1 Chronicles – Chapter 13

Old Testament14 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 13 of 1 Chronicles begins: "David consulted with the captains of thousands, and of hundreds, and with all the commanders." The chapter centers on David and Saul. Its 14 verses return again and again to family and covenant relationships. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1David consulted with the captains of thousands, and of hundreds, and with all the commanders.

2And 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,

3And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we sought it not in the days of Saul.

4And all the multitude answered that it should be so: for the word pleased all the people.

5So David assembled all Israel from Sihor of Egypt, even to the entering into Emath, to bring the ark of God from Cariathiarim.

6And David went up with all the men of Israel to the hill of Cariathiarim which is in Juda, to bring thence the ark of the Lord God sitting upon the cherubims, where his name is called upon.

7And they carried the ark of God upon a new cart out of the house of Abinadab. And Oza and his brother drove the cart.

8And David and all Israel played before God with all their might with hymns, and with harps, and with psalteries, and timbrels, and cymbals, and trumpets,

9And when they came to the floor of Chidon, Oza put forth his hand, to hold up the ark: for the ox being wanton had made it lean a little on one side.

10And the Lord was angry with Oza, and struck him, because he had touched the ark; and he died there before the Lord.

11And David was troubled because the Lord had divided Oza: and he called that place the Breach of Oza to this day.

12And he feared God at that time, saying: How can I bring in the ark of God to me?

13And therefore he brought it not home to himself, that is, into the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gethite.

14And the ark of God remained in the house of Obededom three months: and the Lord blessed his house, and all that he had.

Important Verses in 1 Chronicles 13

David consulted with the captains of thousands, and of hundreds, and with all the commanders.

1 Chronicles 13:1

And David went up with all the men of Israel to the hill of Cariathiarim which is in Juda, to bring thence the ark of the Lord God sitting upon the cherubims, where his name is called upon.

1 Chronicles 13:6

And the Lord was angry with Oza, and struck him, because he had touched the ark; and he died there before the Lord.

1 Chronicles 13:10

And the ark of God remained in the house of Obededom three months: and the Lord blessed his house, and all that he had.

1 Chronicles 13:14

Historical Context

1 Chronicles addresses the post-exilic community rebuilding its identity around Temple worship within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 13 of 29 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. David and Saul appear at the center of the events recorded here. It opens with the line: "David consulted with the captains of thousands, and of hundreds, and with all the commanders." The chapter ends with: "And the ark of God remained in the house of Obededom three months: and the Lord blessed his house, and all that he had. " The wider setting of 1 Chronicles is this: Writing for the restored community after the exile, the Chronicler retells Israel's story with emphasis on David, the Temple, and worship. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter describes real persons, decisions, and consequences within David's legacy and Temple preparation. A pivotal line is verse 1: "David consulted with the captains of thousands, and of hundreds, and with all the commanders." The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

Catholic exegesis reads 1 Chronicles 13 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the genealogies connect to Christ's lineage (CIC 437). St. Bernard of Clairvaux and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 74).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Worship is central to God's people. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 1 Chronicles 13 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.

People in This Chapter

David6 mentionsSaul1 mention

Reflection for Today

1 Chronicles Chapter 13 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. the genealogies connect to Christ's lineage (CIC 437). Here the believer is invited to ponder poverty of spirit and detachment.

May your reading of 1 Chronicles Chapter 13 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how Worship is central to God's people applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1 Chronicles Chapter 13 about?

1 Chronicles 13 contains 14 verses. It opens with "David consulted with the captains of thousands, and of hundreds, and with all the commanders." and closes with "And the ark of God remained in the house of Obededom three months: and the Lord blessed his house, and all that he had. ". The book as a whole is historical narrative and genealogy.

What is a key verse in 1 Chronicles 13?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "David consulted with the captains of thousands, and of hundreds, and with all the commanders." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 1 Chronicles Chapter 13?

This chapter mentions David, Saul.

Who wrote 1 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra; called 'the Chronicler' by scholars. After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

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