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:
1 Chronicles 13:2 · King James Version
Meaning
David's words to the congregation of Israel in this verse highlight his desire to unite the people and bring them together in worship of the Lord. By suggesting that they send messengers to their brethren all over Israel, as well as to the priests and Levites in their cities, David is emphasizing the importance of community and spiritual fellowship. He wants to ensure that all the Israelites, including those who may have been left behind or scattered, have the opportunity to come together to worship and praise the Lord as one united nation. This verse reflects David's leadership style, which prioritizes inclusivity, unity, and reverence for the Lord. It lays the foundation for bringing the people of Israel together in a collective act of worship, reinforcing the idea that they are all part of one chosen people under the guidance of God.
Theological Overview
In this verse, David is addressing the congregation of Israel, seeking their input on a decision. He emphasizes the importance of seeking the will of the Lord before taking action. This highlights David's reliance on God's guidance in all matters, showcasing his faith and trust in the Lord's direction. The phrase "if it seem good unto you, and that it be of the LORD our God" demonstrates David's desire for the people's agreement and confirmation that their decision aligns with God's will. This shows a humble approach to leadership, as David does not make decisions unilaterally but seeks consensus and divine approval. Additionally, the mention of gathering the priests and Levites from various locations emphasizes the unity of the Israelite community, bringing together all the remnants of the land of Israel. This collaboration with the religious leaders shows the importance of seeking spiritual wisdom and guidance in decision-making, underscoring the integral role of faith in governance and community building.
1 Chronicles 13:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
And David said unto all the assembly of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and if it be of Jehovah our God, let us send abroad every where unto our brethren that are left in all the land of Israel, with whom the priests and Levites are in their cities that have suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us;
World English Bible
David said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is of Yahweh our God, let us send abroad everywhere to our brothers who are left in all the land of Israel, with whom the priests and Levites are in their cities that have suburbs, that they may gather themselves to us;
Douay-Rheims
And he said to all the assembly of Israel: If it please you; and if the words which I speak come from the Lord our God, let us send to the rest of our brethren into all the countries of Israel, and to the priests, and the Levites, that dwell in the suburbs of the cities, to gather themselves to us,
Geneva Bible (1599)
And Dauid said to all the Congregation of Israel, If it seeme good to you, and that it proceedeth of the Lord our God, we will sende to and from vnto our brethren, that are left in all the lande of Israel (for with them are the Priests and the Leuites in the cities and their suburbes) that they may assemble them selues vnto vs.