2 Samuel 6 Coming Home

The Ark of the Lord is coming home to Jerusalem! It has been too long in the home of Abinadab. It is time that it rejoined the people.

When David decides to bring the Ark back to the people, he doesn’t decide to take it to the Tabernacle of Moses. He constructs a completely new place for it to rest. He wants the Ark of the Lord near him. He wants it in Jerusalem.

Because of David’s lineage, he is not allowed into the House of the Lord. He is three generations from Ruth; a Moabite. And he is five generations from Rahab; the prostitute from Jericho. This may have played an important part in David’s decision to make the Ark a new home. One that he would not be barred from entering.

David doesn’t begin the journey with the Ark of the Lord according to the Law of Moses. He uses the Philistine method instead. And it ends in disaster! He gets it right in the end though. Let’s rejoin our story and rejoice with the people as the Ark of the Lord comes home.

♥ ♦ ♥

After soundly defeating the Philistines, Hiram, king of Tyre decides to honor David, the new King of Israel. “I would build David a home. A place fit for a king, in the new city where he put his name.”

Hiram sends David a messenger asking for permission to do this work for him. David is in awe of the generous gift, and graciously accepts the offer. Hiram sends cedar trees, carpenters and masons to complete this gift to David.

David watches as his house takes form. He has very few changes that he asks for during its construction. It is almost as if Hiram had read David’s heart in the way it is designed. There is room for everyone, and space to grow. There will also be a designated throne room where David will meet with the people. A far cry from his humble home in Hebron.

David’s house is completed. It is a magnificent home. It has room for all his wives, concubines and his children. Hiram, the king of Tyre had done an excellent job in design and construction. Surely a home fit for a king. But something is still lacking in David’s life.

That ‘something’ is the Ark of The Lord. David is very familiar with the story of how it was captured by the Philistines and then sent back to Israel. He longs to have it near him. It represents the Lord very presence.

As much as David longs for the presence of the Lord to be with him in Jerusalem, he knows it would have an even bigger influence on the heart of the nation. Israel was a mess under Saul’s rule. Saul tended to the things that were urgent or interested him. Everyone and everything else were left to its own devices. Having the embodiment of God’s very presence available to the people would unite the kingdom like nothing else could. And putting the Heart of God with God’s anointed ruler of Israel could only strengthen the relationship of Israel and her God.

These are the thoughts following David around from day to day. He longs to be closer to the Lord. He also longs to bring the people of Israel back in relationship with Him.

At the moment, David’s ‘plate is clean’. He isn’t facing any dire battles. His home is finished. Things are humming along very nicely. Now is the time to make his desire a reality.

Thinking over how to do this David begins to lay out his plan. First, he needs to inform the people of his desire. Next, he has to get a commitment from them. Then they can go as a group and bring the Ark of The Lord to Jerusalem.

Wait; where will he put it? God’s presence needs a place that is special and set apart. David doesn’t want to bring it into his home because then the people wouldn’t have access to God. He wants it close by so sending it to the Tabernacle in Gibeon isn’t an option. If he were to decide to bring the Tabernacle to Jerusalem the people of Gibeon would revolt. Also, the Tabernacle is only supposed to move when God says so.

“I can construct a tent of my own” thinks David.

It won’t have to be as elaborate as the Tabernacle. It will be designed to hold only one item; the Ark of The Lord. But it also needs a courtyard and gate to protect it from those who would seek to hurt the Ark. “In this tent there will ALWAYS be music!”

David describes his plan to the builders and they begin construction. The fabrics of the tent follow the same lines as those in the Tabernacle of Moses. It takes two months to complete it to David’s exacting specifications and satisfaction.

When construction of the tent is nearly completed, David sends messages throughout his kingdom. “Come and see what the Lord will do in this great nation! Assemble together on the first day of the month of Adar, in the city of Jerusalem. We will proceed as one people and retrieve that which has been left in seclusion too long; the Ark of our Lord. We will bring it to the city of David where it will be for all the people a testament to our commitment to our Lord.”

Excitement runs high throughout the land. It has been MANY years since the Ark of The Lord was returned by the Philistines. The home of Abinadab has seen many blessings since its arrival. Now the nation will begin to heal too.

Abinadab is pleased when he heard the news. He has enjoyed the Lord’s blessings but he knows that the Ark belongs with the people, not just one family. He begins preparations for the move by constructing a new cart, to David’s exact specifications. This is the manner in which the Philistines delivered the Ark back to Israel. All will be ready when David leads the people to retrieve the Ark.

The city is bustling with people. Tomorrow is the first day of the month of Adar. All the last-minute preparations are being taken care of. The tent David commissioned stands ready on the hill. Mothers plait their daughter’s hair so they will be fresh for the morning. Men oil their phylacteries and groom their beards. Tomorrow is a special day!

The cock’s crows to welcome the day. The people rise from their beds, mats and tents throughout the hills of Jerusalem. David bounds from his bed with a spring in his step. He is lighter than air today. He quickly dresses in his finest robe. He wants to look his best for the Lord and for the people.

It is time for the morning sacrifice in Gibeon. This is the hour David has chosen to begin the march to Kiriath Jearim; Baale-judah. It takes the 30,000 plus people several hours to make the journey to the home of Abinadab.

David and the people could be heard LONG before they arrived at the home of Abinadab. “Father, they are nearly here!”

“Ready the cart my sons. I’m sure they won’t want to tarry.”

Uzzah and Ahio harness the oxen to the new cart their father had created. It is a beautiful cart and a fine pair of oxen. The Ark of The Lord will ride in style!

The procession finally reaches the door. Abinadab bows before David. “Welcome to my humble home my king. May you be welcome within my walls.”

“I greet you with thanks and appreciate your welcome. We have come to see the Ark of the Lord safely to Jerusalem; the city of David. Is it ready for travel?”

“It is my king. Allow my sons to bring it out to you. Uzzah, Ahio; bring the Ark of the Lord and place it on its cart.”

Uzzah and Ahio lift the Ark from where it has stood for several decades and carefully carry it out of their father’s house. They ensure that its covering is in place before approaching the door. They then move to the cart that will carry this precious cargo safely to Jerusalem. Abinadab is holding the oxen still as his sons load the Ark of The Lord onto the new cart. Everything goes smoothly and the people release a collective sight.

David can hold in his joy no longer. He begins to sing praises to the Lord. The rest of the people join in as the oxen begin the most important journey of their lives.

The procession could be heard for miles around! It was a joyful sound. Singing, shouts of praise, musical instruments joining in; harps, lyres, tambourines, castanets, cymbals and even trumpets. All these are offerings of praise and thanks giving to the Lord.

It is a slow march with all the excitement but none complaines about it. The oxen were content with the slow plodding pace too. Ahio directs the oxen’s path and Uzzah kept close watch on the precious cargo contained within the cart. It isn’t always easy directing the cart because those praising God weren’t always watching where they step. More than once Ahio has to quickly turn the oxen to prevent some enraptured praiser from being trampled under hoof.

The journey is exciting and tiring. But it is nearing its end. The city of Jerusalem can be seen in the distance. Despite the fact that the musicians and singers have been offering praise the entire journey, the sight of Jerusalem sends them into a fevered pitch. Joy is running out their very pours!

The procession is passing near the threshing floor of one local landowner; Nacon. The praisers movements cause Ahio to have to redirect the oxen more often. As they near the threshing floor, one of the oxen stumbles, sending a shudder through the cart. Uzzah is quick to react. He is determined that no harm come to the Ark so he reaches out to steady it.

This act of protection would be the last act Uzzah would ever do. God is angered by Uzzah’s action and strikes him dead on the spot. Uzzah falls to the ground like a stone that has been dropped from a great height.

At the same moment Uzzah’s hand touched the Ark of The Lord, a sound rent the air. It was like the crack of a whip. With the sound, a heavy presence also descends upon the entire congregation. All eyes turn to the cart that carries the Ark. Beside it lays Uzzah.

Joab is instantly on guard. He begins scanning the crowd for danger.

“Did anyone see what happened” asks David.

Ahio answers, “The oxen stumbled. I assume Uzzah tried to steady the Ark of The Lord.”

David knows without a doubt that this was an act of God. But why would God punish Uzzah for trying to help? His heart sinks. “I have caused this man’s death. The Lord must not want me to bring His Ark to Jerusalem.” These thoughts flood David’s mind as he looks at the lifeless man before him.

Grief and anger struggle with one another in David’s heart and on his face. He wrestles them both into submission while he addresses the crowd. “The Lord has been angered by our actions today. We must all return to our homes. The Ark of The Lord will go no further today. I will seek His will and forgiveness. Please… go home.”

No one argues with David. The oppressive air that settled with Uzzah’s death still covers everyone in the crowd. Slowly the people begin to turn towards their homes and the crowd breaks up. David’s soldiers remain.

Obed-edom had been part of the procession. He is well known to David as a righteous man of good reputation. He is a Levite in the town of Gittite. David sees him as the crowd is breaking up. David instructs Joab, “Go and bring Obed-edom back to me.”

Joab departs on his mission and returns within moments with Obed-edom at his side.

“How may I serve my king” inquires Obed-edom.

“I have need of your home as a shelter for the Ark of The Lord. How can the Ark of The Lord come to me?”

“I will gladly offer my home and my services to my king and my God.”

David thanks Obed-edom. A much smaller group now makes it way carefully to the Ark’s new destination. Once they reach the home Obed-edom asks them to wait while he prepares a place for the Ark to rest in safety. After a suitable place has been arranged, David’s men carefully lift the Ark by the carrying poles attached to it. They then bring it into the inner room Obed-edom had prepared.

“How long is the Ark of The Lord to remain with me my king?”

“I do not know. I will seek the Lord. If you have need of anything to care for the Ark, while it is in your care, I will be more than happy to provide it. All you need do is send word to me.”

“It is an honor to serve, no matter how long my services may be needed. I await your command.”

David and his troops leave as the sun is sinking in the sky. This day has certainly not gone as expected. David goes directly to his own home upon their return to Jerusalem. His heart is heavy.

In the solitude of his room, he cries out to God. “Why Lord? Why did You strike a man who was trying only to protect Your Ark? What sin did he commit that deserved death?”

David hears no definite answer from the Lord. He begins to think over the events of the day. “I must have sinned to have created this situation. If the Lord is silent in my prayers, perhaps I will find answers in His words.” David calls for his attendant to bring him the scrolls.

All night David pours over the scrolls that contain the Law of Moses. He pays special attention to the rules and regulations governing how the Ark is to be transported and who is to touch it. He realizes that he put his own men’s lives in jeopardy by having them carry it into the home of Obed-edom. Obed-edom is of the line of Levi, so placing the Ark with him should please the Lord.

David will go to the priest at Gibeon this day and ask that they make a sacrifice of atonement for him. His heart convicts him for not following the Lord’s regulations in moving the Ark to begin with. He is still hurt by the fact that the Lord struck Uzzah down as he tried to render aid to the Lord Himself.

David mind turns next to Uzzah’s own heart and how it may have led to his death. “Is it possible that Uzzah’s actions spoke of his deep lack of faith in the Lord? Uzzah had cared for the Ark of The Lord in his father’s house for as long as it had been there. He would have known the regulations governing how to approach it. He would have known not to touch it. Would his reaching out to steady it have indicated that he didn’t believe, or at least trust, that the Lord could care for Himself? If the Ark were truly in danger of falling, would not the Lord Himself right it?”

“The Ark is the symbol and dwelling place for God’s most holy presence and He is MORE than capable of caring for it. Its time with the Philistines proved that if nothing else” thinks David. This settled in his heart, he is finally able to let go of the anger he feels. But he is still unwilling to ‘tempt’ the Lord by moving the Ark right now.

Life returns to normal within the kingdom of Israel. David still longs to bring the Ark of The Lord back to the people. He is patient though and waits upon the Lord to lead this time.

Three months pass without incident. David’s advisors have kept watch on the family of Obed-edom. Today his advisors share a good report on this front.

“The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the Ark of God” (2 Samuel 5:12b).

David is very encouraged by this report. “It is time we bring the Ark to the rest of the people. It appears the Lord’s anger has passed. Send word to all of Israel to assemble again, for in one week’s time, we will celebrate the return of the Lord’s favor to the nation.”

Word went out within the hour. Before the week is even over the people are covering the hills around Jerusalem in anticipation. This procession will be shorter, but no less heralded.

The day dawns and David nearly leaps from his bed again. All is in order and ready to go by the time the morning sacrifice is to be offered in Gibeon. At the head of the procession this time are a large group of Levites. They will carry the Ark of The Lord as the Law demands. There are also herders who are bringing along a large herd of sheep and oxen for sacrificial animals.

The crowd nears the door of the house of Obed-edom. He has heard their approach and welcomes them. “Welcome to my home my king. How may I serve you?”

“Is the Ark of The Lord ready for transport?”

“It is my king.” Obed-edom leads the way for the Levites who will carry the Ark. “It stands ready.” He nods and backs away to allow the four men access. They carefully lift it and carry it outside the house.

As soon as David sees the Ark of The Lord with its coverings, his face shines. He takes a deep breath. He is determined to give full honor and praise to the Lord on this journey.

David called for Abiathar. “Please begin our journey by making a sacrifice to the Lord.”

Abiathar sacrifices both an ox and a fatted lamb in the yard of Obed-edom. He also remains at David’s side, for he knows this is just the beginning of his work for this day. David has instructed him that sacrifices are to be made the whole way to Jerusalem. The Levites carrying the Ark of The Lord are to take six steps and then stop. Abiathar will offer another sacrifice to the Lord at that point. Then the journey would proceed another six steps.

This journey was as joyous as the earlier phases of the last journey. The people are awed by David’s care in following the Lord’s command, as well as his rendering Him honor. Though the distance is much shorter, the trip still takes all day.

David, a man of praise and worship, s overcome with joy and praises the Lord with ALL his heart, mind, and body. He sings and dances before the Lord. He wears only an ephod, a plain white garment, as he means to bring NO honor to himself as king.

“So David and all the house of Israel brought up the Ark of The Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn” (verse 15).

No greater celebration has happened in the lives of the people assembled here. After several miles, the slow and joy filled journey has reached the gates of the new seat of Israel’s power. The city David. Their king, has named as his own; Jerusalem.

The gates are flung wide as the huge crowd moves into the city and towards the Ark’s final destination. On the hill David has pitched a tent to house the Ark of The Lord. Those inside the city, who waited for its arrival, join in with those who participat in the procession.

Abiathar’s clothes are covered in blood from the knees down and from wrists to elbows from the many sacrifices he has offered on behalf of the people this day. He is tired, but is unwilling to even entertain the notion of quitting before all is accomplished. The finish line is in sight!

As the procession moves through the city the sounds accompanying it bounce off the buildings. There is not an ear anywhere in Jerusalem that does not hear the sounds of joy spilling from the people. Every eye within the gates has the opportunity to see the crowd’s demonstration of praise to the Lord.

But in the beautiful home of David, near one of the windows, stands one who will NOT join in the celebration. This one is Michal, the daughter of Saul, David’s first wife. She is not seeing the joy of the people or the sacrifices being offered, or even the Ark of The Lord. Instead, she is looking directly at David. He is dressed for this occasion in a simple ephod. One like any common person would wear. He has laid his royal robes aside. He is also dancing and leaping with the rest of the crowd. Hatred boils in her heart for her husband.

She sees him dancing before the Ark. She sees the lowly state of his dress. She sees him mingling with the crowd. And she sees him not acting his role as king. “How can you disgrace yourself so thoroughly; and ME by association? Have you no dignity? No other king would behave this way. I’m yoked to a fool!”

David is blissfully unaware of the thoughts of Michal. His entire being is focused on the Lord. He feels His presence from the tips of his toes to the roots of his hair. Nothing else matters at this moment except rejoicing in His presence.

The procession finally reaches the top of the hill where David had erected the tent for the Lord. He had taken great pains to make it special. He incorporated many of the design elements of the Tabernacle. The cherubim that are woven into the original coverings are represented in David’s design. The frames and bases are of the same construction as are the layers of coverings. The original design has withstood MANY years of travel in harsh environments without breaking down. One of the features David didn’t incorporate is having two separate areas within the tent. This tent was constructed to hold the Ark of the Lord only. The treasures sent with it from the Philistines will be put in a safe place with all the spoils that had been gathered throughout the battles. Worship will occur before the Ark and sacrifices will be conducted in an outer courtyard. It was not David’s intent to duplicate the Tabernacle, nor to replace it. Both will have their place in Israel. Both will serve the Lord.

The music and the people quiet as the final sacrifice is prepared. This sacrifice is conducted at the door of the tent of David. Abiatha raises his voice to Heaven one last time on this journey. “Hear O Lord our prayers of thanksgiving. Accept from our lips the praises of Your people. Bless Your people as we honor You this day. Remind us daily of this journey with You. Let Your presence settle in this place which we have prepared for Your name. May that presence fill our land and our hearts.”

The congregation stands silent while this last prayer and offering are given to the Lord. As the smoke rises from the remains of the flesh David steps before the door of the tent. He addresses the people.

“This tent is for the Lord. It is His place of worship. Do not go out beneath every tree in the land to make it an altar to the Lord. Bring your offerings of praise to His doorstep. Bring your praise unto His house. To the Tabernacle at Gibeon, the sacrifices commanded by the Lord for the people, will be offered morning and evening as He requires. For this house, I appoint as priests to minister before the Ark of The Lord, Asaph and his brothers. Obed-edom and his sixty-eight brothers will also be appointed to minister to the needs of the tent. Obed-edom and Hosah are to be gatekeepers for this tent of the Ark of The Lord. In Gibeon I appoint Zadok the priest and his brothers to minister daily in the Tabernacle and perform the daily sacrifices commanded by the Lord. So that praises will also be offered in Gibeon, I appoint Heman and Jeduthun, of the brothers of Zadok, to play the trumpets and lead the people in worship. Jeduthun’s sons will be appointed to the gates of the Tabernacle. We will praise the Lord and honor Him with our whole hearts.”

The people sent up another round of praise to the Lord after David has finished his instructions. Satisfied that all is in place, David speaks one last time to the people. “Please receive from my hand these gifts. A cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisin for each man and woman here today.”

David’s servants, who have been standing to the side, step forward at his words. The people began to move into lines and receive the gifts David had promised. Once their gifts are received from the hands of David’s servants, they disperse to their own homes and towns. There is not on man or woman who goes away empty handed. All are blessed by their king and their God.

Finally David returns to his own home. He is tired, but still excited from the day. He is met on the stairs by his wife Michal. The fire in her eyes stops him in his tracks.

“How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servant’ female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovering himself!” (2 Samuel 5:20).

David is shocked at her words. How could she not understand. Her attitude sparked a righteous anger in him. “It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord – and I will celebrate before the Lord. I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them shall I be held in honor” (2 Samuel 5:21-22).

David turns his face from her and enters his home without another word or thought to Michal. She was his first wife, but to him now, she has seen him face to face for the last time. He required her return after she had been stolen away from him, but her heart didn’t accompany her body back to his side. Now his body will be withheld from her. She will lack nothing in his home except his presence.

(to be continued)

I would have LOVED to be part of that procession. To have danced and sang befor the very presence of the Lord. I PRAISE GOD that we don’t have to be limited to praising Him in one specific place any longer. I even praise him in my chicken coop as I’m tending to the needs of my flock. I LOVE that He hears me wherever I am.

Father God, thank You for sharing this story with me today. Thank You for making Your presence known in Jerusalem, in Israel, and all over the world today. Thank You for making Your home within my heart too! I LOVE to feel Your tangible presence when I bring You praise. Let me NEVER stop praising You!