And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it.

1 CHRONICLES 13:6KJV
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1 Chronicles 13:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 13:6 mean?

1 Chronicles 13:6 describes King David, together with all Israel, traveling to Baalah (also called Kirjathjearim) in Judah to bring back the ark of God, which is described as belonging to the LORD who sits between the cherubim and whose name is associated with the ark. The verse highlights the importance of the ark and the reverence given to it as the symbol of God's presence.

In this scene, David is leading a national effort to recover the ark of God, which had been kept at Kirjathjearim for many years. The ark, a sacred chest, represented God's covenant and presence among the people. The mention of cherubim refers to the angelic figures on the ark's cover, and the verse emphasizes that God's name and presence are closely connected to the ark itself.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 13:6

  • בַּעֲלָה (Baalah): This is the original name of the town, later called קִרְיַת יְעָרִים (Kirjathjearim). The verse clarifies that both names refer to the same place, helping readers connect different parts of the Old Testament narrative.
  • אֲרוֹן (aron): This word means "ark" and refers specifically to the sacred chest that held the tablets of the covenant. Its mention underlines the ark's central role in Israel's worship and identity.
  • כְּרוּבִים (keruvim): This word means "cherubim," the angelic beings depicted on the ark's lid. Their presence signals the ark as the earthly throne of God, emphasizing the holiness and awe surrounding it.
  • יָשַׁב (yashav): This verb means "dwells" or "sits," describing God as enthroned above the cherubim. It conveys the idea of God's special presence with His people at the ark.

Why 1 Chronicles 13:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies the location and significance of the ark, connecting it to both Baalah and Kirjathjearim, which helps readers follow the ark's journey through Israel's history.
  • By describing God as dwelling between the cherubim, the verse emphasizes the ark as the focal point of God's presence, not just a religious artifact but the very symbol of God's relationship with Israel.
  • The verse sets the stage for the events that follow, showing David's desire to honor God and unite the nation around the ark, which becomes a central theme in the chapters that follow.

Where else these words appear

“Baalah” Hebrew H1173 · used in 5 verses

  • Joshua 15:9 And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjathjearim:
  • Joshua 15:10 And the border compassed from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim, which is Chesalon, on the north side, and went down to Bethshemesh, and passed on to Timnah:
  • Joshua 15:11 And the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward: and the border was drawn to Shicron, and passed along to mount Baalah, and went out unto Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea.

“Kirjathjearim” Hebrew H7157 · used in 19 verses

  • Joshua 9:17 And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.
  • Judges 18:12 And they went up, and pitched in Kirjathjearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold, it is behind Kirjathjearim.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:53 And the families of Kirjathjearim; the Ithrites, and the Puhites, and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zareathites, and the Eshtaulites.

“cherubims” Hebrew H3742 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Kings 6:28 And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.
  • Ezekiel 9:3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side;