1 Chronicles 13:4
And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.
Original Language Analysis
כָֽל
H3605
כָֽל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת
that they would do so
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֣וֹת
that they would do so
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כֵּ֑ן
H3651
כֵּ֑ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָשַׁ֥ר
was right
H3474
יָשַׁ֥ר
was right
Strong's:
H3474
Word #:
7 of 11
to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous
הַדָּבָ֖ר
for the thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֖ר
for the thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
8 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
in the eyes
H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
in the eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
9 of 11
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Historical Context
David consulted all Israel about retrieving the ark from Kiriath-jearim, where it had remained since the Philistines returned it (1 Sam 6-7). This democratic consultation showed David's leadership style, yet the subsequent disaster proved that majority approval doesn't override divine law.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we ensure our 'good ideas' for serving God align with His revealed will?
- When has popular enthusiasm led you to attempt God's work in unauthorized ways?
Analysis & Commentary
And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people—The Hebrew yashar ('right') indicates moral correctness and straight judgment. David's proposal to retrieve the ark received unanimous approval. Yet this 'right thing' was attempted wrongly (on a cart instead of Levitical shoulders), resulting in Uzzah's death (v.10).
This verse warns against substituting popular consensus for divine instruction. The people's enthusiasm didn't sanctify improper methods. Good intentions without adherence to God's prescribed order end in judgment. The Chronicler teaches post-exilic Israel that worship must follow revealed patterns, not human reasoning.