The presence of Jehovah was what David desired most in his life. In 2 Samuel 6, he attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant, which represents the presence of the Lord, to Jerusalem.  They have difficulties on the road, and it is left with a Levite.

What did they do wrong?  They put the Ark on a cart.  Yes, it was a new cart probably built just for the purpose of transporting this precious item.  That was not the command of Yahweh.  He told Moses that it would be carried by the Levites with the specially made poles.  Then the King was angry with God for taking the life of the man who tried to protect it.  Moses recorded that no one was to touch it.

David is depressed because he was not able to accomplish what he set out to do.  He failed because, this time, he did not listen to God.  In the Law, the procedures for carrying the presence of God is given.  David, like many of us, did not bother to consult the Word before attempting what he wanted to do.  Obed-Edom cared for it while the Israelites regrouped.

After a while, they try again.  This time the Word of the Lord is followed.  Another problem comes about when Micah, David’s wife, criticizes him for dancing and celebrating as the Ark is brought into Jerusalem.  She is ostracized and left childless because of this.

How often have you been disappointed with God? In chapter thirteen of First Chronicles, King David is disappointed, when his attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem ends in failure. When we read this story in Second Samuel, we saw that one of the priests died because he touched the Ark.

We mentioned the errors that the King made in the transportation of the presence of Jehovah at that time. Mistakes are made by everyone. Often, they are due to the lack of information that is easy to attain. God’s will is often as close as The Bible. You just need to read it.

The interesting thing about 1 Chronicles, is the stories that are shortened from the other books about the rulers of Israel. In the fourteenth chapter, David begins the construction of his palace and continues the war with the Philistines. Remember that in Second Samuel we read about his hiding in Philistia for a while. That is not mentioned here.

Again, I will ask you to note the fact that David goes to Jehovah for advice before most of the battles. We pray when everything falls apart. To follow this example, we would pray before every test, business meeting, or any other event in our lives. Prayer is the first thing we should do, not the last.

David has done more research and in 1 Chronicles 15, he decides to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. A place for the Tabernacle is cleared. The Priests and Levites are prepared. Each has an assigned duty.  They are consecrated for their service.

Do you ever notice names in the Bible that remind you of something? There used to be a cartoon called the Masters of the Universe. The main character was Heman. Heman is one of the musicians that served in the sanctuary.

David is so excited about having Jehovah’s presence in Jerusalem, he dances in the street with the Levites. His wife, Michal, sees this display and does not like his less than majestic behavior.

Who is better prepared to establish the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem? 1 Chronicles 16 gives all the names of those charged to lead music and songs at the Tabernacle.

An example of the words that were sung by the people is given. Praise music was here as much as at any modern church. That is why many of our current praise songs include verses taken directly from the Psalms. In addition to music, there are sacrifices to be offered.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger