1 Chronicles 13 Study Notes

13:1-4 David consulted with all his leaders, but not the Levites, who could have kept him from the mistake he was about to make.

13:5-8 At this point the ark was at Kiriath-jearim, a town north of Jerusalem. It had rested there for several decades after it had been returned by the Philistines. Seventy men of the town of Beth-shemesh had been killed when they looked inside it (1Sm 6:19). Since that time the ark had been largely ignored. Abinadab, the owner of the property on which the ark had settled, had prospered because of its presence (1Sm 7:1). In their eagerness to move the ark to Jerusalem, David’s officials made sure that the procession was as grandiose as possible. They got a new cart, the best of oxen, and undoubtedly two of the most experienced oxen drivers in the area. With much pomp and circumstance, accompanied by an impressive band, the procession set out in high spirits.

13:9 Uzzah, fearing that the ark might slide off the cart, reached out to hold it steady.

13:10 Good intentions aside, Uzzah was violating the sacredness of the ark by touching an object that the Lord had declared untouchable. Lest there be any doubt about it, the Chronicler insists that it was the Lord who struck Uzzah dead.

13:11-12 David was angry that the Lord had interfered with his plans for giving the ark such triumphal treatment. Then his anger turned to fear. The display of the holiness and power of God made David doubt whether he was able or worthy to bring the ark to his city.

13:13-14 While David pondered what to do, the ark of God was parked at the home of Obed-edom. Obed-edom’s family—just as Abinadab’s in Kiriath-jearim had—enjoyed special blessings from the Lord because they were hosting the ark.