Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Chronicles 13:2
And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If [it seem] good unto you, and [that it be] of the LORD our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, [that are] left in all the land of Israel, and with them [also] to the priests and Levites [which are] in their cities [and] suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us:
2. let us send abroad ] The Heb. phrase is peculiar; let us send abroad widely, let the invitation be no limited one! all the land of Israel
the priests and Levites ] In Samuel no mention of the Levites is made in the account of the removal of the ark.
in their cities and suburbs ] R.V. mg. in their cities that have pasture-lands. It is laid down in the Hexateuch that cities are to be assigned to the Levites with “suburbs for their cattle and for their substance, and for all their beasts.” (Num 35:2-7; cp. Jos 14:4; Jos 21:2).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Unto all the congregation of Israel, i.e. unto all the people then assembled with him at Hebron. This story is mentioned in another place, in 2Sa 5; 2Sa 6, even after the taking of Jerusalem and the two first fights with the Philistines, whereas here it is placed before the latter, and there is no mention here of the former. The matter may be thus conceived. There being now a great and general concourse of all Israel, and David being now established in his throne with universal consent and applause, he begins with God, and his first thoughts and cares are about religion and the ark, then the great instrument and ornament of it, and takes the opportunity of this assembly to desire their advice and concurrence with him in it, that the ark might be brought either to Hebron, which then was the royal city; or to Jerusalem, which, as probably he told them, he was resolved to besiege, and doubted not, by Gods help, to take. After this was proposed by the king, and accepted by the people, this great assembly was dismissed, only some of them David reserved to go with him against Jerusalem, which accordingly he did, and succeeded in his enterprise, as is related, 1Sa 5. But before this resolution could be executed, the Philistines came and fought twice with David, as is related, 2Sa 5:17, &c., and here, 1Ch 14:8, &c. And after they were repulsed with great loss and shame, David sets upon the execution of that which before he had resolved, and, in order to it, calls another general assembly of the people. And that it be of the Lord our God, i.e. if this translation of the ark be pleasing to God, which I purpose to inquire by the Urim, after the manner, and to act accordingly.
Let us send abroad, Heb. let us break out and send, i.e. let us send messengers speedily and universally to the several tribes. We are now in some sort pent up in a corner of the land in Hebron, but let us break up the assembly, and disperse ourselves, and send far and near about this work. It is a metaphor from the sea or rivers, which, when the banks are broken, do suddenly overflow the whole adjoining country.
That are left; by which word he minds them of the great desolations and destructions which God for their sins had hitherto made among them; and therefore adviseth that remnant whom God had so graciously saved in and from those dreadful ruins, that they would more seriously set themselves to seek God than they had formerly done.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
2. If it seem good unto you, and . .. it be of the Lordthat is, I shall conclude that thisfavorite measure of mine is agreeable to the mind of God, if itreceive your hearty concurrence.
let us send abroad to ourbrethren everywhereHe wished to make it known throughout thecountry, in order that there might be a general assembly of thenation, and that preparations might be made on a scale and of a kindsuitable to the inauguration of the august ceremonial.
with them also to the priestsand Levites . . . in their cities and suburbs(See on Nu35:2). The original terms, “Let us send,” implyimmediate execution; and, doubtless, the publication of the royaledict would have been followed by the appointment of an early day forthe contemplated solemnity, had it not been retarded by a suddeninvasion of the Philistines, who were twice repulsed with great loss(2Sa 5:17), by the capture ofJerusalem, and the transference of the seat of government to thatcity. Finding, however, soon after, peace restored and his throneestablished, he resumed his preparations for removing the ark to themetropolis.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And David said unto all the congregation of Israel,…. To the above persons, as representatives of it:
if it seem good unto you, and that it be of the Lord our God; if it could be thought by them a good and useful thing, and agreeable to the will of God, and would make for his glory:
let us send abroad unto our brethren everywhere that are left in all the land of Israel; that were not then present with them, even all the common people; whom David, though king, owns as his brethren; nor is his antitype ashamed to own this relation between him and his people, Heb 2:11
and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs: given to them in the several tribes to dwell in, see 1Ch 6:54,
that they may gather themselves unto us; at a certain time and place appointed.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(2) All the congregation of Israel.As represented by the Council of Chiefs, who, according to the passage in Samuel, were 30,000 i number.
And that it be.Rather, and if it be. The clause is not dependent. David says: If before you (the thing be) good, and if (the motion come) from Jehovah. The former phrase recurs in Neh. 2:5; Neh. 2:7, and is late Hebrew; the latter is illustrated by Gen. 24:50.
Let us send abroad.Literally, break we forth, send we, i.e., let us send with all despatch.
Everywhere.Not in the Hebrew.
Land.Hebrew, lands or territories, i.e., of the various tribes. Comp. Gen. 26:3-4, where the same plural implies the partition of Canaan into many smaller national domains.
In their cities and Suburbs.In the cities of their pastures. The Levites appear to have occupied themselves with pastoral pursuits when not engaged in the services of religion (comp. 1Ch. 6:57 seq.).
That they may gather themselves unto us.The result would be a great addition to an already large gathering. However, it does not follow that every one to whom the summons came would be willing or able to obey it. The invitation was, in fact, a kind of formal proclamation to the entire people of a solemn act of national importance.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
1Ch 13:2 And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If [it seem] good unto you, and [that it be] of the LORD our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, [that are] left in all the land of Israel, and with them [also] to the priests and Levites [which are] in their cities [and] suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us:
Ver. 2. If it seem good unto you. ] Thus he both getteth their good wills and underfeeleth how they stood affected to God’s sincere service.
And that it be of the Lord.
Let us send abroad.
Unto our brethren.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
congregation = military assembly, or muster.
that be. Supply the Ellipsis (App-6), “If it be”.
brethren. So the true David calls them (Heb 2:11).
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
If it seem: 1Ki 12:7, 2Ki 9:15, Pro 15:22, Phm 1:8, Phm 1:9
and that it be: Exo 18:23, 2Sa 7:2-5
send abroad: Heb. break forth, and send
left: 1Ch 10:7, 1Sa 31:1, Isa 37:4
the priests: 1Ch 15:2-14, Num 4:4-20, 2Ch 31:4-21
their cities and suburbs: Heb. the cities of their suburbs, 1Ch 6:54-81, Num 35:2-9
Reciprocal: 2Ch 20:21 – consulted Psa 141:6 – for they Act 13:36 – served
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ch 13:2. David said unto all the congregation Unto all the people then assembled with him at Hebron. In the second book of Samuel (chap. 5. and 6.) this story of removing the ark is mentioned after the taking of Jerusalem, and the two first fights with the Philistines, whereas here it is placed before the latter, and there is no mention of the former. The case seems to have been as follows: There being now a great and general concourse of all Israel, and David being now established in his throne with universal consent and applause, he begins with God, and his first thoughts and cares are concerning religion, and what was then the great instrument and ornament of it, the ark. And, having this assembly with him, he takes the opportunity of desiring their advice and concurrence with him about bringing the ark, either to Hebron, which was then the royal city, or to Jerusalem, which, as probably he told them, he was resolved to besiege, and hoped, by Gods help, to take. After this was proposed by the king, and accepted by the people, this great assembly was dismissed, only some of them David reserved to go with him against Jerusalem, which accordingly he did, and succeeded in his enterprise. But before his resolution to fetch the ark could be executed, the Philistines came and fought twice with him, as is related 2Sa 5:17, &c., and here 1Ch 14:8, &c. And after they were repulsed with great loss and shame, David sets upon the execution of what he had resolved, and, in order to it, calls another general assembly of the people. And it be of the Lord our God If this translation of the ark be pleasing to God; let us send abroad Hebrew, , niphretsa, Let us break out and send. We are now in some sort pent up in one place, but let us break up the assembly, and disperse ourselves, and send messengers speedily and universally to the several tribes about this work. It is a metaphor taken from the sea, or rivers, which, when the banks are broken, suddenly overflow the adjacent country. That are left in all the land of Israel By which expression he reminds them of the great desolations and destructions brought upon them for their sins; and therefore advises that remnant, whom God had so graciously saved in and from those dreadful ruins, more seriously to set themselves to seek God than they had formerly done.