1 Chronicles 13:1 - Meaning and Application

Here is David’s godly plan to bring the ark of God up to Jerusalem, so the royal city would also become the holy city (1 Chronicles 13:1-3). This part of the story is not in Samuel. As soon as David was firmly settled on his throne, he turned his mind to the ark of God: “Let us bring the ark to us” (1 Chronicles 13:3).

He wanted two good things from this. First, he wanted to honor God by showing respect for the ark, the sign of God’s presence among his people. As soon as David had power, he wanted to use it to support true religion. This is a lesson for all who gain wealth, rank, or influence. Their first care should be to honor God with what he has given them, and to serve his kingdom among people.

Second, David wanted the comfort and help that came from this holy sign. He wanted the ark not only to be honored, but also to be a blessing to the nation. Those who honor God profit themselves. It is wise for people just beginning life in the world to carry God’s ark with them, meaning to make God’s word their guide and his laws their rule. Those who begin in the fear of God are more likely to continue in his favor.

David also consulted the leaders of the people about it, even though he had the right to command it (1 Chronicles 13:1). He chose a shared decision rather than ruling in a proud or heavy-handed way. He showed respect to the great men of the kingdom and gave them honor. A wise ruler does not try to be absolute. David also wanted their advice about how to carry this out, and whether it should happen at once and in public. Even though he was wise himself, he still asked counsel, because there is safety in many advisers. It is wise to use the wisdom of others.

He also wanted all the people gathered for this event, both to honor the ark and to help the people understand what was happening (1 Chronicles 13:2). He called them “brothers,” which shows his humility and kind concern for them. Our Lord Jesus is not ashamed to call his people brothers (Hebrews 2:11). David also spoke of the people as a remnant that had escaped. They had been shaken by trouble, and many had been lost in the wars with the Philistines and the house of Saul. Now there was hope that those hard days were ending. People who are left after judgment should be stirred up by both past warnings and present mercy to seek God.

David especially wanted the priests and Levites to attend, because this work belonged to them in a special way. In the same way, Christian rulers should encourage ministers to do their duty when they grow careless. David also made it clear that all this should only go forward if it was from the Lord their God. Even if it seemed good to him and to the people, they would not do it unless it was God’s will. Whatever we begin, we should ask, “Is this from the Lord? Does it agree with his mind? Can we do it in a way that pleases him?”

David also said they needed to repair what had gone wrong in the previous reign. “For we did not seek it in the days of Saul,” he said, meaning they had not rightly cared for the ark then, and that neglect had helped bring trouble on the nation. He does not speak bitterly against Saul. He includes himself and the people in the blame. It is better to judge ourselves than others. Humble believers grieve over their own share in public guilt and are willing to take shame to themselves (Daniel 9:5 and following).

The people agreed at once. “The thing was right in the eyes of all the people” (1 Chronicles 13:4). No one could deny that it was a good and timely work. So they all agreed, without a single voice against it, to go ahead. Those who wisely begin a good work often find more support than they expected. Great people often do more good than they realize through their influence on others.

Then came the solemn bringing up of the ark, which is described more fully elsewhere (1 Chronicles 13:5 and following; 2 Samuel 6:1 and following). Still, a few things stand out here. It is worth traveling far to attend the ark of God. People came from all over the land, from the river of Egypt in the far south to the entrance of Hamath in the far north, to honor this event (1 Chronicles 13:5). We also have reason to rejoice greatly when neglected ordinances are restored and the signs of God’s presence return. When religion comes into the light again, is openly professed, and is honored by rulers and great men, that is a happy sign for a nation.

When holy practices are revived after a long time, even wise and good people can make mistakes. Who would have expected David to commit such an error as carrying the ark on a cart (1 Chronicles 13:7)? He did this because the Philistines had done so, and because a special act of God had guided their cart (1 Samuel 6:12). But we must follow God’s rule, not merely copy examples, even examples that God has allowed.