of 14

“his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לֶֽאֱחֹז֙9 of 14

“to hold”

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

אֶת10 of 14
H853

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

הָ֣אָר֔וֹן11 of 14

“the ark”

H727

a box

כִּ֥י12 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָֽׁמְט֖וּ13 of 14

“stumbled”

H8058

to fling down; incipiently to jostle; figuratively, to let alone, desist, remit

הַבָּקָֽר׃14 of 14

“for the oxen”

H1241

a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd

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 13:9 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 13:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 6:6

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