Log inSign up

1 Chronicles 15 · a question people ask

What went wrong the first time, and what did David change?

In the text

David says it himself: "because you didn’t carry it at first, the LORD our God broke out in anger against us, because we didn’t seek him according to the ordinance" (15:13). And the chapter shows what changed. The first time, "They carried God’s ark on a new cart" (13:7). This time, "The children of the Levites bore God’s ark on their shoulders with its poles, as Moses commanded according to the LORD’s word" (15:15). What Uzza's own error was is read in more than one way. Chapter 13's honest question on Uzza, and 2 Samuel 6's on Uzzah, set out the two main readings with their verses, and 15:13 is among the verses set out there. This answer doesn't choose between them.

The verses

“For because you didn’t carry it at first, the LORD our God broke out in anger against us, because we didn’t seek him according to the ordinance.””
1 Chronicles 15:13 · World English Bible
“The children of the Levites bore God’s ark on their shoulders with its poles, as Moses commanded according to the LORD’s word.”
1 Chronicles 15:15 · World English Bible
“They carried God’s ark on a new cart, and brought it out of Abinadab’s house; and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.”
1 Chronicles 13:7 · World English Bible
“When they came to Chidon’s threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled. The LORD’s anger burned against Uzza, and he struck him because he put his hand on the ark; and he died there before God.”
1 Chronicles 13:9-10 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of 1 Chronicles 15

1 Chronicles 15: According to the ordinance

David's reason that only the Levites may carry the ark (15:2) uses the very Hebrew verbs of Deuteronomy 10:8, "to bear" and "to minister to him". And his "Sanctify yourselves" and the LORD who "broke out" (15:12-13) are the two verbs of the LORD's warning at Sinai (Exodus 19:22).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free week1 Chronicles 15 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about 1 Chronicles 15

All questions about 1 Chronicles →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions