1 Chronicles 15:1-29
Q.1. When was the Ark of the covenant moved? How well did David prepare for the relocation of the Ark? What gave him confidence that he would succeed? – (1 Chr.15:1-14)
David had completed the construction of his houses in the city of David. It took him three months to gain insight into the disastrous moving of the Ark – No one is to carry the ark of God but the Levites; for the Lord chose them to carry the ark of God and to minister to Him forever (1 Chr.15:2 & 13 c.f. Ex.25:10-15). He gathered all Israel to Jerusalem, along with the Levites (1 Chr.15:3-10). He ordered – consecrate yourselves both you and your relatives that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel to the place that I have prepared for it (1 Chr.15:12). Then – … the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles thereon as Moses had commanded according to the Word of the Lord (1 Chr.15:15). He was careful to do everything as God had commanded.
Q.2. How did David ensure that the bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem was a significant and joyous occasion? – (1 Chr.15:15-28)
David took pains to make it a memorable and joyous day. He decided to honour God, with the best possible music and worship. He gathered the musical side of the Levite family and ordered them to provide singers and musicians – to raise sounds of joy (1 Chr.15:16, 22, 25). David himself wore a special fine linen gown, as he danced for joy – Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting, and with sound of the horn, with trumpets, with loud-sounding cymbals, with harps and lyres (1 Chr.15:28).
Q.3. What did David do to mark this special event? Was his exuberance appreciated by everyone? – (1 Chr.15:27-29)
All went as planned, as they brought – the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-edom with joy because the Lord was helping the Levites … (1 Chr.15:25-26). David had a special relationship with the Lord, which few could appreciate. His delight at the sight of the Ark’s arrival brought unbridled joy, as he leaped and danced in celebration (1 Chr.15:27). Michal had been David’s first love (c.f. 1 Sam.18:20, 28). However, their romance was shattered by Saul’s irrational hatred of David, and his erratic choice of another husband for her (c.f. 1 Sam.25:44). She had been happy in an uncomplicated marriage to Paltiel, but David had insisted that she return to him. She then became one of his many wives (c.f. 2 Sam.3:1-5). It seems that their relationship was never restored to its former enjoyment. She was also the daughter of the former king. This would have magnified her unhappiness. She expressed her bitterness at this time of gladness for David. This put an end to their intimacy (1 Chr.15:29 c.f. 2 Sam.3:12-16; 2 Sam.6:20-23). She remained childless to the day of her death (c.f. 2 Sam.6:23).