Most of chapter 15 reveals the details taken by David in preparation for moving the Ark. The movement of the Ark was discussed in 2 Samuel 6, but it didn’t cover the preparation details, as listed in this chapter.
The chapter begins, “David now built several buildings for himself in the City of David. He also prepared a place for the Ark of God and set up a special tent there to shelter it. Then he issued these instructions: “When we transport the Ark of God this time, no one except the Levites may carry it. The Lord has chosen them to carry the Ark of the Lord and to minister before him forever.” (1 Chronicles 15:1-2)
David then summoned all the Israelites to Jerusalem, and he called together several priests from various clans of Levites, and told them, “You are the leaders of the Levite families. You must purify yourselves and all your fellow Levites, so you can bring the Ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. Because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the Lord our God burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it in the proper way.” (1 Chronicles 15:12-13) Wow...I remember reading in 2 Samuel and thinking, “Why was the Lord so merciless, striking down that man who accidentally touched the Ark?” Now it makes sense. Only Levites were allowed to be close to the Ark. Thank you, Lord!
The text continues, “So the priests and the Levites purified themselves in order to bring the Ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to Jerusalem. Then the Levites carried the Ark of God on their shoulders with its carrying poles, just as the Lord had instructed Moses.” (1 Chronicles 15:14-15)
David also appointed Levite singers and musicians to celebrate as they transported the Ark to its new location.
The chapter ends with Michal upset with David for dancing so joyously among other women during this celebration, just as the events unfolded in 2 Samuel 6.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us behave according to your will and not our own. Help us continually seek your guidance. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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