Read 1 Chronicles 13:1-14
Now that David’s kingdom has been established, it seems one of the first items of business are to bring the Ark of God into the City of David. This was a big deal, and it shows us that David was intent on having God’s presence surrounding him in his kingdom.
As you recall, the Ark is the most sacred object in Israel’s ancient traditions. It was an ornately decorated box containing the tablets of the ten commandments, among other holy items. The Ark was revered for what it represented, the presence of God. Exodus 25:10-22 tells us more detail about the construction of the Ark.
It’s hard for us to imagine how sacred this Ark was because we don’t have anything like it today. But when we imagine this Ark being where the Lord himself was invisibly present, it helps us understand the reverence and respect this golden box received.
By bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, David was establishing Jerusalem as more than just the capital of his kingdom. David wanted Jerusalem to be God’s home and center of the world.
Can’t you just picture all the rejoicing on the road to Jerusalem! We’re told in this passage: “David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.” I can even hear the music, each person making beautiful music to the Lord.
But this spirit of rejoicing ended abruptly. David failed in his first attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. A person died. I can’t even imagine what that would have been like to see God’s anger unleashed as Uzzah lost his life like that. David had to be wondering what he could have done differently. After all, hadn’t he sought the approval of the people and God?
Apparently, David had not waited for God’s response. We often do that, too, don’t we? We rush into something we think is the right thing to do only to fall flat on our face. If we don’t wait on God, we can find ourselves hitting a wall or failing in our attempts, even when our intentions are to seek God’s will.
The Chronicler tells us David got mad at God for what happened to Uzzah. Again, most of us can probably say we’ve been angry at God a time or two. It’s probably because we don’t understand the full picture. God’s wisdom surpasses our understanding, and often our plans aren’t big enough. God knows best, and we do well to trust that.
What did David do? David’s response was to fear God. That’s a good reaction for any of us. Psalm 34:9 says, “Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.” More wisdom about fearing the Lord from Proverbs 28:14: “Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.” When we fear God, we fear doing something that will displease him. In other words, we want to avoid sinning because we know that separates us from God. Being distant from God sounds like “serious trouble” to me!
Think about how these verses speak to you. Have you been rushing to get something done because you think it’s the right thing to do? Ask God to reveal to you his wisdom as you seek his will for your life.
Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me when I rush ahead of you and your timing. Like David, you know I always want to do the right thing. Give me wisdom to see your hand at work in my life and to make sure everything I say and do is in alignment with your desires. Thank you for giving me your word as a guide and your Holy Spirit to understand. Help me to listen better for your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
