I Chronicles 13:3
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Then let us bring back the ark of our God, for we did not inquire of Him in the days of Saul.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
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 inquired not at it in the days of Saul; he being indifferent to religion, and careless about it, and the enjoyment of the presence of God, and having direction from him; and the people also content with worship at the tabernacle at Gibeah, though the token of the divine Presence was absent.
Open source ↗In the foregoing chapter we have David made king, by which the civil government was happily settled. In this chapter care is taken about religion. I. David consults with the representatives of the people about bringing up the ark out of its obscurity into a public place; and it is resolved on (Ch1 13:1-4). II. With a great deal of solemnity and joy, it is carried from Kirjathjearim (Ch1 13:5-8). III. Uzza is struck dead for touching it, which, for the present, spoils the solemnity and stops the proceedings (Ch1 13:9-14).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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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.”
Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (For at that time it was with the Israelites.)
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.”
Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”
We heard that the ark was in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.
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.”