So David gathered all Israel together, from Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the ark of God from Kirjathjearim.

1 CHRONICLES 13:5KJV
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1 Chronicles 13:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 13:5 mean?

1 Chronicles 13:5 describes how King David gathered all the people of Israel from the farthest southern border near Egypt (Shihor) to the northern entrance of Hemath, so they could bring the ark of God from the town of Kirjathjearim. This verse shows the nationwide effort and importance David placed on returning the ark to a central place in Israel’s life.

David is the main figure here, acting as king and leader, calling together representatives from every part of Israel. The ark of God, which symbolized God’s presence, had been kept in Kirjathjearim for many years. By gathering people from such distant places, the verse emphasizes both the unity of Israel under David and the significance of moving the ark.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 13:5

  • שִׁיחוֹר (Shihor, shichor): This word refers to a border area near Egypt, often thought to be a river or stream marking the southern edge of Israel’s territory. Mentioning Shihor highlights how David’s call reached even the farthest southern regions.
  • חֲמָת (Hemath, chamath): Hemath was a city or region at the northern boundary of ancient Israel. Including Hemath shows that David’s gathering included the entire land, from south to north.
  • אָרוֹן (ark, aron): This word means “chest” or “ark” and refers to the ark of God, a sacred object representing God’s covenant and presence. Its movement was a major national event.
  • קִרְיַת יְעָרִים (Kirjathjearim, qiryath ye'arim): This town’s name means “city of forests.” It was the location where the ark had been kept, so mentioning it pinpoints the starting place of the ark’s journey.

Why 1 Chronicles 13:5 matters

  • The verse shows the unity and scale of David’s leadership, as he mobilized all Israel for a spiritual purpose, not just a political or military one.
  • By naming the farthest borders, the verse stresses that the whole nation was involved, not just a small group or local tribe.
  • This moment sets up the importance of the ark’s return in the chapters that follow, showing David’s desire to center Israel’s worship and national identity around God’s presence.