1 Chronicles 13:3

Authorized King James Version

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And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.

Original Language Analysis

וְנָסֵ֛בָּה And let us bring again H5437
וְנָסֵ֛בָּה And let us bring again
Strong's: H5437
Word #: 1 of 10
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲר֥וֹן the ark H727
אֲר֥וֹן the ark
Strong's: H727
Word #: 3 of 10
a box
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ of our God H430
אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ of our God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 4 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֵלֵ֑ינוּ H413
אֵלֵ֑ינוּ
Strong's: H413
Word #: 5 of 10
near, with or among; often in general, to
כִּי H3588
כִּי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 6 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
דְרַשְׁנֻ֖הוּ to us for we enquired H1875
דְרַשְׁנֻ֖הוּ to us for we enquired
Strong's: H1875
Word #: 8 of 10
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
בִּימֵ֥י not at it in the days H3117
בִּימֵ֥י not at it in the days
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 9 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
שָׁאֽוּל׃ of Saul H7586
שָׁאֽוּל׃ of Saul
Strong's: H7586
Word #: 10 of 10
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

Analysis & Commentary

The phrase 'let us bring again the ark of our God to us' reveals a crucial theological insight: the ark's absence during Saul's reign symbolized spiritual neglect. The ark represented God's covenant presence (Exodus 25:22), and retrieving it signified David's prioritization of worship and divine presence. The statement 'we enquired not at it in the days of Saul' connects to 1 Chronicles 10:14's indictment. Reformed theology emphasizes that true kingship serves God's glory and facilitates worship. However, the subsequent narrative shows that good intentions require biblical methodology - enthusiasm without obedience leads to judgment (Uzzah's death).

Historical Context

The ark had remained at Kiriath-jearim since the Philistines returned it (1 Samuel 7:1-2), roughly 70 years earlier. David's desire to centralize worship in Jerusalem reflected ancient Near Eastern patterns where capital cities hosted chief sanctuaries, but more importantly fulfilled God's promises about a chosen dwelling place (Deuteronomy 12).

Questions for Reflection