And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.

1 CHRONICLES 13:7KJV
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1 Chronicles 13:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 13:7 mean?

1 Chronicles 13:7 describes how the Israelites transported the ark of God by placing it on a new cart, bringing it out from the house of Abinadab, with Uzza and Ahio guiding the cart. The verse highlights the specific people involved and the method used to move the ark during this important event.

In this scene, King David is leading an effort to bring the ark of God—a sacred object representing God’s presence—back to Jerusalem. The ark had been kept at Abinadab’s house for many years. Uzza and Ahio, who were likely sons or relatives of Abinadab, are named as those driving the cart, showing their direct involvement in this significant religious procession.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 13:7

  • The word for "carried" is רָכַב (rākav), which often means "to ride" or "to drive." Here, it suggests the ark was placed on a cart to be transported, rather than being carried by hand as earlier instructions in the Law had specified.
  • The word for "ark" is אֲרוֹן (aron), meaning a chest or box, but in this context, it refers specifically to the ark of the covenant, the most sacred object in Israel’s worship.
  • The word for "new" is חָדָשׁ (chadash), emphasizing that the cart was freshly made, possibly to show respect or to avoid using something previously used for common purposes.
  • The word for "drave" is נָהַג (nahag), meaning "to lead" or "to drive," indicating that Uzza and Ahio were actively guiding the cart, not just walking alongside.

Why 1 Chronicles 13:7 matters

  • This verse sets up the context for the events that follow, including the incident with Uzza, by showing exactly how the ark was being moved and who was responsible.
  • The detail about using a "new cart" may seem respectful, but it also hints at a departure from the traditional way of carrying the ark, which was supposed to be on the shoulders of Levites, not on a cart.
  • Naming Uzza and Ahio connects the story to specific families and individuals, grounding the narrative in real people and highlighting the personal responsibility involved in handling sacred things.

Where else these words appear

“Ahio” Hebrew H283 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Samuel 6:3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
  • 2 Samuel 6:4 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:31 And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher.

“Abinadab” Hebrew H41 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Samuel 7:1 And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 31:2 And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:13 And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third,

“Uzza” Hebrew H5798 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Samuel 6:3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
  • 2 Kings 21:18 And Manasseh slept with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Chronicles 13:9 And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

“cart” Hebrew H5699 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 45:19 Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take you wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your wives, and bring your father, and come.
  • Numbers 7:7 Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to their service:
  • 1 Samuel 6:14 And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Bethshemite, and stood there, where there was a great stone: and they clave the wood of the cart, and offered the kine a burnt offering unto the LORD.