Chapter Summary

David's attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem. The ark left at the house of Obed-edom.

Discussion Questions for 1 Chronicles, Chapter 13

1. Who did David first consult with in verse 1 to move the Ark of the Covenant? Does the scripture mention he consulted with God? Do you ever go to people for direction, ideas, or wisdom before taking time to pray and read the scriptures? What are some ways we can discipline/train ourselves to go to God first and not the world?
2. Verse 4 states “for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people” (ESV). In church do you think when everyone agrees that it must be God’s will? What about when people disagree? How do we discern the God’s will in church matters?
3. Why is the Ark of the Covenant in Kiriath-Jearim? Read 1 Samuel 6-7:1-4, does God seem to be very strict with how the Ark is handled? Did moving the Ark of the Covenant back into Israelite territory fix their relationship with God? What did God require from them after they moved the Ark? Is God calling you to repentance and you are wanting to sit in His presence without obedience? What are some areas in your life God is calling you to repentance? Is there anything besides praying to God that needs to be done to repent?
4. In verse 7, how is the Ark of the Covenant transported? Read Exodus 25:13-15 and Numbers 4:1-5. 15. How and who is to transport the Ark? Why do you think they disobeyed God’s directions? Why do you think God is so particular about how the Ark is moved? What attribute of God does this show us?
5. In verse 8, the word celebrate (ESV) in Hebrew is sachaq, according to Strong’s concordance, meaning to play, laugh, make merry. Do you think they were worshipping/celebrating God or their success of retrieving the Ark despite not transporting it the way God had instructed? Are there times you celebrate a victory even though God was not honored in it? Explain. How do we discern if if our way is honoring to God?
6. In Verse 10, what does Uzzah do exactly? What does that tell you about God? What is your first initial feeling and why? Is it sometimes hard to reconcile our understanding with God’s law? Is God a jealous God? Is there an area of your life where you are justifying your behavior because with your earthly eyes you do not see any other way? How do we walk faithfully when we do not understand God's ways?
7. “David was angry because the Lord had borked out against Uzzah,” (ESV). What was caused David’s anger? Are there times you are angry with God? How do we get get passed not understanding God’s way when it seems to be undeserved? Is David’s anger righteous or selfish? What does righteous anger look like?
8. In verse 12, what does David’s anger turn into? Do you think he understood why God had struck Uzzah dead or was he walking in complete fear instead of reverence? When you do not understand why God has allowed something in your life, do you fear God? What is the difference between fear and reverance to God?
9. What do we know about Obed-edom? What tribe is he from (hint: 1 Chronicles 1:1. 7-8)? Is that part of the reason God blessed his household? The Ark represented God’s presence, do you welcome God’s presence into your house? What are some ways God's presence is seen in your home? If it is not, how could God be seen in your house?
10. What would you say the overall theme of chapter 13? Do you obey God, seek His direction, and follow when you do not understand? How can Christians get to a place where they don't question God's direction? In what area are you needing to trust God's direction?

Key Words/Phrase

Ark. v. 3.

Characters

God, David, Uzzah, Obed-edom, Abinadab, Ahio.

Strong Verse(s)

14