The Kings of Israel
The Kings of Israel was taught by Dr. James Modlish

Lesson Five
Bringing Home The Ark
(2 Sam. 6)

Introduction:
I Chronicles 13, 15 and 16 give additional information about this event. Psalm 132:1-6 tells of David’s intense desire to honor the Lord by returning the ark to its proper place. For nearly 80 years the ark had been in Kirjath-jearim (I Sam. 6:21-7:2). So David prepared a special tent for it in Jerusalem (I Chron. 15:1) and planned to deliver it there.

I. David displeases the Lord – 6:1-11

A. The Lord was not consulted.

David did consult the Lord about the invading Philistines in ch. 5:19,23 but only sought the advise of his political leaders in the matter of moving the ark. (I Chron. 13:1-4) This is a classic case of “zeal without knowledge.”(Rom. 10:1,2)

B. God’s Word was ignored.

Instead of asking the Levites to bear the ark on their shoulders (Num. 3:27-31; 4:15; 7:9; 10:21), Israel followed the worldly example of the Philistines and put the ark on a new cart (I Sam. 6). The modern trend is the same – “conform to the world.” All the people were enthusiastic, but it did not make it right in the eyes of God. God’s rules were violated.

A man who was not a Levite touched the ark (Num.4:15) and left God no choice but to exercise judgment or else sacrifice His glory and permit His Word to be violated. David at first was angry, then he was fearful. Instead of pausing and seeking God’s reason, David stopped the procession and placed the ark in the house of Obed-edom which belonged to a Levitical family (I Chron. 26:1-4). One mistake always leads to another.

II. David displays his zeal - 6:11-19

A rediscovery of the instructions.

During the three months’ interim, David must have searched his heart and the Scriptures --- this time they got it right (I Chron. 15:1-2,12,13). God was blessing the household of Obed-edom, and David wanted that for the entire nation.

The Word becomes central.

It is thought that Psalm 24 may have been composed to celebrate this event. From I Chron. 16:7 we discover that our Psalm 105 also grew from this happy event.

The disposal of the kingly garments.

David led the procession in the humble garments of a priest. His “dancing”before the Lord was spontaneous and not undignified or sensual in any way.

III. The discipline of Michal – 6:20-23

A. By all evidence, Michal resented being married to her father’s armor-bearer as the “prize” for victory. She wanted David to display his royal power in great pomp and ceremony; he preferred to take his place with the common people and glorify the Lord.

B. I Sam. 19:13 opens the door of possibility that Michal worshipped idols which would explain a great deal about her attitude. An unbeliever can never understand or appreciate the things of the Lord (I Cor. 2:14-16).

C. For a Jewish woman to die without children was a great shame. Whenever you find an occasion to rejoice in the Lord, there will always be a Michal waiting in the shadows to throw water on your joy. DON’T LET THEM!

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