1 Chronicles 13
-This short 14 verse chapter is power packed with intrigue
and insight into the workings of the LORD in regard to His commands and
ordinances with regard to the Ark of His Covenant. David’s desire is to bring
the Ark back into a rightful place of prominence in the nation since the people
of God did not seek it during the days of King Saul (1 Chronicles 13:3). The
parallel account of this occurrence in 2 Samuel 5:6 shows that David’s building
projects had already been completed in Jerusalem before he brought the Ark
back. Chronicles emphasizes the Ark first because of its spiritual implications
under the direction of King David and his heart after God. David consults with
all the leaders of Israel in his decision to transport the Ark from
Kiriath-jearim (1 Samuel 7:1-2, 1 Chronicles 13:5-6) to Jerusalem, but he
neglected to do things as God had commanded through Moses (Numbers 4:5-15) by the
means of transportation. There was enthusiasm, but there was not obedience to His
specific commands. They used a new cart that was unstable and proved to be careless
with the death of Uzza as he tried to stabilize it from falling (1 Chronicles 13:7-10).
David’s excitement turned to shear anger and fear before the LORD, and eventually
total reverence for doing things God’s way. The next time they transported the Ark,
it was done under the commanded ways of God through Moses (1 Chronicles 15:13-15).
David’s fear kept him from taking the Ark to his home in the city of David, which
allowed Obed-edom the Gittite to host it for three months and receive much blessing
from the LORD (1 Chronicles 13:12-14). *Application* This chapter shows the double-edged
sides of God’s love and justice through the blessing Obed-edom and the death of
Uzza. Great blessings come to those who obey His commands diligently, but severe
punishment can come to those who disregard and disobey His precepts. This corrective
discipline may come swiftly, as we see in this narrative, or it may play out over
time, but it will inevitably come. God knows all things. If we are not careful,
just like David and the people of Israel, we can focus so much on the blessings
and goodness of God that we forget the consequences of sin and that “it is a terrifying
thing to fall into the hands of the Living God (Hebrews 10:31).” There can also
be those times of focusing too much on the judgment of the LORD that we miss out
on His intended blessings as happened to David. Don’t be consumed with a one-sided
view of God. He is a God of perfect balance between love and justice. We need to
realize that from these biblical lessons and trust in His ways.
Verse to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 13:3
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