06 May

Bible In 365 Days                                              

1 Chronicles 15-17 

1 Chronicles 15

From this account of bringing the Ark from the house of Obed-edom into the city, it is evident that David had learned the lesson which the death of Uzzah was intended to teach. He declared that the work of carrying the Ark must be the Levites' only. After careful preparation of the Tent for its reception, which would almost certainly be according to the ancient pattern given to Moses, the ceremony of bearing it into its resting place was carried out.

The king's love of music is evident in this story. Companies of instrumentalists and singers were appointed; leaders accompanied the Ark, and with high jubilation it was borne by the priests into the prepared Tent. One shadow fell across the brightness of the day. It was the mockery of Michal, Saul's daughter, for her husband, David. The incident illustrates the perpetual inability of the earthly minded to appreciate the gladness of the spiritual. The external manifestations of the joy of those who hold communion with God cannot convey to the unenlightened mind the real meaning of that spiritual delight. A meeting for prayer and praise is still held in contempt by those who have no personal knowledge of the peace and joy of the Secret Place of the Most High.

1 Chronicles 16

The Ark was brought in with great rejoicing, and we have the psalm sung on the occasion. This great psalm of praise sung by the trained musicians is a compilation of parts of three found in the Book of Psalms, and its three movements are distinguished by the three quotations.

The first part consists of the first fifteen verses of Psalms 105:1-45. This is a general ascription of praise which merges into a call to remembrance of the works of God, and of His government covenant with the people. A slight change is made. In the psalm from which the quotation is made it is declared that God remembered His Covenant. In the form in which it was sung when the Ark was brought in men are called on to remember that Covenant.

The second movement (1 Chronicles 16:23-33) is a quotation from Psalms 96:1-13; Psalms 1:1-6; Psalms 2:1-12; Psalms 3:1-8; Psalms 4:1-8; Psalms 5:1-12; Psalms 6:1-10; Psalms 7:1-17; Psalms 8:1-9; Psalms 9:1-20; Psalms 10:1-18; Psalms 11:1-7; Psalms 12:1-8; Psalms 13:1-6. In this the sacrifice of praise moves on to a higher level, and expresses itself in adoration of God for what He is in Himself in majesty.

The third division (1 Chronicles 16:34-36) is a quotation of the opening and closing sentences of Psalms 106:1-48, verses 1, 47, and 48. Here again praise moves into a yet higher sphere, and consists of an expression of thankfulness to God for what He is in Himself in mercy.

These movements indicate a growth of experience, centering in the presence of the Ark among a people as the symbol of divine interest and nearness. First, it was that around which God led them and made His Covenant with them. Second, it became the assurance of the display of His power and glory under differing circumstances in their history. Finally, its restoration, after a period of neglect, was the sure token of His mercy.

1 Chronicles 17

The presence of the Ark in the city seems to have created in David the desire to provide for it a permanent and more worthy resting place. He declared his desire to Nathan. The prophet, acting without divine consultation, charged him to go forward. It was a perfectly natural piece of advice, as on the surface the desire of David would necessarily appear to be absolutely commendable.

Both prophet and king, however, had to learn that God's ways are not man's ways. David was brought into the presence of Jehovah, and in the words to which he listened all that God had done for him was made to pass before his mind. The man who desired to build a house for God was reminded that God was building his house for him. The desire to do something for Jehovah was corrected by a vision of what Jehovah had done for him.

The response of David is full of beauty. He at once submitted to the teaching, and took his place as unworthy, and yet as worshiping. He poured out his heart in gratitude to God for all His goodness and His truth, and rested his soul in the promised blessing. It should be noticed at once that while David's desire was not granted, yet when he had thus been brought to the place of a resting worshiper, he was finally permitted to make great preparation for the building of the Temple by his son.