1 Chronicles 13:3

3 Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of[a] it[b] during the reign of Saul.”

1 Chronicles 13:3 in Other Translations

KJV
3 And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.
ESV
3 Then let us bring again the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul."
NLT
3 It is time to bring back the Ark of our God, for we neglected it during the reign of Saul.”
MSG
3 And let's bring the Chest of our God back - the Chest that was out of sight, out of mind during the days of Saul."
CSB
3 Then let us bring back the ark of our God, for we did not inquire of Him in Saul's days."

1 Chronicles 13:3 Meaning and Commentary

1 Chronicles 13:3

And let us bring again the ark of our God to us
The symbol of the divine Presence, than which nothing was more desirable to David, and he chose to begin his reign overall Israel with it: for we inquired not at it in the days of Saul;
he being indifferent to religion, and careless about it, and the enjoyment of the presence of God, and having direction from him; and the people also content with worship at the tabernacle at Gibeah, though the token of the divine Presence was absent.

1 Chronicles 13:3 In-Context

1 David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.
2 He then said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our people throughout the territories of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their towns and pasturelands, to come and join us.
3 Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul.”
4 The whole assembly agreed to do this, because it seemed right to all the people.
5 So David assembled all Israel, from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim.

Cross References 2

Footnotes 2

Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.