1 Chronicles 13:3
1 Chronicles 13:3 in Multiple Translations
Then let us bring back the ark of our God, for we did not inquire of Him in the days of Saul.”
And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.
and let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we sought not unto it in the days of Saul.
And let us get back for ourselves the ark of our God: for in the days of Saul we did not go to it for directions.
Let us bring the Ark of our God back to us, because we forgot about it during the time of Saul.”
And we will bring againe the Arke of our God to vs: for we sought not vnto it in the dayes of Saul.
and we bring round the ark of our God unto us, for we sought Him not in the days of Saul.'
Also, let’s bring the ark of our God back to us again, for we didn’t seek it in the days of Saul.”
And let us bring again to us the ark of our God: for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul.
And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we sought it not in the days of Saul.
because we want to bring the Sacred Chest of our God back to us. While Saul was the king, we did not go to God’s presence to ask him what we should do.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 13:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Chronicles 13:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נָסֵ֛בָּה
אֶת
אֲר֥וֹן
אֱלֹהֵ֖י/נוּ
אֵלֵ֑י/נוּ
כִּי
לֹ֥א
דְרַשְׁנֻ֖/הוּ
בִּ/ימֵ֥י
שָׁאֽוּל
וְ/נָסֵ֛בָּה
çâbab
H5437
to turn
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
N-cs
אֱלֹהֵ֖י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
אֵלֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
דְרַשְׁנֻ֖/הוּ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal-Perf-1cp | Suff
בִּ/ימֵ֥י
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-mp
שָׁאֽוּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 13:3
וְ/נָסֵ֛בָּה
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cp
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲר֥וֹן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
אֱלֹהֵ֖י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֵלֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
דְרַשְׁנֻ֖/הוּ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp | Suff
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
בִּ/ימֵ֥י
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
שָׁאֽוּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 13:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 13:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 13:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 13:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 13:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 13:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 13:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 13:3
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 13:3
Context — David Fetches the Ark
1Then David conferred with all his leaders, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds.
2And he said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if this is of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers in all the land of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites in their cities and pasturelands, so that they may join us.
3Then let us bring back the ark of our God, for we did not inquire of Him in the days of Saul.”
4And because this proposal seemed right to all the people, the whole assembly agreed to it. 5So David assembled all Israel, from the River Shihor in Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 7:1–2 | Then the men of Kiriath-jearim came for the ark of the LORD and took it into Abinadab’s house on the hill. And they consecrated his son Eleazar to guard the ark of the LORD. And from that day a long time passed, twenty years in all, as the ark remained at Kiriath-jearim. And all the house of Israel mourned and sought after the LORD. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 23:2 | So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 14:18 | Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (For at that time it was with the Israelites.) |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 14:36 | And Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until dawn, leaving no man alive!” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. But the priest said, “We must consult God here.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 23:9–12 | When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account. Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD. So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 22:10 | Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” |
| 7 | Psalms 132:6 | We heard that the ark was in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 22:15 | Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.” |
1 Chronicles 13:3 Summary
This verse shows that David wanted to bring back the ark of God because the Israelites had not been seeking God's guidance during the time of Saul. David recognized the importance of having God at the center of their nation and wanted to make things right. We can learn from David's example by prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking His guidance in our decisions, just as it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart. By doing so, we can experience God's presence and glory in our lives, just as the Israelites did when they returned to seeking Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did David want to bring back the ark of God?
David wanted to bring back the ark of God because the Israelites had neglected to inquire of Him during the days of Saul, as stated in 1 Chronicles 13:3, and he desired to restore their relationship with God, as seen in 2 Samuel 6:1-11.
What is the significance of the ark of God in this context?
The ark of God represented the presence and glory of God among the Israelites, and its return signified a renewed commitment to worship and obey Him, as commanded in Exodus 25:22 and referenced in 1 Chronicles 13:3.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of David's reign?
This verse marks a pivotal moment in David's reign, as he seeks to unify the nation and restore their spiritual heritage, which is a theme that continues throughout 1 Chronicles and is also seen in 2 Samuel 5:1-12.
What can we learn from David's desire to inquire of God?
We can learn the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in our decisions, just as David did, and as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have neglected to inquire of God in my own life, and how can I make a change to prioritize seeking His guidance?
- How can I, like David, take steps to restore my relationship with God and prioritize worship and obedience in my daily life?
- What are some things in my life that I have allowed to become idols, distracting me from seeking God's presence and glory, and how can I remove them?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, come together with other believers to seek God's presence and glory, and to support one another in our faith journeys?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 13:3
And let us bring again the ark of our God to us,.... The symbol of the divine Presence, than which nothing was more desirable to David, and he chose to begin his reign overall Israel with it: for we
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 13:3
And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul. Let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 13:3
The ark was then neglected; and the generality of the people either lived in the gross neglect of the solemn worship of God, or contented themselves with going to Gibeon, and offering sacrifices there, not caring, though the ark, the soul of the tabernacle, was in another place. In the days of Saul: so it was in the days of Samuel; but it is rather charged upon Saul than him; partly, because Samuel was exercised with continual wars, or expectation of wars, with the Philistines all the time of his regency, and therefore wanted the opportunity to bring back the ark, which Saul had and neglected; partly, because Samuel took care to stir up and maintain religion among them by other means, and in an extraordinary manner; whereas this was but one branch of Saul’ s impiety, and was joined with a contempt of all religion, as the history of his life shews; and partly, because it was more proper to accuse himself and the present generation, who were guilty of this neglect, than to rake into the ashes of their deceased progenitors, and lay his charge against those who were dead and gone some good while since.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 13:3
1 Chronicles 13:3 And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.Ver. 3. For we inquired not at it in the days of Saul.] He was so vexed with his enemies without and a spirit of envy and ambition within, that he minded not the ark. Mark here how David faults himself among others as negligent. So Ezra 9:7-15 Daniel 9:5-15.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 13:3
(3) Let us bring again.—Bring we round: transfer it from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem, as the throne was transferred (same verb) from Saul to David (1 Chronicles 10:14; 1 Chronicles 12:23). The Ark of our God to us.—The Ark was at Kirjath-jearim, a city of Judah, David’s own tribe. But the ting wished to establish it as the centre of the national worship in his new capital and royal residence, Jerusalem. For we enquired not at it.—Rather, we sought it not, that is, neglected it, cared nothing about it. The Ark had been left in the house of Abinadab at Kirjath-jearim, for twenty years, after the Philistines sent it back (1 Samuel 7:2). There may be a reference to Saul’s despairing neglect of consulting the Lord (1 Chronicles 10:13); and, perhaps, we should translate, “we sought Him not,” referring the suffix to God (comp. 1 Chronicles 15:13; Isaiah 9:12). There is no clear evidence that the Ark itself was ever used as an oracle (comp. Exodus 25:10-22; 1 Kings 8:9).
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 13:3
3. we inquired not at it] R.V. we sought not unto it. The meaning of the Heb. verb is to seek with care, to care for.
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 13:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
The Ark of the Covenant and the Cross of Christ by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Eli, the last judge in Israel. Eli was a weary old man who excused sin in his own family and condoned it in the priesthood. He |
|
Ark Error by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern about the mechanical and superficial nature of preaching the gospel. He criticizes the reliance on books and conferences, emphasizing |
|
(2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the need for Christians to have a mature understanding of the spiritual battle they face. He uses the example of a young man in military tra |
|
(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the contrasting lives of Saul and David in the book of 1 Samuel. It highlights Saul's downfall due to disobedience, fear of people, lack of repentance, and |
|
|
(1 Samuel) a Foolish Oath and Consequences by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a passage from the Bible about Saul and his son Jonathan. The speaker highlights the difficulty of pronouncing some of the Bible names but em |
|
He Said to Abiathar the Priest, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of distress, as exemplified by David's reliance on the ephod during a crisis when his men considered stoning |