2 Samuel 6
The gold-covered ark had been neglected while Saul was king of Israel, and left in a man’s house many years. The writings of God’s Words were kept in the ark, so we suppose the reading of those Words was not heard by the people, only what they had written in their own houses, for they had been told to write God’s Words on their doorposts and talk to one another about them.
When David became king he wished more than anything else to have the ark at Jerusalem, where all could worship the Lord. So he talked to all the people about it and a very large company went with him to get the ark. They took harps and other musical instruments, and at first were very happy.
They put the ark on a new cart with oxen to draw it, much as the enemy had once carried it (1 Sam. 6). But God had said for His people to carry the ark by the staves on the shoulders of men of Levi, and they seem to have forgotten His directions, or else wanted to take it an easier way. The ark was where the Lord placed the cloud of glory, to show the people He would be with them, and was most holy, so it was right for them to do His way, and not as they thought to do.
The Lord was displeased with them, so they did not get the ark to Jerusalem that day, but again left it in a man’s house and David was very disappointed.
But soon after, David learned how they should carry the ark, and they went again for it. This time the Levites carried it on their shoulders, and David and very many singers and players of music were with them, all dressed in white linen robes. They blew the trumpets and gave much praise to God (1 Chron. 13 and 15).
So the ark was safely brought to Jerusalem and placed in a tent made ready by David. And there was great joy in all the city, and each person was given his food. David had written a special song and given it to the chief singer,—some of the last words were:
“O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good,
For His mercy endureth forever.”
All the people answered, “Amen”, and when all the singing and words were ended, David sent the people to their homes (1 Chron. 16).
The ark of God teaches us of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is most precious to all who believe in Him. But if we neglect Him and all the Words of God to us, we too will dishonor Him as Israel did. The Lord still wants us to read His Words, and sing praises to Him.
ML 11/27/1938