1 Chronicles 13 Explained - 5 Minute Bible Study

1 Chronicles 13 Short Summary:

In 1 Chronicles 13 David determines to move the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. The Ark was transported on a ox-drawn cart driven by two men, Uzzah and Ahio. As the cart went down the road, the oxen stumbled and Uzzah put out his hand to steady the Ark. God struck Uzzah dead, because no one was allowed to touch the Ark of the Covenant.

What is 1 Chronicles 13 About?

WHEN:

• The Book of 1 Chronicles was written several hundred years after King David’s reign.  

• David became king of Judah in approximately 1055 B.C, the year Saul died. David’s reign spanned approximately 40 years (1055-1015 B.C.). He reigned over Judah for 7 years and 6 months, before becoming king over all Israel. His reign over all Judah and Israel lasted 33 years.

CHARACTERS:

• David – The 2nd king of Israel.

• Uzzah – A man who was killed by God for touching the Ark of the Covenant.

• Obed-edom – The Ark of the Covenant was kept in Obed-edom’s house for 3 months before it was taken to Jerusalem.

WHERE:

• David moved the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-jearim (Baalah; 13:6) to Jerusalem.

OUTLINE:

• UZZAH AND THE ARK OF THE COVENANT (13:1-14):

  • The Ark of the Covenant was neglected during the reign of Saul.

  • David decided to move the Ark from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem.

  • He invited the Israelites to gather to celebrate the occasion.

  • The Ark was transported on a new cart pulled by oxen. The cart was driven by two men, Uzzah and Ahio.

  • When they were passing by the threshing floor of Chidon, the oxen stumbled and Uzzah put out his hand to steady the Ark.

  • God killed Uzzah, because no Israelites was allowed to touch the Ark.

  • Uzzah’s death killed the celebratory mood of the people, and David decided to store the Ark in the house of Obed-edom, instead of taking it on to Jerusalem.

  • The Ark of the Covenant stayed with Obed-edom for 3 months, and God blessed his household.

APPLICATION:

• Was it fair that Uzzah died?

• While we can’t address all the factors in this short study, one thing to keep in mind when evaluating the fate of Uzzah is that Uzzah’s fate resulted from a disobedience that preceded him touching the Ark.

• According to God’s law, the Ark of the Covenant was never supposed to be transported by wagon, it was to be carried on the shoulders of the priests (Num 7:6-9).

• Ignoring God’s previous instructions about how the Ark was to be transported put Uzzah into his dilemma.

• Before we accuse God of being unfair, we should recognize that if God’s commands had been followed, Uzzah wouldn’t have died.