1 Chronicles 13:1-14
Q.1. Was David’s motive for bringing the Ark to Jerusalem sound? Why did they carry it on a cart? – (1 Chr.13:1-8)
David’s motive for bringing the ark of God to Jerusalem was undoubtably sincere. He consulted with the leaders of his people and informed the priests and Levites. All the people considered it a wonderful thing, for the Ark to be amongst them at long last (1 Chr.13:1-4). David and all Israel went – to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim … of the Lord who is enthroned above the cherubim, where His name is called (1 Chr.13:6). The ark had remained 20 years under the care of the Levitical family of Abinadab (c.f. 1 Sam.7:1-2). There was great excitement -David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, even with songs and with lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals and with trumpets (1 Chr.13:8). However, they had failed to read God’s instructions.
Q.2. Why did Uzza lose his life? Did the Ark end up in Jerusalem? Who benefitted from the Ark’s location? – (1 Chr.13:9-14)
God had instructed that the Levitical priests were to carry the Ark with acacia poles, inserted into gold rings attached to it, to ensure it was handled with the utmost care (c.f. Ex.25:10-15; Jos.3:3-4). David and the priesthood had carelessly overlooked God’s directions for transporting the Ark. They seemed to have followed the example of the Philistines, who would have been ignorant of God’s directions (1 Chr.13:7-8). When the oxen stumbled, Uzza instinctively reached out to steady the Ark … and paid the ultimate price. Uzza and Ahio were from the priestly family of Abinadab. They should have been aware that the Ark was to be carried by the Levitical priests (1 Chr.13:7). David was upset by the Lord’s outburst against Uzza, so failed to complete the relocation of the Ark (1 Chr.13:9-10). The house of Obed-edom, the Gittite, enjoyed the special blessing of God for 3 months, as they housed the ark (1 Chr.13:13-14).