1 Chronicles 13

1 Chronicles 13 introduces David’s desire to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, demonstrating his focus on worship and the presence of God among the people of Israel. The chapter highlights the collective enthusiasm for this project but also illustrates the seriousness of mishandling the holy objects of God, as seen in the incident with Uzza.

1 Chronicles 13:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Then David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader.
2 And David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is of the Lord our God, let us send out to our brethren everywhere who are left in all the land of Israel, and with them to the priests and Levites who are in their cities and their common-lands, that they may gather together to us;
3 and let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we have not inquired at it since the days of Saul.”
4 Then all the assembly said that they would do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.
5 So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor in Egypt to as far as the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjath Jearim.

David begins by seeking the counsel of military leaders and the general assembly of Israel regarding bringing the Ark of God back, which had not been given proper attention during Saul’s reign. The Ark symbolized God's presence, and David wanted to make it central in the nation's life once again. The decision was met with unanimous support from the people, reflecting a united desire to restore the Ark to its rightful place. The widespread gathering of Israelites from the farthest borders demonstrates the national importance of this event.

1 Chronicles 13:6 (NKJV)
6 And David and all Israel went up to Baalah, to Kirjath Jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God the Lord, who dwells between the cherubim, where His name is proclaimed.

The Ark was located in Kirjath Jearim, also known as Baalah, a city in Judah. It was referred to as the dwelling place of God, signifying His presence between the cherubim on the Ark. David and the people understood the spiritual significance of this, acknowledging God's holiness and His proclaimed name, which points to His reputation, character, and glory.

1 Chronicles 13:7-8 (NKJV)
7 So they carried the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.
8 Then David and all Israel played music before God with all their might, with singing, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on cymbals, and with trumpets.

The Ark was transported on a new cart, similar to the Philistines' method when they returned it. Uzza and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were responsible for guiding the cart. The entire occasion was filled with joyful worship, as David and all Israel expressed their devotion through music and celebration, showing their eagerness to honor God by returning the Ark. However, this method of transport would later prove to be problematic, as the Ark was supposed to be carried by Levites using poles.

1 Chronicles 13:9-10 (NKJV)
9 And when they came to Chidon's threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled.
10 Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzza, and He struck him because he put his hand to the ark; and he died there before God.

As the Ark was transported, the oxen stumbled, causing Uzza to instinctively reach out and steady the Ark. However, touching the Ark was strictly forbidden according to the law, as it represented God's holiness, and only designated Levites could carry it. Uzza’s action, though seemingly well-intentioned, violated God's command, and he was immediately struck down. This tragic event demonstrates the seriousness of obeying God's instructions and the reverence required in handling sacred objects.

1 Chronicles 13:11-12 (NKJV)
11 And David became angry because of the Lord’s outbreak against Uzza; therefore that place is called Perez Uzza to this day.
12 David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring the ark of God to me?”

David was initially angered by Uzza's sudden death, but his reaction soon turned to fear as he recognized the gravity of the situation. He questioned how he could safely bring the Ark into Jerusalem, realizing that his approach to the transportation had not fully respected God's holiness. The name Perez Uzza, meaning "outbreak against Uzza," commemorates the event as a sobering reminder of God's righteous standards.

1 Chronicles 13:13-14 (NKJV)
13 So David would not move the ark with him into the City of David, but took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.
14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had.

Because of the fear of further consequences, David decided to temporarily leave the Ark at the house of Obed-Edom, a Levite. While the Ark was there, the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and his household, showing that when God's presence is honored and handled with reverence, His blessings follow. This blessing further encouraged David to find a proper way to bring the Ark to Jerusalem.