1 Chronicles 13:12

That day David feared God and asked, "How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?"

Study Bible

That day David feared God
David's fear of God reflects a deep reverence and awe for the holiness and power of God. This fear was prompted by the death of Uzzah, who was struck down by God for touching the Ark of the Covenant (1 Chronicles 13:9-10). The incident underscores the importance of following God's instructions precisely, as outlined in the Law of Moses regarding the handling of the Ark (Numbers 4:15). David's fear is not merely terror but a recognition of God's majesty and the seriousness of His commands.

and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?”
David's question reveals his desire to have the Ark, which symbolized God's presence, in Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel. The Ark had been at Kiriath-jearim for many years (1 Samuel 7:1-2), and David wanted to restore it to a place of prominence. His question also indicates a moment of introspection and humility, acknowledging his need for divine guidance. This reflects a broader biblical theme of seeking God's will and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. David's inquiry foreshadows the eventual successful transport of the Ark, which was done according to God's instructions (1 Chronicles 15:2, 13-15), highlighting the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The King of Israel who sought to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His fear of God in this passage reflects a deep reverence and recognition of God's holiness.

2. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence and covenant with Israel. Its movement was a significant event, symbolizing God's guidance and blessing.

3. Obed-Edom
The house where the Ark was temporarily placed after the incident with Uzzah. His household was blessed during the Ark's stay, highlighting the Ark's significance.

4. Uzzah
A man who was struck dead by God for touching the Ark, which led to David's fear and reevaluation of how to transport the Ark properly.

5. Jerusalem
The intended destination for the Ark, symbolizing the central place of worship and the heart of Israel's spiritual life.

Teaching Points

Reverence for God's Holiness
David's fear underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect. We must recognize God's holiness in our worship and daily lives.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The incident with Uzzah serves as a reminder of the necessity to follow God's commands precisely. Our actions should align with God's Word.

Seeking God's Guidance
David's question reflects a heart seeking God's direction. In our decisions, we should seek God's wisdom and guidance through prayer and Scripture.

God's Presence Brings Blessing
The blessing on Obed-Edom's household illustrates the positive impact of God's presence. We should strive to cultivate an environment where God's presence is welcomed.

Learning from Mistakes
David's initial failure led to a deeper understanding and correction. We should learn from our mistakes and seek to grow in our relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's fear of God in this passage challenge or affirm your understanding of reverence for God in your own life?

2. What lessons can we learn from the incident with Uzzah about the importance of following God's instructions?

3. How can we ensure that we are seeking God's guidance in our decisions, similar to David's inquiry about bringing the Ark?

4. In what ways can we create an environment in our homes or communities that welcomes and honors God's presence?

5. Reflect on a time when you learned from a mistake in your spiritual journey. How did it lead to growth or a deeper understanding of God's will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 6
This parallel account provides additional details about the transportation of the Ark and the incident with Uzzah, offering a fuller picture of David's fear and subsequent actions.

Exodus 25
Describes the construction and significance of the Ark, emphasizing its role as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

Numbers 4
Outlines the specific instructions for transporting the Ark, which were not followed initially, leading to the incident with Uzzah.

Psalm 111:10
Highlights the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom, which is reflected in David's response to the incident.