King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Sunday, May 04, 2025
Chapters: I Chronicles 13-16
Message: I Chronicles: David Retrieves The Ark
Hello My Friend,
As we return to the reading of 1 Chronicles, we learn the importance of understanding that there is only one way to get to God, [John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.]
When David was finally made king of all of Israel he could not praise God enough for not only carrying him through every battle, but establishing him as the king. He felt like something was missing that prevented the entire nation from being blessed entirely, and that was the Ark of the Covenant. This was the wooden chest that contained the two tablets with the ten commandments as well as some other items that were collected in their way to the promise land. David, gathered up the leaders of Israel with a proposal to bring up the ark of God to Jerusalem, that the royal city might become the holy city.
[1 Chronicles 13:1-4 And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader. 2 And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and that it be of the LORD our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us: 3 And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul. 4 And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.]
The Ark had been separated from the Tabernacle since the tine of judges and the high priest Elie’s foolish sons took it out and brought it into the city and it had gotten taken by the Philistines, [1 Samuel 4:10-11 And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. 11 And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.] While the Ark was returned back to them, it remained in a city called Kirjath-jearim, [1 Samuel 6:21 And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you.]
Under Saul’s leadership, the nation was not following the Law as it was written, David, knowing this wanted to bring the Ark to Jerusalem as the center piece for honoring and worshiping God according to the Law. While a good leader will give their people a choice in serving God, a great leader is one who fears God and leads the people by their example. Jesus, said it this way, [John 13:15-17 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.]
Why was this so important to David? The Ark of the Covenant was the symbol of God’s Spirit, while His Spirit was not in the box, it gave them a sense of His presence. Now, David could have just had the Ark brought over without any consultation, but being the diplomatic king that he was he considered the opinion of the people, and they gladly rejoiced and gathered for this historic event. It was a parade of thirty thousand people, but their joy turned into fear during a tragic turn of events.
[1 Chronicles 13:6-10 And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjath-jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it. 7 And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart. 8 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. 9 And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. 10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.]
This is a perfect example of those who play religion, and why God gave us His Word. While many are eager to worship God there is only one way to get to Him and that is through His Son, Jesus Christ. They may not have known the His name in the person of Christ, but they did know Him as the LORD, and even their Redeemer, [Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:]
Uzza and Ahio, were the sons of Abinadab, lived in Kirjath-jearim and even though they were Levites, there were two major flaws that led to Uzza’s death. The first one is that they were to carry the Ark upon their shoulders using staves. The second and perhaps most fatal was that no one could touch it, [Numbers 4:5-6,15 And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it: 6 And shall put thereon the covering of badgers’ skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof. 15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.]
The fact that David or any of the elders did not know this information tells you why it is important that we read and study the Bible, and not some man made version that they happen to call a holy book. Now, David, is of course, a bit fearful of God at this point so he decides it is best to hold off and moving the Ark any further he found a nearby Levite to keep it as his house while his figured out what needed to be done.
[1 Chronicles 13:11-14 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perez-uzza to this day. 12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me? 13 So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 14 And the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that he had.]
While Obededom and his family were blessed, it was not because they happened to be Levites, or that the Ark was in their house it was because of their faith. They were no different in their faith whether they thought they were in the presence of God or not. You see, worshiping God is not that hard, we just need to know how to do that and to understand that He is always watching His people. That alone ought to bring us to fear Him, [1 Corinthians 3:16-18 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.]
In the three months that the Ark remained in Obededom’s house, David, began building his own house, but when the Philistines heard that he had become the king they were not too happy about that. Now, having inquired of God and exactly followed His directions and gains a complete victory over the Philistines.
[1 Chronicles 14:1-2,8-10 Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with masons and carpenters, to build him an house. 2 And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel. 8 And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them. 9 And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 10 And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand.]
We read some of this from 2 Samuel, but David understood that all of his glory and greatness as king were only made possible under the direction of God. A respected God fearing leader brings not only the respect of the people to their nation, but other nations as well. Try that here in America right now, not only does the nation disrespect God and their leader, his is a mockery to the world as well. This could all be turned around with a good old fashioned revival, [Isaiah 1:18-20 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.]
As much as David loved God and showed affection to Him, he learned first hand how important it was to ask God what to do in every matter, especially when it pertained to Himself. Now, David knew what he had to do in order to get the Ark moved so he gathered everyone together again and instructed them on what to do.
[1 Chronicles 15:1-4,12-13 And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. 2 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever. 3 And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it. 4 And David assembled the children of Aaron, and the Levites: 12 And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it. 13 For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.]
It is kind of sad that it was David who had to instruct the Levites on what to do. This is exactly why many will stand before Jesus, thinking that they are saved by their religion or the false doctrine they received and will find out the hard way that He does not know them, [Matthew 10:32-33 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.]
Now, once the Levites were sanctified, God was ready to accept them, and all their efforts. David and the elders met at Obededom’s house to retrieve the Ark. With joy they followed the ark as it made its way to its tent, it was literally a parade, with music and believers or all ages, marching through the streets, singing praises to God.
[1 Chronicles 15:15-16,24-25 And the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD. 16 And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers with instruments of musick, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding, by lifting up the voice with joy. 24 And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obed-edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark. 25 So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obed-edom with joy.]
We can do nothing apart from God, especially when it pertains to Him. This was the first time since Samuel died that sacrificial offerings had been offered up to God. The entire day was a revival to get them to return to worshiping God as a nation, and not to mention it was a feast that everyone was able to participate in.
[1 Chronicles 16:1-4,7 So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God. 2 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD. 3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. 4 And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: 7 Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.]
Do you see how everyone received the same gift? Salvation is the gift of God through ones faith in His Son, period. It does not matter who we are or what we have done, that gift is offered to everyone, [Romans 10:11-13 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.]
As David restores worship in the nation as well as the offerings, he writes this Psalm as a reminder that while God is a merciful God He is also a just God and we need to be mindful of His covenant, [1 Chronicles 16:8-15 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. 10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; 13 O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones. 14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;]
All God does is speak and things are done instantly, whether it be ones salvation to their soul the second they accept His Son as their Saviour or to send judgment. And we all need to be mindful that while salvation is a free gift that there are consequences for unrepentant sin. Nevertheless, we need to join David in declaring just how wonderful and terrible our God is to everyone, not just His faithful.
[1 Chronicles 16:23-30 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. 24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. 25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. 28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.]
This was actually the first Psalm written by David for Asaph to be sung by them now, and on every proper occasion, [1 Chronicles 16:34-39 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. 35 And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise. 36 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD. 37 So he left there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD Asaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, as every day’s work required: 38 And Obed-edom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obed-edom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters: 39 And Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon,]
Just as every other book in the Bible, the Psalms are not meant to be read just one time they are to be read continually. The woman who spoke at the conference said that we need to keep reading the Bible until God speaks to us, and what better place to listen for Him is in the Psalms, [Ephesians 5:18-20 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;]
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You for Your amazing mercy and grace to give us a way to be able to worship You without consequence. In order to worship You we must be sanctified and thanks to Your Son all we need to do to be sanctified is believe in Him and receive Him as our Saviour. Thank You Jesus, for such a sacrifice, I know that You are my only hope of salvation. Lord, Lead me and guide me, help me to learn to ask You for everything and to listen for Your voice telling me what I need to do at all times. Let me be a witness and a testimony and tell all You put on my heart to tell them they need You too. Keep me in Your Word daily until You speak to me. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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