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:

1 CHRONICLES 13:2KJV
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1 Chronicles 13:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 13:2 mean?

1 Chronicles 13:2 describes David asking all the people of Israel if they agree that it is good and in line with God’s will to send messengers throughout the land, inviting the remaining Israelites, along with the priests and Levites from their towns and surrounding areas, to gather together. David is seeking both the people’s approval and God’s guidance before making a major decision involving the whole nation.

In this verse, David is speaking to the entire assembly of Israel as their new king. The situation is that David wants to bring everyone together, including those who may have been scattered or left out, especially the religious leaders (priests and Levites), to unite for a significant purpose. This sets the stage for the events that follow, where David plans to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, showing his desire for unity and spiritual renewal.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 13:2

  • "Congregation" (קָהָל, qāhāl): This word means an assembly or gathering, emphasizing that David is addressing the whole community, not just a select group.
  • "Send" (שָׁלַח, shālach) and "abroad" (פָּרַץ, pārats): The combination here shows David’s intent to reach out widely, not just locally, but to all Israelites wherever they are found.
  • "Priests" (כֹּהֵן, kohen) and "Levites" (לֵוִי, leviy): Mentioning both groups highlights the importance of including all spiritual leaders, not just the political or military figures, in this national gathering.

Why 1 Chronicles 13:2 matters

  • This verse shows David’s leadership style—he does not act alone but seeks agreement from the people and guidance from God, signaling a collaborative and humble approach.
  • By including both the people and the religious leaders, David emphasizes the importance of unity and spiritual focus in the life of Israel.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, revealing David’s intention to make worship and God’s presence central to the nation.