Scripture printed text: II Samuel 6:1-5, 14-19
The book of II Samuel chapter six, records David bringing the Ark of God from the house of Abinadab. This was a great time of celebration and praising God. David is the newly crowned king of Israel, consulted with his officials concerning moving the Ark. However, the move was delayed by two unsuccessful attacks by the Philistines. God gave them victory over their enemies. And after their victory over the Philistines, David resumes his attention to moving the Ark of God. Because David’s top priority was concerning Israel’s spiritual life. The Ark of God symbolized God’s presence. The Ark of God, bears His name, it contained the Ten Commandments, and was designed for mobility. Also, the Ark was a sacred box or chest that only certain men were permitted to carry it upon their shoulders. God is not housed in the Ark, but housed in the hearts of His people. Even though the Ark of God, It is portrayed as a source of divine guidance and symbolized His presence, it was not to be worshipped. God alone is to worshipped.
Lesson outline:
- Extracting the Ark (II Samuel 6:1-5)
- If at first you don’t Succeed (II Samuel 6:14-15)
- Celebration and Criticism (II Samuel 6:16-19)
David gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand, and led the processional to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. They brought the Ark out of the house of Abinadab. David and the people celebrated by singing, and playing various musical instruments. Lyres, harps, tambourines, cornets and cymbals. David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a linen ephod. An Ephod is a sacred vestment worn originally by the high priests. It was worn by Samuel and by David when he danced before God on the occasion of the transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to David’s capital city of Jerusalem.
David transporting the Ark of God didn’t come without its challenges. David was in violation of attempting to transport the Ark on a cart. David first mistake was he placed the Ark on a new cart to transport it. The Ark was never designed to be transported by a cart, but carried by men. The Ark was sacred and only the priests were allowed to carry the Ark. While transporting the Ark on the cart, it almost fell, and Uzzah tried to keep it from falling, touching the Ark. As a result of him making physical contact with the Ark, God smote Uzzah. Whenever we are doing something for God, we should always consult Him first, before moving forward. God gives us specific instructions on what to do.
After the death of Uzzah, David was filled with fear and refused to move the Ark. David realized that his attempt to move the Ark failed, because he moved without seeking God’s directions. Although, David’s first attempt to transport the Ark failed, still he was determined to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. David learned some very important lessons, concerning mishandling of the Ark of God. The Ark was holy and sacred to the Lord, and shouldn’t be handle by anyone. The Ark was in the house of Obededom, and while it remained there, Obededom’s household was blessed. When David heard that Obededom received God’s blessings, he was more determined to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. After three months, David again begin to transport the Ark and he was successful in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem
God allow David to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. During the transportation of the Ark, David danced with all his might. This was David’s act of worshipping God for His presence and guiding the people of Israel, and restoring their spiritual health. Despite David and the people sang praises God, others begin to despised them for their celebration and acts of worship. David’s wife Michal, the daughter of Saul, was filled with contempt, watching him leaping and dancing before the Lord. David offered sacrifices and blessed the people also.
People have a diversity of their style of worship. Because we worship in different ways, doesn’t mean we should look upon others in a condescending manner. What does God desires of His people? He desires us to worship Him. Sing, dance, play instruments unto the Lord. For He is worthy to be praised.