King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 15:13 Mean?

1 Chronicles 15:13 in the King James Version says “For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.”

1 Chronicles 15:13 · KJV

Context

11

And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,

12

And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it.

13

For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

14

So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.

15

And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.

Read 1 Chronicles 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order—David's confession pinpoints the problem: ki lo' darashnu mishpat ('we sought him not according to the ordinance'). The word mishpat means prescribed manner, the Torah's detailed instructions for handling holy objects (Num 4:15).

The 'breach' (parats) refers to Uzzah's death, a breaking forth of divine holiness against violation. David learned that good intentions (retrieving the ark) don't excuse bad methods (using a cart). This principle pervades Scripture: God cares about how we obey, not just that we obey. The New Covenant doesn't abolish this principle but internalizes it through Spirit-empowered obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's public acknowledgment of error before all Israel's leaders demonstrated the humility that made him 'a man after God's own heart' (1 Sam 13:14). This transparent confession unified the second attempt around proper worship principles, not human innovation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between well-intentioned disobedience and Spirit-directed obedience?
  2. What 'due order' in Scripture have you overlooked in favor of seemingly practical alternatives?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כִּ֛י1 of 12
H3588

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

לְמַבָּרִ֥אשׁוֹנָ֖ה2 of 12

“For because ye did it not at the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

לֹ֣א3 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אַתֶּ֑ם4 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

פָּרַ֨ץ5 of 12

“made a breach”

H6555

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

יְהוָ֤ה6 of 12

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙7 of 12

“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

בָּ֔נוּ8 of 12
H0
כִּי9 of 12
H3588

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

לֹ֥א10 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

דְרַשְׁנֻ֖הוּ11 of 12

“upon us for that we sought”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃12 of 12

“him not after the due order”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

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 15:13 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 15:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 6:31 Corinthians 14:401 John 1:8-101 Corinthians 11:22 Samuel 6:7-8Numbers 7:9

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