For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

1 CHRONICLES 15:13KJV
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1 Chronicles 15:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 15:13 mean?

1 Chronicles 15:13 explains that the earlier disaster happened because the people did not follow God’s instructions properly when moving the ark, and they did not seek Him in the right way. The verse highlights that God’s anger came as a result of not respecting the proper order He had set.

In this verse, David is speaking to the Levites after the first attempt to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem ended in tragedy. David is explaining that their failure was due to not following the specific procedures God had given for handling the ark. This moment sets the stage for a renewed, careful approach as they prepare to move the ark again, emphasizing the importance of seeking God and obeying His commands exactly.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 15:13

  • "breach" (פֶּרֶץ, perets): This word means a breaking out or a sudden disaster. In this context, it refers to the deadly outburst against Uzzah in the earlier attempt to move the ark, showing the seriousness of not following God’s instructions.
  • "sought" (דָּרַשׁ, darash): This word means to seek or inquire carefully. The verse points out that the people did not earnestly seek God’s guidance or pay close attention to His requirements.
  • "order" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word means judgment, ordinance, or prescribed procedure. Here, it refers to the specific way God had commanded the ark to be moved, stressing that God cares about both the heart and the method of worship.

Why 1 Chronicles 15:13 matters

  • 1 Chronicles 15:13 clarifies that good intentions are not enough; following God’s specific instructions is essential, especially in matters of worship.
  • The verse explains why the earlier attempt to move the ark failed, connecting the event to a lack of careful obedience rather than random misfortune.
  • This verse helps the reader understand David’s leadership growth, as he recognizes the need to honor God’s commands and teaches others to do the same.

Where else these words appear

“breach” 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.