1 Chronicles 15:13

Authorized King James Version

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For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֛י H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לְמַבָּרִ֥אשׁוֹנָ֖ה For because ye did it not at the first H7223
לְמַבָּרִ֥אשׁוֹנָ֖ה For because ye did it not at the first
Strong's: H7223
Word #: 2 of 12
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אַתֶּ֑ם H859
אַתֶּ֑ם
Strong's: H859
Word #: 4 of 12
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
פָּרַ֨ץ made a breach H6555
פָּרַ֨ץ made a breach
Strong's: H6555
Word #: 5 of 12
to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)
יְהוָ֤ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֤ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 6 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙ our God H430
אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙ our God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 7 of 12
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
בָּ֔נוּ H0
בָּ֔נוּ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 8 of 12
כִּי H3588
כִּי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 9 of 12
(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 #: 10 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
דְרַשְׁנֻ֖הוּ upon us for that we sought H1875
דְרַשְׁנֻ֖הוּ upon us for that we sought
Strong's: H1875
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃ him not after the due order H4941
כַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט׃ him not after the due order
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 12 of 12
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis & Commentary

For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order—David's confession pinpoints the problem: ki lo' darashnu mishpat ('we sought him not according to the ordinance'). The word mishpat means prescribed manner, the Torah's detailed instructions for handling holy objects (Num 4:15).

The 'breach' (parats) refers to Uzzah's death, a breaking forth of divine holiness against violation. David learned that good intentions (retrieving the ark) don't excuse bad methods (using a cart). This principle pervades Scripture: God cares about how we obey, not just that we obey. The New Covenant doesn't abolish this principle but internalizes it through Spirit-empowered obedience.

Historical Context

David's public acknowledgment of error before all Israel's leaders demonstrated the humility that made him 'a man after God's own heart' (1 Sam 13:14). This transparent confession unified the second attempt around proper worship principles, not human innovation.

Questions for Reflection