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2 Samuel 6:12–19
So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness (v. 12b).
Eventually David is told of the blessing that has come upon the household of Obed-Edom following the arrival of the ark of the covenant. This news reassures the king, and he resolves to try once more to bring the ark to Jerusalem. Thankfully, in the three months since his first attempt to move the ark, David has had time to analyze what went wrong and to receive instruction, and he has come to understand why God sent judgment on Uzzah. David now sees that the ark can be brought to and safely housed in Jerusalem if it is done in God’s way (1 Chron. 15:13). And so, his anger and fear banished, he goes with “gladness” to lead the people in bringing the ark to the city. This time it is done properly—the ark is carried (v. 13; 1 Chron. 15:15), presumably after being covered.
David also adds a new element to the process—a Scriptural element. Just as the Levites set out, he offers sacrifices, perhaps to atone for his former sins, perhaps out of thanksgiving, or perhaps as an intercession for a safe transfer of the ark. In this way, he acknowledges God and seeks His blessing. He then leads the celebration of the ark’s arrival by dancing “before the Lord with all his might.” Wearing a simple priest’s garment, he dances wildly in the sight of God and the people as an expression of his great joy, and the people respond with shouting and trumpet music. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the Levites bear the ark into a tent David has prepared for it, and he then offers more sacrifices: burnt offerings (to cover sins and symbolize his and the people’s consecration) and peace offerings (to celebrate God’s blessing, Lev. 3:1–17). Finally, he blesses the people in the name of the “Lord of hosts,” the God of the armies of heaven and earth; gives everyone a food gift as a token of his generosity and joy; and dismisses them to their homes.
For centuries after the Israelites took the Promised Land, the ark remained at Shiloh. But now God has chosen a new symbolic dwelling place (Deut. 12:5ff.). With the arrival of the ark in Jerusalem, God essentially is enthroned in the capital of His chosen people. This is a great moment in Israel’s national life, and the joy is nearly universal. Unfortunately, at least one person very close to David is not at all pleased, as we will see in tomorrow’s study.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
David was filled with joy as the symbol of God’s presence, the ark, came to his city. Do you experience such joy over God’s day-to-day presence with you and especially in that supreme meeting of God and His people—Lord’s Day worship? Ponder the verses listed below and pray that God would help you know “fullness of joy.”
For Further Study
- Neh. 12:43
- Pss. 16:11; 132
- Luke 24:52
- Acts 15:3