David Brings Back the Ark to Jerusalem – Youth STS Lesson 236

“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 6:15 (Memory Verse)

Introduction

In the previous chapter, David had just been made king by the elders of Israel in Hebron. The Scripture declared that “…David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him” (2 Samuel 5:10). As his manner was, following the command of the Lord, he “…smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer” (2 Samuel 5:25). In this study, he desires to bring back the ark of God (verse 2), a proof of his desire to restore a good religious atmosphere and strong central governance to Israel.

Question 1: State the significance of the ark of God and itemise the contents in it.

The ark is a special item in the sanctuary. It was the symbol of God’s presence (1 Samuel 4:4-7). Israel battled by the strength of their relationship with the Lord and their obedience to the covenant contained in the ark. Today, Christ is the Ark of God for believers. By Christ and Him alone does God manifest His favour, shower His grace upon us and accepts our adoration and requests (John 1:14-16). Christ is the only Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).

BRINGING BACK GOD’S PRESENCE

2 Samuel 6:1-5; 7:2; 1 Chronicles 13:1-14; 2 Chronicles 5:2-10; Psalm 122:1; 114:7; 1 Kings 8:1-6

The ark was central in Israel’s life and a symbol of God’s presence, fellowship, righteousness, mercy, protection and blessing. In spite of the greatness and glory surrounding the ark, the privilege of having it among the children of Israel had been missing for many years. On its return from the land of the Philistines, it was kept in the house of Abinadab on the hill of Kirjath-jearim.

When David was settled on the throne, the honour of the ark began to revive and Israel’s care of it flourished again. The time had now come for the restoration of the ark to its proper place. Every Christian youth is expected to seek the presence of God, honour Him and ensure there is true worship of God in their fellowship (school or home). “Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob” (Psalm 114:7). Any youth who dishonours God does it to his/her own destruction.

David gathered thirty thousand chosen men to bring up the ark of God from the house of Abinadab with joy, singing, dancing and playing of several musical instruments. It was a moment of reformation and revival of true worship, which was a sharp contrast to the national spiritual indifference that characterised the period of Saul.

Question 2: What brings about joy among the people of God?

Usually, there is great joy both in heaven and earth when a soul is brought into God’s kingdom and when revival takes place. “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:7). Moments of joy take place among God’s people when there is rediscovery of Bible truth, an outpouring of the Spirit of God upon His worshippers, eagerness to worship God in spirit and in truth and burning desire to live right and make restitution. In the days of Ezra, people experienced the joy of restoration (Ezra 3:10-13). Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem was occasioned by public joy (Matthew 21:4-11). Samaritans were overtaken by joy for discovering the power of Christ when Philip preached (Acts 8:5-8). Youths will experience joy when there is true repentance, confession and restitution. When Christian youth earnestly seek God and His glory, their hearts will rejoice. It should be noted that a sinning youth does not have God’s presence in his life. To attract God’s presence into your life, you need to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. The joy of salvation follows after accepting Him.

BLUNDER OF TOUCHING THE ARK

2 Samuel 6:6-8,20-23; 1 Samuel 2:30; Habakkuk 2:20; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20

As the ark of God was brought out of the house of Abinadab, it was laid on a new cart. Music with different kinds of instrument accompanied it. Then something tragic took place as they came to Nachon’s threshing floor. The cart shook along a rough path. This made Uzzah to put forth his hand to keep it from falling; but died as a result (verses 3-7).

This error was committed because of their oversight on important details. The ark of God was not to be put on a cart or any wheel. The priests were to carry it on their shoulders with staves (Exodus 37:3-5; Numbers 4:15). “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). God honours His word more than His name (Matthew 7:21). He is no respecter of any person (Acts 10:34). We cannot help God because He is the Almighty. Youths must not rush into the service of God. Sinning youths must repent of their sins before they can be eligible to enlist in the service of God. Removing, changing or modifying God’s basic essentials for Christian life and service incurs His displeasure and wrath.

Question 3: Why was Uzzah smitten to death and what do we learn from it?

God dislikes irreverence and presumption, especially in divine things. For this reason the people at Betshemesh were slain and more than fifty thousand died (1 Samuel 6:19-21). Nadab and Abihu were devoured by fire because they offered strange fire before the Lord (Leviticus 10:1,2). In all these instances, notice the need for high degree of caution and attention to details required in the worship of the Lord.

Christian youths should desist from fiddling with their phones, passing note to themselves, making noise, loitering, making jest of the preacher and all other misbehaviour whenever they come into the presence of God. Ungodly behaviour in God’s house attracts severe judgment.

“And as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart” (2 Samuel 6:16). Michal’s sense of decency was offended. She saw David praising God and despised him in her heart for the manner in which he did it. Christian youths should be careful not to despise those who are deeply involved in God’s service, as He considers such behaviour a personal attack on His person and punishes it severely. We should also endeavour to positively contribute and support our parents’ ministries. Their zeal and devotion should inspire us to give our best to the Lord.

BLESSINGS THROUGH THE PRESENCE OF THE ARK

2 Samuel 6:11-19; 1 Chronicles 13:14; 15:24; Galatians 6:9; Psalm 16:11; 122:1

“And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household” (verse 11).

Question 4: What can we learn from the reception of God’s ark by Obededom?

Obededom, a Levite, gladly received the ark to his home, which brought blessings upon him and his household. He was not known before this time, but his holy life and sudden acceptance of God’s ark made him known. A righteous person needs not fear accepting God’s assignment. Christian youths should continue to faithfully live a life; and God will definitely allow incidents that would connect them to their blessings. God allowed Pharaoh to have a dream for Joseph to be promoted. Vashti was displaced for Esther to become queen; Nebuchadnezzar dreamt for Daniel to be made a great man in Babylon. Your obedience, faithfulness and holy life will also bring blessings to your household. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). Some people today do not allow fellowship in their home, thinking their apartment will be made dirty by fellowship members. By so doing, they are rejecting the ark of God that brings blessings.

The blessing that came upon Obededom as a result of the ark was an inducement for David to make a second attempt to bring the ark to his city. Youths should allow the testimonies of others to draw them nearer and closer to God and His fellowship.

“And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings” (verse 13). It is worthy of note, that this time the error had been corrected. They now “bare the ark”, properly. It was no more placed on carts. Modernity is good, but we must be careful not to replace the essence and sacredness associated with divine worship and service (John 4:24). All forms of frivolities and levities in modern worship and service (Deuteronomy 23:14).

David offered sacrifices to God as the priests carried the ark by way of atonement for their former errors and in a thankful acknowledgment of His blessings. Eventually, the ark was brought to the city of David. With dancing, shouting and sound of trumpet, the ark was placed in the tabernacle with burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. Our fellowship and worship services should be attended with joy and gladness (Psalm 16:11; 122:1).

Then, the people were dismissed with great satisfaction and fulfilment. He sent them away with gracious prayer. When members cooperate with their leaders, such leaders will be free and glad to pray for them.