Worthy.Bible » Parallel » 1 Chronicles » Chapter 13 » Verse 7-14

1 Chronicles 13:7-14 King James Version (KJV)

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.

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.

9 And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

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.

12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

13 So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.

14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.


1 Chronicles 13:7-14 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

7 And they carried H7392 the ark H727 of God H430 in a new H2319 cart H5699 out of the house H1004 of Abinadab: H41 and Uzza H5798 and Ahio H283 drave H5090 the cart. H5699

8 And David H1732 and all Israel H3478 played H7832 before H6440 God H430 with all their might, H5797 and with singing, H7892 and with harps, H3658 and with psalteries, H5035 and with timbrels, H8596 and with cymbals, H4700 and with trumpets. H2689

9 And when they came H935 unto the threshingfloor H1637 of Chidon, H3592 Uzza H5798 put forth H7971 his hand H3027 to hold H270 the ark; H727 for the oxen H1241 stumbled. H8058

10 And the anger H639 of the LORD H3068 was kindled H2734 against Uzza, H5798 and he smote H5221 him, because he put H7971 his hand H3027 to the ark: H727 and there he died H4191 before H6440 God. H430

11 And David H1732 was displeased, H2734 because the LORD H3068 had made H6555 a breach H6556 upon Uzza: H5798 wherefore that place H4725 is called H7121 Perezuzza H6560 to this day. H3117

12 And David H1732 was afraid H3372 of God H430 that day, H3117 saying, H559 How H1963 shall I bring H935 the ark H727 of God H430 home to me?

13 So David H1732 brought H5493 not the ark H727 home to himself to the city H5892 of David, H1732 but carried it aside H5186 into the house H1004 of Obededom H5654 the Gittite. H1663

14 And the ark H727 of God H430 remained H3427 with the family H1004 of Obededom H5654 in his house H1004 three H7969 months. H2320 And the LORD H3068 blessed H1288 the house H1004 of Obededom, H5654 and all that he had.


1 Chronicles 13:7-14 American Standard (ASV)

7 And they carried the ark of God upon a new cart, `and brought it' out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.

8 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, even with songs, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

9 And when they came unto the threshing-floor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

10 And the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put forth his hand to the ark; and there he died before God.

11 And David was displeased, because Jehovah had broken forth upon Uzza; and he called that place Perez-uzza, unto this day.

12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

13 So David removed not the ark unto him into the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.

14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months: and Jehovah blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that he had.


1 Chronicles 13:7-14 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

7 And they place the ark of God on a new cart, from the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio are leading the cart,

8 and David and all Israel are playing before God, with all strength, and with songs, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

9 And they come in unto the threshing-floor of Chidon, and Uzza putteth forth his hand to seize the ark, for the oxen were released,

10 and the anger of Jehovah is kindled against Uzza, and He smiteth him, because that he hath put forth his hand on the ark, and he dieth there before God.

11 And it is displeasing to David, because Jehovah hath made a breach upon Uzza, and one calleth that place `Breach of Uzza' unto this day.

12 And David feareth God on that day, saying, `How do I bring in unto me the ark of God?'

13 And David hath not turned aside the ark unto himself, unto the city of David, and turneth it aside unto the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.

14 And the ark of God dwelleth with the household of Obed-Edom, in his house, three months, and Jehovah blesseth the house of Obed-Edom, and all that he hath.


1 Chronicles 13:7-14 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

7 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart out of the house of Abinadab; and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.

8 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with lutes, and with tambours, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

9 And when they came to the threshing-floor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen had stumbled.

10 And the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he had put forth his hand to the ark; and there he died before God.

11 And David was indignant; for Jehovah had made a breach upon Uzza; and he called that place Perez-Uzza to this day.

12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God to me?

13 And David brought not the ark home unto himself into the city of David, but he carried it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.

14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months. And Jehovah blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that he had.


1 Chronicles 13:7-14 World English Bible (WEB)

7 They carried the ark of God on a new cart, [and brought it] out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.

8 David and all Israel played before God with all their might, even with songs, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with tambourines, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

9 When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

10 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Uzza, and he struck him, because he put forth his hand to the ark; and there he died before God.

11 David was displeased, because Yahweh had broken forth on Uzza; and he called that place Perez Uzza, to this day.

12 David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

13 So David didn't move the ark to him into the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.

14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months: and Yahweh blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that he had.


1 Chronicles 13:7-14 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

7 And they put the ark of God on a new cart, and took it out of the house of Abinadab; and Uzza and Ahio were the drivers of the cart.

8 Then David and all Israel made melody before God with all their strength, with songs and corded instruments of music, and with brass instruments and horns.

9 And when they came to the grain-floor of Chidon, Uzza put out his hand to keep the ark in its place, for the oxen were slipping.

10 And the wrath of the Lord, burning against Uzza, sent destruction on him because he had put his hand on the ark, and death came to him there before God.

11 And David was angry because of the Lord's outburst of wrath against Uzza, and he gave that place the name Perez-uzza, to this day.

12 And so great was David's fear of God that day, that he said, How may I let the ark of God come to me?

13 So David did not let the ark come back to him to the town of David, but had it turned away and put into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.

14 And the ark of God was in the house of Obed-edom for three months; and the Lord sent a blessing on the house of Obed-edom and on all he had.

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 1 Chronicles 13

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 13 Matthew Henry Commentary


Chapter 13

In the foregoing chapter we have David made king, by which the civil government was happily settled. In this chapter care is taken about religion.

  • I. David consults with the representatives of the people about bringing up the ark out of its obscurity into a public place; and it is resolved on (v. 1-4).
  • II. With a great deal of solemnity and joy, it is carried from Kirjathjearim (v. 5-8).
  • III. Uzza is struck dead for touching it, which, for the present, spoils the solemnity and stops the proceedings (v. 9-14).

1Ch 13:1-8

Here is,

  • I. David's pious proposal to bring up the ark of God to Jerusalem, that the royal city might be the holy city, v. 1-3. This part of the story we had not in Samuel. We may observe in this proposal,
    • 1. That as soon as David was well seated on his throne he had thoughts concerning the ark of God: Let us bring the ark to us, v. 3. Two things he aimed at herein:-
      • (1.) To do honour to God, by showing respect to his ark, the token of his presence. As soon as he had power in his hand he would use it for the advancement and encouragement of religion. Note, It ought to be the first and great care of those that are enriched and preferred to honour God with their honours, and to serve him, and the interests of his kingdom among men, with their wealth and power. David said not, "What pompous thing shall I do now?' or, "What pleasant thing?' but, "What pious thing?'
      • (2.) To have the comfort and benefit of that sacred oracle. "Let us bring it to us, not only that we may be a credit to it, but that it may be a blessing to us.' Those that honour God profit themselves. Note, It is the wisdom of those who are setting out in the world to take God's ark with them, to make his oracles their counsellors and his laws their rule. Those are likely to proceed in the favour of God who thus begin in the fear of God.
    • 2. That he consulted with the leaders of the people about it, v. 1. Though it was without doubt a very good work, and being king, he had the authority to command the doing of it, yet he chose rather to do it by consultation,
      • (1.) That he might show respect to the great men of the kingdom and put honour upon them. Though they made him king, yet he would not rule with a high hand. He did not say, "We will and command, and it is our royal pleasure, that you do so and so; and we will be obeyed,' but, "If it seem good to you, and you think that the motion comes from the Lord our God, let us send out orders for this purpose.' No prince that is wise will covet to be absolute. The people's allegiance is best secured by taking their concurrence in their representatives. Happy then art thou, O Britain!
      • (2.) That he might be advised by them in the manner of doing it, whether just now, whether publicly. David was a very intelligent man himself, and yet consulted with his captains; for in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. It is wisdom to make use of the wisdom of others.
      • (3.) That, they joining in it, it might pass the better for a national act and so might procure a national blessing.
    • 3. That he would have all the people summoned to attend on this occasion, both for the honour of the ark and for the people's satisfaction and edification, v. 2. Observe,
      • (1.) He calls the common people brethren, which bespeaks his humility and condescension (notwithstanding his advancement), and the tender concern he had for them. Thus our Lord Jesus is not ashamed to call his people brethren, Heb. 2:11.
      • (2.) He speaks of the people as a remnant that had escaped: Our brethren that are left in all the land of Israel. They had been under scattering providences. Their wars with the Philistines, and with the house of Saul, had wasted the country and cut off many. We now hope to see an end of these troubles. Let those that are left be quickened by late judgments, and present mercies, to seek unto God.
      • (3.) He takes care that the priests and Levites especially should be summoned to attend the ark; for it was their province in a particular manner. Thus Christian magistrates should stir up ministers to do their duty when they see them remiss.
    • 4. That all this is upon supposition that it is of the Lord their God. "Though it should seem good to you and me, yet if it be not of the Lord our God, we will not do it.' What ever we undertake, this must be our enquiry, "Is it of the Lord? Is it agreeable to his mind? Can we approve ourselves to him in it? May we expect that he will own us?'
    • 5. That thus it was requisite they should amend what has been amiss in the last reign, and, as it were, atone for their neglect: "For we enquired not at it in the days of Saul, and this was the reason why things went so ill with us: let that original error be amended, and then we may hope to see our affairs in a better posture.' Observe, David makes no peevish reflections upon Saul. He does not say, "Saul never cared for the ark, at least in the latter end of this reign;' but, in general, We enquired not at it, making himself with others guilty of this neglect. It better becomes us to judge ourselves than others. Humble good men lament their own share in national guilt, and take shame to themselves, Dan. 9:5, etc.
  • II. The people's ready agreement to this proposal (v. 4): The thing was right in the eyes of all the people. Nobody could say to the contrary, but that it was a very good work and very seasonable; so that it was resolved, nemine contradicente-unanimously, that they would do so. Those that prudently proposed a good work, and lead in it, will perhaps find a more ready concurrence in it than they expected. Great men know not what a great deal of good they are capable of doing by their influence on others.
  • III. The solemnity of bringing up the ark, v. 5, etc., which we read before, 2 Sa. 6:1, etc. Here therefore we shall only observe,
    • 1. That it is worth while to travel far to attend the ark of God. They came out of all parts of the country, from the river of Egypt, the utmost part south, to the entering of Hemath, which lay furthest north, (v. 5), to grace this solemnity.
    • 2. That we have reason greatly to rejoice in the revival of neglected ordinances and the return of the tokens of God's presence. When the light of religion shines out of obscurity, when it is openly and freely professed, is brought into reputation, and countenanced by princes and great ones, it is such a happy omen to a people as is worthy to be welcomed with all possible expressions of joy.
    • 3. When, after long disuse, ordinances come to be revived, it is too common for even wise and good men to make some mistakes. Who would have thought that David would commit such an error as this, to carry the ark upon a cart? v. 7. because the Philistines so carried it, and a special providence drove the cart (1 Sa. 6:12), he thought they might do so too. But we must walk by rule, not by example when it varies from the rule, no, not even by those examples which Providence has owned.

1Ch 13:9-14

This breach upon Uzza, which caused all the joy to cease, we had an account of, 2 Sa. 6:6, etc.

  • 1. Let the sin of Uzza warn us all to take heed of presumption, rashness, and irreverence, in dealing about holy things (v. 9), and not to think that a good intention will justify a bad action. In our communion with God we must carefully watch over our own hearts, lest familiarity breed contempt, and we think God is in any way beholden to us.
  • 2. Let the punishment of Uzza convince us that the God with whom we have to do is a jealous God. His death, like that of Nadab and Abihu, proclaims aloud that God will be sanctified in those that come nigh unto him (Lev. 10:3), and that the nearer any are to him the more displeased he is with their presumptions. Let us not dare to trifle with God in our approaches to him; and yet let us, through Christ, come boldly to the throne of grace; for we are under the dispensation of liberty and grace, not of bondage and terror.
  • 3. Let the damp this gave to the joy of Israel be a memorandum to us always to rejoice with trembling, and to serve the Lord with fear, even when we serve him with gladness.
  • 4. Let David's displeasure upon this occasion caution us to take heed to our spirits when we are under divine rebukes, lest, instead of submitting to God, we quarrel with him. If God be angry with us, shall we dare to be angry with him?
  • 5. Let the stop thus put to the solemnity caution us not to be driven off from our duty by those providences which are only intended to drive us from our sins. David should have gone on with the work notwithstanding the breach made upon Uzza; so might the breach have been made up.
  • 6. Let the blessing which the ark brought with it to the house of Obed-edom encourage us to welcome God's ordinances into our houses, as those that believe the ark is a guest that nobody shall lose by; not let it be less precious to us for its being to some a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence. If the gospel be to some a savour of death unto death, as the ark was to Uzza, yet let us receive it in the love of it and it will be to us a saviour of life unto life.