I Chronicles 13:2 · Bible study
1 Chronicles 13:2 Commentary: Consulting God and the People
Hebrew · 8 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
David's dual condition, the people's approval and God's will, raises questions about how we discern divine guidance in community.
Research Summary
- Meaning: David proposes to bring the ark to Jerusalem, conditioning the plan on the people's approval and divine will.
- Key words: "Let us send abroad" (נִפְרְצָה נִשְׁלְחָה), an urgent, widespread summons; "pasturelands" (מִגְרָשׁ), Levitical cities' open land per Numbers 35.
- Main debate: Is the people's agreement a sign of God's will (Jamieson-Fausset), or are the two conditions separate tests (Ellicott, Keil)?
- Theological theme: Godly leadership combines humility toward the community and submission to God.
- Best use: A model for decision-making that honors both wisdom from others and dependence on God.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
And he said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if this is of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers in all the land of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites in their cities and pasturelands, so that they may join us.
WEB World English Bible 2000
David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is of Yahweh our God, let’s send word everywhere to our brothers who are left in all the land of Israel, with whom the priests and Levites are in their cities that have pasture lands, that they may gather themselves to us.
KJV King James Version 1769
And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and that it be of the Lord our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us:
ASV American Standard Version 1901
And David said unto all the assembly of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and if it be of Jehovah our God, let us send abroad every where unto our brethren that are left in all the land of Israel, with whom the priests and Levites are in their cities that have suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us;
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
and David saith to all the assembly of Israel, `If unto you it be good, and from Jehovah our God it hath broken forth--we send unto our brethren, those left in all the lands of Israel, and with them the priests and the Levites, in the cities of their suburbs, and they are gathered unto us,
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And David said to all the congregation of Israel, If it seem good to you, and it be of Jehovah our God, let us send abroad to our brethren everywhere, that are left in all the lands of Israel, and with them to the priests and Levites in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves to us;
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
And he said to all the assembly of Israel: If it please you; and if the words which I speak come from the Lord our God, let us send to the rest of our brethren into all the countries of Israel, and to the priests, and the Levites, that dwell in the suburbs of the cities, to gather themselves to us,
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y dijo David á todo el congreso de Israel: Si os parece bien y de Jehová nuestro Dios, enviaremos á todas partes á llamar nuestros hermanos que han quedado en todas las tierras de Israel, y á los sacerdotes y Levitas que están con ellos en sus ciudades y ejidos que se junten con nosotros;
E Davi disse a todo a congregação de Israel: Se bem vos parece, e se vem do SENHOR nosso Deus, enviemos depressa mensageiros aos nossos irmãos que restaram em todas as terras de Israel, aos sacerdotes e aos levitas que estão com eles em suas cidades e em seus arredores, para que se ajuntem conosco.
Et David dit à toute l’ assemblée d’ Israël: Si vous le trouvez bon, et si cela vient de l’ Éternel, notre Dieu, envoyons de tous côtés vers nos frères qui restent dans toutes les contrées d’ Israël, et aussi vers les sacrificateurs et les Lévites dans les villes où sont leurs banlieues, afin qu’ ils se réunissent à nous,
und sprach zu der ganzen Gemeinde Israel: Gefällt es euch und ist's vom HERRN, unserm Gott, so laßt uns allenthalben ausschicken zu unsern andern Brüdern in allen Landen Israels und mit ihnen zu den Priestern und Leviten in den Städten, da sie Vorstädte haben, daß sie zu uns versammelt werden,
En David zeide tot de ganse gemeente van Israel: Indien het ulieden goeddunkt, en van den HEERE, onzen God, te zijn, laat ons ons uitbreiden, laat ons zenden aan onze overige broeders, in alle landen van Israel, en de priesters en Levieten, die met hen zijn in de steden, met haar voorsteden, opdat zij tot ons vergaderd worden.
poi disse a tutta la raunanza d’Israele: “Se vi par bene, e se l’Eterno, il nostro Dio, l’approva, mandiamo da per tutto a dire ai nostri fratelli che son rimasti in tutte le regioni d’Israele, e così pure ai sacerdoti ed ai Leviti nelle loro città e nei loro contadi, che si uniscano a noi;
I mówił Dawid do wszystkiego zgromadzenia Izraelkskiego: Jeźli się wam podoba, i jeźli to jest od Pana Boga naszego, roześlijmy wszędy do braci naszych pozostałych po wszystkich krainach Izraelskich; przytem też do kapłanów i Lewitów po miastach i przedmieściach ich, a niech się zgromadzą do nas:
и сказал [Давид] всему собранию Израильтян: если угодно вам, и если на то будет воля Господа Бога нашего, пошлем повсюду к прочим братьям нашим, по всей земле Израильской, и вместе с ними к священникам и левитам, в города и селения их, чтобы они собрались к нам;
大衛 對以色列 全 會眾 說：「你們 若 以為美，見這事是出於 耶和華─我們的 神，我們就差遣人 走 遍 以色列 地，見 我們未來的 弟兄，又 見住 在有郊野 之城 的祭司 利未人，使他們都到 這裡來聚集。
And David said to all the men of Israel who had come together there, If it seems good to you and if it is the purpose of the Lord our God, let us send to all the rest of our brothers, everywhere in the land of Israel, and to the priests and the Levites in their towns and the country round them, and get them to come together here to us;
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · I Chronicles 13:2
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that 1 Chronicles 13:2 captures a pivotal moment in David's early reign. Having secured the throne, David turns his attention to the ark of God, a symbol of Yahweh's presence that was neglected under Saul. The verse presents two conditions for moving forward: the people's agreement ('If it seems good to you') and divine approval ('if it is of Yahweh our God').
There is broad consensus that David's proposal reflects a desire to honor God and unify the nation. Keil and Delitzsch note the Hebrew phrasing nifretzah nishlechah ('let us break forth, let us send'), which they interpret as acting with energy and urgency. The Cambridge Bible observes that the phrase 'let us send abroad' is 'peculiar' in Hebrew, suggesting a wide and inclusive summons. Ellicott's commentary distinguishes the two conditions as independent: David says, 'If before you (the thing be) good, and if (the motion come) from Jehovah.'
Where commentators diverge is on the relationship between these two conditions. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown argues that David viewed the people's hearty concurrence as evidence that his plan was agreeable to God. Others, like Ellicott, treat them as separate tests, both of which must be met. This difference shapes how readers understand David's method of discernment.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Consensus as divine confirmation: The people's agreement (v. 4) is taken as evidence that the plan is from God (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown).
- Independent conditions: The two clauses are separate: David submits to both the people's judgment and God's will, without making the first a test of the second (Ellicott, Keil).
What is clear: David sought to involve the whole nation in a plan to honor God, and he explicitly submitted the plan to God's approval.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of 'if it is of Yahweh our God' | David is seeking divine approval for the plan. | Some hold that the people's agreement confirms God's will (Jamieson-Fausset); others treat it as a separate, parallel condition (Ellicott, Keil). |
| Role of the assembly | David consulted the whole congregation, not just leaders. | Whether this consultation was a democratic check or a way to unify the nation before a sacred act is debated; the Chronicler's emphasis is on national unity. |
| Inclusion of priests and Levites | David follows the law (Numbers 35) in including Levites. | The significance of their inclusion: some see it as practical (only Levites could transport the ark), others as theological (restoring proper worship order after Saul's neglect). |
| Chronicler's portrayal of David | David is depicted as a model king who prioritizes worship. | Whether the Chronicler intentionally omits David's earlier failures (2 Samuel 5, 6) to emphasize his piety, or simply abbreviates the narrative. |
Historical & Cultural Context
First Chronicles 13 opens after David has been anointed king over all Israel (1 Chronicles 12). He has just established his capital at Hebron and received the allegiance of the northern tribes. The ark of the covenant had been in obscurity since the days of Saul, who 'did not inquire of it' (1 Chronicles 13:3). David's desire to bring the ark to Jerusalem was both a political and religious act: it would centralize worship and consolidate his rule.
The structure of David's proposal mirrors the pattern of Israelite decision-making. He first consults with military leaders and 'every leader' (v. 1), then addresses the whole assembly. The phrase 'if it is of Yahweh our God' echoes the language of Exodus 18:23, where Jethro advises Moses: 'If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure.' Jethro's counsel links human wisdom with divine command, a pattern David may be consciously following.
The mention of priests and Levites and their 'cities with pasturelands' (Numbers 35:2, 7) shows David's attention to Mosaic law. The Levites were scattered among the tribes, and David sends word to them specifically to ensure proper handling of the ark (as later events in the chapter will underscore). The chronicler highlights David's inclusive approach: he summons 'brethren who are left in all the lands of Israel,' using the plural 'lands' (אַרְצוֹת) to emphasize the tribal territories.
The assembly's unanimous response, 'the thing was right in the eyes of all the people' (v. 4), indicates that David's proposal resonated with the nation. Yet the subsequent failure of the first attempt to move the ark (Uzzah's death, vv. 7, 10) shows that good intentions and popular support are not enough: God's instructions must be followed precisely. This tension gives depth to David's double condition: the people's approval is important, but it does not guarantee divine blessing.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for this verse. The Hebrew text is stable across manuscripts. The phrase 'all the lands of Israel' (אַרְצוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל) appears in some editions; other translations render it 'all the land' (singular). The plural form, noted by Keil and Delitzsch and the Cambridge Bible, emphasizes the individual tribal territories and occurs in several other passages (2 Chronicles 11:23; 15:5; 34:33).
Reception History
This verse has been cited in Christian tradition as an example of godly leadership. Reformation-era commentators like the Geneva Bible (1599) and Matthew Henry (1710) praised David's humility in consulting both the political and religious leaders. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (1871) saw in the verse a principle that 'a favourite measure' should be tested by the concurrence of the people and the will of God. More recently, commentators have focused on the Chronicler's theology: David's inclusive summons foreshadows the restoration of proper worship and the central role of the temple. The verse appears in discussions of corporate discernment, with many noting the tension between seeking consensus and submitting to divine instruction, a tension made concrete by the disastrous first attempt to move the ark later in the chapter.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Priorities of a new king. David's first major act after securing the throne is to seek God's presence. He could have focused on building his palace or expanding his territory, but he chooses the ark. This challenges believers to examine what they prioritize when they gain power or influence.
- The pattern of godly consultation. David does not act alone. He consults with leaders and then with the whole assembly. He invites input and seeks consensus. The phrase 'if it seems good to you' shows humility and respect for the community of faith.
- The ultimate test: 'Is it from Yahweh?' Human approval is not enough. David submits his plan to God's will. Jethro's counsel to Moses (Exodus 18:23) sets a precedent: even wise plans require divine confirmation. This invites believers to seek God's guidance through Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel.
Five-point outline
- The king gathers the assembly (vv. 1, 2a).
- The condition of human agreement: 'If it seems good to you' (v. 2b).
- The condition of divine origin: 'If it is of Yahweh our God' (v. 2c).
- The inclusive summons to all Israel, including priests and Levites (v. 2d).
- The goal: to bring the ark back to the center of national life (v. 3).
Illustration hooks
- A family decision about a major move. A couple is considering relocating for a job. They weigh the pros and cons, consult family and friends, and pray for clear guidance. The husband suggests, 'Let's see if it seems good to everyone, and if it's from the Lord.' That mirrors David's double condition.
- A church board considering a building project. The leaders feel a need for more space, but they know that good ideas can fail without God's blessing. They model David's approach: they seek congregational input and spend time in prayer, asking, 'Is this from the Lord?'
Questions your congregation is asking
- How can I know if an idea is from God or just my own wish? David's two conditions, agreement from wise people and confirmation from God, offer a practical framework.
- Does the Bible say we should always seek consensus before making decisions? David consulted widely, but the later story shows that even popular decisions can go wrong if they violate God's specific commands.
- What if the people agree but it's not from God? The chapter's second half (Uzzah's death) answers that: human consensus does not override divine instructions. The ark had to be carried by Levites, not on a cart, a detail David overlooked in his zeal.
Leading a Discussion
This passage shows David at a high point of his leadership. He has united the nation and now wants to restore worship at the center of national life. His words to the assembly reveal a leader who values both the voice of the people and the authority of God. As you discuss, think about how you discern God's will in your own decisions, both as individuals and as a community of faith.
Discussion questions
- Observation: What does David's proposal reveal about his values? Why is the ark so important to him?
- Observation: David asks two conditions: 'If it seems good to you' and 'if it is of Yahweh our God.' How do these two conditions work together?
- Interpretation: Read Exodus 18:23, a passage David may have known. How does Jethro's advice to Moses help explain what David is doing?
- Interpretation: The people respond, 'the thing was right in the eyes of all the people' (v. 4). But the first attempt to move the ark fails because of a procedural error. What does this teach about the limits of popular opinion?
- Application: When you face a major decision, how do you balance seeking wise counsel with seeking God's direction? Which of these two conditions do you tend to emphasize more?
- Application: David includes priests and Levites from their pastureland cities, following Numbers 35. How does paying attention to God's earlier instructions help us avoid mistakes today?
- Application: Has there been a time when a good idea met with widespread approval but later turned out to be wrong? What did you learn from that experience?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Exodus 18:23 | If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.” |
| Numbers 4:4 | “This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the Tent of Meeting, regarding the most holy things. |
| Numbers 4:20 | but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die.” |
| Numbers 35:2 | “Command the children of Israel to give to the Levites cities to dwell in out of their inheritance. You shall give pasture lands for the cities around them to the Levites. |
| Numbers 35:9 | Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, |
| I Samuel 31:1 | Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain on Mount Gilboa. |
| II Samuel 7:2 | the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but God’s ark dwells within curtains.” |
| II Samuel 7:5 | “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Yahweh says, “Should you build me a house for me to dwell in? |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator emphasizes that the Hebrew phrase conveys a wide, unlimited invitation, not a restricted one. He also notes that the mention of Levites here differs from the earlier account in Samuel, and clarifies that "suburbs" refers to pasture-lands assigned to the Levites for their cattle.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
David proposes a careful, deliberate process that involves the whole congregation. He seeks their agreement and insists the plan must come from the Lord, then calls for all the scattered brethren, including the priests and Levites, to be gathered together.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights that David, though king, calls the common people "our brethren," showing his humility. He then draws a parallel to Christ, who likewise is not ashamed to call His people brothers (Hebrews 2:11). David's invitation to the priests and Levites also includes their dwelling places.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB reads David's phrase "if it seem good unto you and be of the Lord" as meaning he would take the people's hearty agreement as evidence that his plan matched God's will. He then notes that the nationwide summons was issued promptly but that a sudden Philistine invasion delayed the ark's removal to Jerusalem until peace was restored.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch focuses on David's careful consultation with tribal leaders before moving the ark, and the Hebrew phrase "we will break through, will send" shows the king's urgency and energy. They also note the plural "provinces" reflects Israel's tribal divisions, emphasizing that the whole land was represented in this decision.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange notes that Uzza's fatal error was not simply touching the ark, but the deeper violation of carrying it on an ox cart instead of having it borne by Levites as the law required. He observes that David later corrected this when preparing to move the ark to Jerusalem.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry highlights that David's first act after securing his throne was to seek out the ark of God, showing that he used his newfound power not for self-glorification but to honor God. David wanted the royal city to also become the holy city, a place for the symbol of God's presence.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley notes that David's plan to bring the ark was interrupted by Philistine attacks, and only after their defeat did he renew the effort. David then adds a condition, seeking whether the translation of the ark is pleasing to God, aware that many had been destroyed for their sins.