1 Chronicles 13

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with King David consulting with the leaders of Israel to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. They set out with the Ark, but when Uzzah reaches out to steady it, he is struck down by God. David is angry and afraid, and he leaves the Ark at the house of Obed-edom. After three months, during which the household of Obed-edom is blessed, David brings the Ark to Jerusalem, sacrificing oxen and fatlings along the way. The chapter ends with David dancing before the Lord and distributing food to the people.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Chronicles, which describes the reign of King David and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. The chapter fits within the context of David's attempts to unify the nation and establish Jerusalem as the capital. The chapter also connects to the larger biblical narrative, as it references the Ark of the Covenant and the covenant between God and the Israelites.

Heart Application

As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of revering and obeying God. We should approach God with humility and respect, recognizing His power and authority. We should also seek to obey God's commands, even when they are difficult or challenging, and trust in His goodness and sovereignty.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter describes King David's attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The Ark was a symbol of God's presence, and the Israelites treated it with reverence and respect. When Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark, he was struck down by God, highlighting the importance of obeying God's commands. The chapter ends with David bringing the Ark to Jerusalem and sacrificing oxen and fatlings along the way.

Voices from the Church

“The Ark of the Covenant was a symbol of God's presence, and it is a reminder to us of the importance of revering and obeying God. As we approach God, we should do so with humility and respect, recognizing His power and authority.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The consequences of Uzzah's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of obeying God's commands. We should seek to understand and obey God's instructions, even when they are difficult or challenging.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Decision to Bring the Ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13:1-4) — King David consults with the leaders of Israel to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, and they set out with the Ark.
2. The Consequences of Uzzah's Actions (1 Chronicles 13:5-10) — Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark, and he is struck down by God. David is angry and afraid, and he leaves the Ark at the house of Obed-edom.
3. The Blessings of Obedience (1 Chronicles 13:11-14) — The household of Obed-edom is blessed for three months while the Ark is in his care, demonstrating the benefits of obedience to God.
4. The Ark is Brought to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13:1-14) — David brings the Ark to Jerusalem, sacrificing oxen and fatlings along the way. The chapter ends with David dancing before the Lord and distributing food to the people.
5. Conclusion (1 Chronicles 13:1-14) — The chapter highlights the importance of revering and obeying God, as seen in the consequences of Uzzah's actions and the blessings of Obed-edom's obedience.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God, as seen in the consequences of Uzzah's actions and the blessings of Obed-edom's obedience. God is the one who is in control, and His commands should be obeyed.

The Importance of Reverence

The chapter emphasizes the importance of revering and obeying God, as seen in the Israelites' fear of God's judgment. We should approach God with humility and respect, recognizing His power and authority.

The Blessings of Obedience

The household of Obed-edom was blessed for three months while the Ark was in his care, demonstrating the benefits of obedience to God. This serves as an encouragement to seek to obey God's commands.

The Consequences of Disobedience

The consequences of Uzzah's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of obeying God's commands. We should seek to understand and obey God's instructions, even when they are difficult or challenging.

Lessons from 1 Chronicles 13

1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obeying God's commands, as seen in the consequences of Uzzah's actions. This serves as a reminder to carefully consider and obey God's instructions.
2. The Blessings of Obedience — The household of Obed-edom was blessed for three months while the Ark was in his care, demonstrating the benefits of obedience to God. This serves as an encouragement to seek to obey God's commands.
3. The Reverence of God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of revering and obeying God, as seen in the Israelites' fear of God's judgment. This serves as a reminder to approach God with humility and respect.
4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God, as seen in the consequences of Uzzah's actions and the blessings of Obed-edom's obedience. God is the one who is in control, and His commands should be obeyed.
5. The Importance of Unity — King David's decision to bring the Ark to Jerusalem demonstrates his desire to unify the nation and establish Jerusalem as the capital. This serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation in the body of Christ.

Themes from 1 Chronicles 13

1. The Ark of the Covenant — The Ark was a symbol of God's presence, and it represented the throne of God and the mercy seat, where atonement was made for sin.
2. Reverence and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of revering and obeying God, as seen in the Israelites' fear of God's judgment. This serves as a reminder to approach God with humility and respect.
3. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God, as seen in the consequences of Uzzah's actions and the blessings of Obed-edom's obedience. God is the one who is in control, and His commands should be obeyed.
4. The Blessings of Obedience — The household of Obed-edom was blessed for three months while the Ark was in his care, demonstrating the benefits of obedience to God. This serves as an encouragement to seek to obey God's commands.
5. The Importance of Unity — King David's decision to bring the Ark to Jerusalem demonstrates his desire to unify the nation and establish Jerusalem as the capital. This serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation in the body of Christ.

Questions for Meditation

1. What can we learn from the consequences of Uzzah's actions in 1 Chronicles 13:9-10?
2. How does the household of Obed-edom demonstrate the blessings of obedience in 1 Chronicles 13:13-14?
3. What does the chapter teach us about the importance of reverence and obedience to God?
4. How does King David's decision to bring the Ark to Jerusalem demonstrate his desire to unify the nation and establish Jerusalem as the capital?
5. What can we apply from this chapter to our own lives, in terms of revering and obeying God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 1 Chronicles 13

	Sermon	Description
	Your Prayer Can Change the World - Part 1 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the gospel of the kingdom of God. He explains that the gospel not only saves us from the kingdom of Satan but also transfo
	"Old Fashioned Hell Fire Preaching" by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon emphasizes the danger of trying to modernize or improve upon the ways of God, likening it to the mistake of trying to steady the Ark of God with human efforts. It highl
	Ark of the Covenant - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samuel and the Israelites' battle against the Philistines. The Israelites were defeated, and the elders of Israel questioned why
	Don't Take Away the Job From Jesus by Hans Peter Royer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God is the master and we are His servants. He highlights the tendency for us to try to make God follow our
	David - Failure and Effectiveness by Devern Fromke	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a group of people who were enthusiastic about evangelizing and helping forgotten people in their country. They set up their own bak
	When Mercy Kills an Outstretched Hand by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the danger of hirelings in the pulpit who avoid addressing sin in the lives of their congregation. He emphasizes that when God is not present,
	Finishing the Course - 02 Filling Up What Is Lacking by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people attending church meetings but not actively seeking fellowship with others. He emphasizes the importance of filling up what
	The Presence of God - Part 1 by David Ravenhill	In this sermon, David Ravenhill discusses the story of the Ark of the Covenant being captured by the Philistines and the consequences it had on the Israelites. He emphasizes the im
	Featured Audio Sermon: Don't Take Away the Job From Jesus by Hans Peter Royer	This sermon from 1 Chronicles focuses on the story of David bringing back the Ark of God, highlighting the importance of seeking God's ways and submitting to His will rather than r
	The Fear of God (01) Introduction by Don Courville	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing a man struggling to walk and falling down. Instead of laughing, the speaker realizes that this is an opportun

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Chronicles 13

In this chapter, we see the importance of revering and obeying God, as demonstrated by the consequences of Uzzah's actions. The Ark of the Covenant was a symbol of God's presence, and it represented the throne of God and the mercy seat, where atonement was made for sin. The chapter highlights the need for careful consideration and obedience to God's commands, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with humility and respect. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the ark was a type of Christ, and the reverence with which the Israelites treated it was a shadow of the reverence we should have for Christ.' The chapter also demonstrates the blessings of obedience, as seen in the household of Obed-edom, and it serves as an encouragement to seek to obey God's commands and to reverence His name. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?