Bible Pathways 04/13/2003

April 13

Read II Samuel 6 -- 9

In Today's Reading:

David brings the ark of God into Jerusalem; covenant of God with David; David's prayer of thanksgiving; his victories; David's kindness to Mephibosheth

David was now king of the united kingdom. He desired to honor God by bringing the ark of the covenant, the dwelling place of God, to Jerusalem which would be the religious and political capital of David's kingdom. For about 75 years, during most of Samuel's leadership and during Saul's 40-year reign, the ark had remained with Abinadab at Kirjath-jearim.

David assembled all the choice men in Israel,30,000 in all. . . . to bring . . . the ark of God (to Jerusalem). . . . they set the ark of God on a new cart as the Philistines had done many years before when they captured it. They proceeded toward Jerusalem with great rejoicing. Uzzah and Ahio,sons of Abinadab, were guiding the new cart (II Samuel 6:1-4). David made the procession a national day of rejoicing to impress all Israel with the importance of putting God in the center of their nation.

David often inquired of the LORD about what to do (I Samuel 23:2,4; II Samuel 2:1; 5:19,23), but he saw no need to pray about moving the ark to Jerusalem.

Attempting to keep the ark from toppling off the cart, Uzzah reached out to the ark of God and took hold of it because the oxen had stumbled. . . and God struck him down. . . . He died there alongside the ark of God (6:6-7). Undoubtedly, David was humiliated and displeased (6:8). Why would God allow this to happen? David was sincerely seeking to know God but he had overlooked two very important instructions in the word of God: the ark must be carried by poles on the shoulders of the priests, and the penalty for touching the ark of God's Presence was death (Exodus 25:10-15; Numbers 3:30-31; 4:15; 7:9; I Kings 8:7-8).

This incident should teach us that it is a serious error to believe that, as long as a person is sincere, it makes no difference what he believes or does. It should also teach us the importance of knowing God's word: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth (II Timothy 2:15).

Finally, pray for us, brothers, that the Lord's message may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you (II Thessalonians 3:1).

Christ Revealed:

By the ark of the covenant which they . . . set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it(II Samuel 6:17). The ark contained God's word given to Moses (Deuteronomy 10:1-5), and God dwelt above its mercy seat (Exodus 25:22; I Samuel 4:4; II Samuel 6:2). Christ is the Living Word (the Word made flesh) and dwells within us (John 1:1,14). Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

Prayer Needs:

Government Officials: Sen. Ben Campbell (CO), Rep. Susan Davis (CA), and Rep. Jack Quinn (NY) · Country: Vietnam (77 million) in Southeast Asia · Major languages: Vietnamese and French · Very strict control of Christians in the North; the South has been more lenient but is getting tighter · 65% Buddhist and Buddhist sects; 7% Roman Catholic; 4% belief in evil spirits and ancestor worship; .4% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Confess and forsake your sins that you may receive mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

Optional Reading: Acts 14

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 10:17