2 Samuel 6:12-15
Now it was told King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness. And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep. Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet. 2 Samuel 6:12-15 (NKJV)
Rest of the story. We really need to begin at the beginning of Chapter 6. The Ark of God was being stored in Kiriath-jerrim, in the house of Abinadab, on the highest hill ~8 miles west of Jerusalem. It had been returned to Israel by the Philistines after exile during the reign of Saul. When David became king, he devised a great procession and festival to bring the Ark to the temple in Jerusalem. He had built a beautiful cart, pulled by oxen, loaded the Ark high on top, adorned it with jewels and royal fabrics. Led by David, with people lining the street, the parade with joyous singing, celebration, trumpets, and great fanfare proceeded towards Jerusalem. But, on the way there the cart hit a bump/stone and began to fall. Abinadab’s son Uzzah attempted to prevent the Ark from falling and with his touch was immediately killed.
David had decided to move the Ark “his” way, even though God had instructed (Exodus 25/Numbers) that the Ark was to be carried only by the Levites, using poles, on their shoulders, in solemn reverence without touching. David did not follow God’s Biblical instructions but chose to do it “his” way. The Ark was unloaded at that place, Obed-Edom, and stored for 3 months for fear of God’s wrath. This first procession was David’s way, without listening to God.
Q. Have you ever decided to do something and later realized you should seek out God’s directions via prayer? A common Christian acronym comes to mind - WWJD?
After the 3 months, David followed the ancient teachings with the Levites carrying the Ark, on poles, with David leading not in royal dress, but with simple loin cloth in full humility to God. It is interesting that our verse comments that after just 6 steps – possible to test if God was now satisfied – they provided a sacrifice to God before proceeding. After which the procession continued the celebration as the Ark was brought into the city symbolizing God’s covenant presence within the heart of Jerusalem and the entire nation. The Ark was a unifying symbol of God’s love for all people. David demonstrated through his humility a reverence for following God’s Word through scripture and prayer.
Fast forward 1000 years and a similar parade into Jerusalem occurred. Jesus did not ride in on a royal chariot (fancy cart), adored in purple royal robes, jewels, crown, or even on a great white steed. Instead, Jesus entered in humility, on a lowly colt, to the singing and praising of the people. Those who wanted Jesus to enter as a royal king did not understand God’s wishes. Our verse is an example of David first trying to do it “his” way without first going to God in prayer, and then after listening to God’s Word (Bible) and through prayer finding God’s intentions.
Q. Have you ever taken a Bible verse out of context to support your own agenda? Justified a course of action as God’ will without first going to God in prayer?
Our world is full today of people who declare expertise of the Bible to support their agendas without really knowing God and Jesus. This can only be found through study of scriptures and prayer.
Proverbs 18:13 “To answer before listening-that is folly and shame”
James 1:19 “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”
Unknown “God gave us two ears and one mouth, and they should be used proportionately”
Prayer:
Dear Lord, please help me to “listen” to Your Word in both my actions and reactions. Guide me to find through prayer and scriptures a guidebook for my life in Your Grace. Amen.
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