We have a new king with a new city, and now David feels the need to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem to unify the political and religious around him. Good idea. The ark signifies the "presence of God' to the people of Israel. It had been in the house of Abinadab almost 100 years. I wonder if David inquired of the Lord if now was the time to move the ark? Or did he just decide on his own? We do the same thing - decide something needs to be done, and most of the time we just forge ahead. New programs, new house, new job, new committees, "new carts." Oftentimes we don't "inquire of the Lord" before we move ahead ourselves.
David moves ahead and takes with him his "chosen men" and a "new cart." As the ark moves along, carried by oxen, the oxen stumble and Uzzah reaches out to steady the ark and is struck dead by God. Talk about "shock and awe." That would put the fear of God in you. But why?? (Isn't that the same question we always ask?) Well, let's go back - a great plan to move the ark, but executed in the wrong way. The ark is sacred and holy, and there were specific instructions on how to carry it - on poles by the Levites, not to be touched by human hands. David knew this, but somehow he let his exuberance cloud his thinking.
Same song, second verse - only this time David had the priests carry the ark in the order and manner specified by God. I believe David learned to fear God here, and to realize again that God is holy. Should we also examine ourselves to see that we treat God with reverence and awe and learn to do things "God's way"? (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.) Inquire of the Lord and be sure we are in God's timing. Treat the sacred things as holy.
When the ark was being brought into Jerusalem, David shed his royal robes and "danced" before the Lord, showing, I believe, that he did not think himself as set apart or special just because he was the chosen king, but was humble and attired like the rest of the priests in a linen ephod. And although his wife Michal disapproved, David replied that he was not dancing for the people, or as the king, but "unto the Lord." An example for us to remember in our own lives - completely "abandoned in worship."
At last God gave David "rest from his enemies," and as he dwelt in his house he realized there was more that he wanted to do for the Lord. He wanted to "build him a house." However, through Nathan the prophet, he learned that God wanted to give him more than an opportunity to "build a house" - He would give him a "house" that would last - an eternal kingdom through his lineage. ". . . and your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before you; your throne shall be established forever . . . II Samuel 7:16 (Amplified Bible). When the angel Gabriel came to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus, he said, He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His forefather David. (Luke 1:32-33) .
Chapter 7 ends with David asking, Who am I that you have done this for me . . . Each of us can give untold examples of the goodness of God, of his faithfulness, of his forgiveness, of his mercy and love, and of the gift of His Son for our salvation and eternal life. Please take a few moments to offer up your praise for His goodness to you.
May you this week discover your place in God's love.
May it cause you to tremble . . . tremble . . . tremble.
(Andy Watts & Amy Dodson Watts from Journey to the Cross)
Oh, how I love the truth you have shared in God's word today, Mrs. Barbara!!! I remember reading this story of Uzzah many years ago and thinking how harsh God seemed in the Old Testament?? As I've continued to study His word, I learned that He was actually quite clear about the handling of the Ark....and even showed great mercy while they were transporting it incorrectly in the first place!
ReplyDeleteI loved to hear Beth Moore point out how David was "doing God a favor" by building Him the house He always wanted :) only to find out that it was GOD who was building David a house....an everlasting throne! My paraphrasing of Nathan's message from God would be something like, "Oh no, buddy!! It is I who made the promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it is I who is building a house for my children."
Isn't it such a blessing to learn more about HIM?!?! As Natalie pointed out yesterday, David is right in the middle of two covenants......Happy Easter to you all!
Ms. Barbara - Thank you for making that connection between the Old and New Testament in regards to the covenant God made with David and how it is fulfilled through Jesus. As I have said MANY times before (chuckle), I just think the connectivity between the Old and New Testament is just the coolest thing! I think I am more humbled and amazingly thankful this year more than I have ever been during Holy Week. I have watched bits and pieces of "The Passion of the Christ" movie (because I cannot stand to watch the whole movie!) and it has really, really brought my love and complete and total gratitude toward my Jesus to a whole new level!!!!
ReplyDeleteMs.Barbara-Thank you for asking us to take a few moments to offer up praise for God's goodness to us. As I read 2 Samuel 7:22, I had to say a huge "AMEN!!!!" David's prayers are so genuine and full of praise for an almighty God. "There is no God like you." That verse made me want to break out in song and lift my hands to an awesome God. God has done so much for me. As we celebrate during this Easter season I have a renewed and fresh view of my salvation and what Jesus did for me and for all of us!!! This year I am more at peace and have true joy!!! Thank you Lord for showing me things through your eyes.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you girls, in that the episode with the cart makes much more sense now! I wonder, did they not know the law? Did David have the same view of the ark as sort of a magic wand to be used to get God to do what he wanted? While his relationship with God was strong here, I wonder about his response to Uzziah dying. He seems to banish the ark like you would an evil talisman. Who knows. But once again we are shown that Regardless of our ignorance or not, Gods laws are Gods laws. I'm so thankful we have the Bible to help us learn about them and Jesus to fulfill them for us. We certainly never could on our own.
ReplyDeleteWhat about Michal? Whew. She certainly paid a high price for her contempt of her husbands worship. What great chapters!!
David was a WARRIOR and a GODLY man! I am also really enjoying learning more about him and putting the punishment of Uzziah in context of the laws that we've just finished reading over and over and over again.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if David just forgot about the instructions for handling the Ark. I mean, he's been busy fighting, concerned with other matters, not to mention how many wives??? It may it just slipped his mind. Maybe just an "innocent", but very costly mistake. As we know, God's instructions are are clear, His standard is perfect, and He is just. I am sure this was a REALLY good lesson for David to not forget the fundamentals.
I love David's strength and humility. Those two attributes could be considered contraditory, but they are wonderfully displayed together in David's life as he closely walks with the Lord.