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1 Chronicles 13

14 verses

TL;DR

David leads a national effort to recover the Ark of the Covenant, but the endeavor is marred by the tragic death of Uzza, after which the Ark is temporarily housed in Obededom’s home, where it brings divine blessings.

Summary

King David consults Israel’s leaders and resolves to gather the Ark from Kirjathjearim, rallying all of Israel to the task. He moves the Ark in a newly prepared cart, accompanied by a jubilant procession of music and worship. When oxen stumble, Uzza reaches for the Ark, provoking divine wrath that kills him, unsettling David. Consequently, David hides the Ark in Obededom the Gittite’s house for three months, during which God blesses the family. This episode underscores the sanctity of the Ark, the consequences of human transgression, and the protective grace surrounding Israel’s covenant.

Outline
  1. David mobilizes Israel to recover the Ark
  2. The Ark’s transport is halted by Uzza’s fatal error
  3. The Ark is sheltered in Obededom’s house and brings blessings
Themes
Respect for the divine covenantConsequences of disobedienceDivine protection and blessing
Keywords
ArkcovenantDavidUzzaObededomIsraelJerusalemLevitespriestsingingmusicblessing
People
DavidUzzaAhioAbinadabObededom the Gittite
Places
Shihor of EgyptHemathKirjathjearim (Baalah)Judahhouse of Abinadabhouse of ObededomChidoncity of David
Things
Ark of the Covenantcartcherubsharpspsalteriestimbrelscymbalstrumpetsoxen
Key Verses
  • 1 Chronicles 13:10: Uzza’s death illustrates the severity of violating the Ark’s sanctity
  • 1 Chronicles 13:14: The Ark’s stay in Obededom’s house demonstrates divine blessing amid crisis
Questions
  • Why did David decide to relocate the Ark instead of keeping it in Jerusalem?
  • What does Uzza’s fatal transgression reveal about Israel’s relationship with the Ark?
  • How does the blessing of Obededom’s household reflect God’s faithfulness?
  • What lessons about leadership and obedience can be drawn from this episode?
  • How does the Ark’s movement symbolize the movement of the covenant in Israel’s history?
Sentiment

mixed
Initial enthusiasm and communal joy contrast with the tragic loss of Uzza and the subsequent fear that leads to the Ark’s temporary sheltering.