Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 13:7
So they carried the ark of God from the house of Abinadab on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding the cart.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Chronicler records David’s logistical preparations to the post-exilic community as the procession departs Kiriath-jearim. The narrative captures the exact moment before the ark leaves Abinadab’s house.
The words — The verb וַיַּרְכִּיבוּ (va/yar.khi.vu) literally renders "they made to ride" or "they loaded," describing the act of placing the ark. The noun phrase עֲגָלָה חֲדָשָׁה ('a.ga.lah cha.da.shah) translates directly to "new cart," specifying the transport vehicle.
The thread — The use of a new cart mirrors the Philistine method in 1 Samuel 6:7, who also prepared an unyoked cart for the ark. The account stands in direct tension with the Levitical carrying instructions outlined in Numbers 4:15.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to note the deviation from established transport regulations before the narrative proceeds. It asks the reader to observe the mechanics of worship without excusing the method until the text explicitly judges it.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart.
Cross-references
- Numbers 4:15 When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.
- 1 Samuel 6:7 Now, therefore, prepare one new cart with two milk cows that have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up.
- 1 Samuel 7:1 Then the men of Kiriath-jearim came for the ark of the LORD and took it into Abinadab’s house on the hill. And they consecrated his son Eleazar to guard the ark of the LORD.
- 2 Samuel 6:3 They set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart,
- 1 Chronicles 15:2 Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.”
- 1 Chronicles 15:13 It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.”