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.

Where else these words appear

“good” Hebrew H2895 · used in 33 verses

  • Numbers 10:29 And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.
  • 1 Samuel 20:12 And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
  • Job 10:3 Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?

“abroad” Hebrew H6555 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 28:14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
  • 2 Kings 14:13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
  • Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

“suburbs” Hebrew H4054 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 25:34 But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.
  • Joshua 21:25 And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs; two cities.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:67 And they gave unto them, of the cities of refuge, Shechem in mount Ephraim with her suburbs; they gave also Gezer with her suburbs,

“congregation” Hebrew H6951 · used in 116 verses

  • Genesis 28:3 And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;
  • 1 Kings 8:22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:
  • Nehemiah 7:66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,