1 Chronicles 13 · Grade 4
Joy Without Obedience
Read and Think
David consulted with every leader. He proposed bringing God's ark back, for they had not sought it in the days of Saul (13:3). The whole assembly agreed, because it was right in the eyes of all the people. David gathered Israel from the river of Egypt to Hamath.
They carried God's ark on a new cart from Abinadab's house. David and all Israel played before God with all their might, with songs, harps, and trumpets. At Chidon's threshing floor the oxen stumbled, and Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark. Yahweh's anger burned against him, and Yahweh struck him, and he died there before God.
David was displeased, and he was afraid of God that day. He asked how he could bring God's ark home. So he carried it aside into the house of Obed-Edom, where it stayed three months. Yahweh blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that he had.
Show What You Know
Why did David want to bring back the ark?
How did they carry the ark?
What happened at Chidon's threshing floor?
What did David ask that day?
What happened at Obed-Edom's house?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- consulted with every leader.
- The whole agreed, because it was right in the eyes of all the people.
- David gathered from the river of Egypt to Hamath.
- David and all Israel played before with all their might, with songs, harps, and trumpets.
- So he carried it aside into the of Obed-Edom, where it stayed three months.
Think About It
The people were full of joy but did not follow God's instructions. Why is it important to worship God in the way He asks?
God blessed the house where the ark stayed. How can you welcome God's presence in your home?
Memory Verse
“All the assembly said that they would do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.”
1 Chronicles 13:4 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for Your holiness. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How can you check with God before you make big plans?
- How can you show reverence when you worship God?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.