David Brings the Ark with Gladness

9:00 | Introduction

Chapter 13: noble desire with flawed execution led to dismal failure. David’s means did not justify his end. What you do it of great importance, but how you do it is equally important in God’s eyes.

Original audience didn’t have ark either (but did have temple, hence detail)

Themes from 14 set us up for 15 (v. 2 blessings on family, v. 11 military / government)

Learned obedience: v. 10 asked of God, v. 14 again asked of God, v. 16 did just as God had commanded him

Pray

David made a risky choice to move the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. At first he failed miserably because he had not planned wisely. However, this time around he demonstrates the glory of proper worship. The decisions he made here became a smashing success. So, let’s learn six examples from David for making wise decisions.

9:06 | 1. Follow All of God’s Instructions (15:1-15)

The first decision flowed from the previous disaster. This second time, David was determined to follow all of God’s instructions. When we make decisions, we need to make sure we follow all of God’s commands.

Read 1 Chronicles 15:1–15. 1m 39s.

vv. 2, 13 - clearly state that David understood the reason for previous failure; he studied God’s Word

Deut 10:8-9 God set apart the whole tribe of Levi to carry the ark, stand, minister, and bless God’s name. This was the reason why that tribe was not given an inheritance with the rest of the tribes.

Num 4 outlines the practice of transportation. The lineage was important here for responsibilities.

All of the Levites were responsible to transport the tabernacle, altar, and objects

Only the Kohathites were allowed to carry the holy objects, in their hands

Only the sons of Aaron, the priests, were allowed into the tent while erected

Process: Aaron’s sons the priests would go into the tent and cover everything. Ark would be covered with the veil, porpoise skin (waterproof), and blue cloth. Other items were covered with blue or scarlet cloth first and then porpoise skin. Ark stood out as blue. Uzza touched ark so it wasn’t covered either way. Further, Ex 25:15 says poles were to remain in the ark grommets permanently, so it was obvious to everyone on cart.

Num 4 says Kohathites would die if they touch holy objects, and that they would die even if they glimpsed them. Yahweh exercised patience with David by allowing sight, but Uzza touching was too much.

Once the priests had everything covered, they could assign items to individual Kohathites. But the men could not come into the tent early to help the priests because if they saw the items uncovered, they’d die. It seems God had showed David great leniency by not killing his men simply for seeing the ark transported.

Num 7:1-9 remember only Kohathites would carry holy items. The rest of Levites had tent, altar outside, etc. 6 carts and 12 oxen. “New” cart = Philistine and unauthorized addition. Ark was about the size of a standup desk (incl. the cherubim’s wings on top), and probably weighed 330-660 pounds. Approx. upright piano.

Hike up to Jerusalem was about 8-9 miles. From Obed-edom, about 5 miles left. Crescent Hill Reservoir.

David and Levites sinned by omission: One thing leads to another. Slippery slope of disobedience. Analytics.

Submission to God’s choice - 1 Chronicles 28:4 “Yet, Yahweh, the God of Israel, chose me from all the house of my father to be king over Israel forever. For He has chosen Judah to be a ruler; and in the house of Judah, my father’s house, and among the sons of my father He took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel.”

James 2:10 “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.”

9:13 | 2. Choose Your People Carefully (15:16-24)

Last time all the focus was on David’s decisions and actions. This time, though, one of the most striking elements in chapters 15-16 is all the names. What is going on? This is our second principle. Choose your people carefully.

Read 1 Chronicles 15:16-24. 1m 25s.

First, commanders and leaders consulted and priests and Levites gathered. This time flipped (cf. v. 25).

v. 4 - Sons of Aaron and the Levites

vv. 5-10 - chiefs of Levites (3 key, then 3 more), “heads of fathers’ households” v. 11

v. 16 - David told chiefs to appoint singers and musicians

Chiefs chose:

v. 17 singers with bronze cymbals (v. 19): 1) Heman, son of Joel the Kohathite chief (top clan), 2) Asaph also Kohathite, 3) Ethan of Merari (second clan)

v. 18 musicians: “relatives of the second rank,” also gatekeepers, divided into harps and lyres (vv. 20-21)

v. 24 seven priests with trumpets (like Jericho, but with noise)

vv. 23-24 gatekeepers for the ark (2 + 2)

v. 22 Chenaniah, chief of the Levites: singing vs carrying

Hebrew word מַשָּׂא (carrying), not שׁיר (singing)

Singing is inserted because the Greek septuagint uses it, some tradition

36 OT references are to load or burden, 8 are to oracle (“lifting up” your voice), none to singing

In chapter 16, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun get the music leader roles; Chenaniah is never mentioned

1 Chronicles 26:29 “As for the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were assigned to the outside work for Israel, as officers and judges.” - Neh 12:44 outside work = storerooms, contributions, first fruits, tithes, gathering from the fields by law for the priests and Levites; Neh 11:15-17 divides two types.

Chiefs appoint singing, but chapter = carrying. Reason is more important: merit-based.

All of the names in chapters 15-16 communicate care and intentionality.

Luke 6:12–13 “Now it happened that at this time He went off to the mountain to pray, and He was spending the whole night in prayer to God. And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles:”

Whenever leading and making decisions, choosing people is one of most important decisions. It will always be tempting to pick your friends or pretty and popular. Discernment: pick people with ability and understanding. Few things bring as much regret otherwise. This is also key in choosing who to follow or be with.

Choice of a spouse. Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.” The core character quality is fear of the Lord, even outside marriage.

9:19 | 3. Commit to Getting the Job Done (15:25-29)

Once you’ve chosen your people and gotten everyone in order, then it’s time to get to work. This is our second principle, commit to getting the job done.

Read 1 Chronicles 15:25-29. 50s.

v. 25 Element of finality. It was David after all, in case you were wondering. Restored honor. Clear allusion to the fear and isolation of public shame where it mentions “from the house of Obed-edom.” We all know about that. Now the king enters with gladness instead. We see the blessing of God on his work as he follows through.

v. 26 Why the success? God helped the Levites carrying the ark. Not in our own strength.

v. 27 David was fully invested, despite risk. “Rob of fine linen” like Levites and “ephod” like high priest.

2 Samuel 6 narrative quasi-priestly role. Humble respect for God’s choice and use of Levites.

Perhaps silent contrast with the royal or military garb David may have worn previously.

Identification with priests and Levites symbolized total repentance and commitment. All in.

v. 29 Michal despises David. Why? The household of Saul neglected previously and now opposed as well.

She claims to be upset he is indecent. But seems like overreaction. Long and tortured history with Saul and David. Younger daughter given in place of Merab for exploits. Michal is said twice to love David, but nothing is said about his feelings. Saved David from her father. When David was on the run, Saul gave her to another man. David also took other wives, but then later demanded Michal be returned to him. Her husband went weeping down the road after her. She probably had a happier life there and was bitter about it.

Merrill, “This is the emotional and psychological breaking point of a woman abandoned by both father and husband.” Two things: first, her behavior is not excused. Emotions overreact. Second, if there was anyone to remind David of his past failure, it would be a bitter wife. Yet despite opposition, David perseveres. Julie Roys.

When you make godly decisions, expect Satan to send opposition. Just consider personal devotions and prayer. You may have a difficult home life that tests your resolve. Long-time scoffers may seek to undermine you. Daniel had 70 men analyze his entire political history. They threw him to lions. Especially hard when doing a good thing that is not necessary. Be clear in your resolve. Do not waver like a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

9:25 | 4. Tangibly Express Your Gratitude (16:1-6)

Alright, now we’ve made it through the hard part. The job is done. We’ve followed all of God’s instructions, chosen our people carefully, and worked together to get the job done. We aren’t off the hook yet, though we can pick up the pace. The final three principles all have to do with godly follow up items for a decision already made.

The first is that you need to tangibly express your gratitude, especially to the people you chose carefully.

Read 1 Chronicles 16:1-6. 53s.

Restoration of public worship. Hard to say, but maybe 50-110 years since regular sacrifices.

Saul sent Doeg to kill the priests who had helped David (cf. Abiathar from 15:11)

Loss of ark at Shiloh in conflict with Philistines interrupted procedures

v. 2 offerings complete, verbal blessing. Turned out to be the prayer before dinner. Moses, Joshua, Solomon.

v. 2 the burnt offerings were gone, but peace offerings were eaten by those who participated. Feasting.

v. 3 David serves the sides from his own budget. Royal generosity, essentially a giant BBQ.

vv. 4-6 Maybe public recognition of some who had served well. Announcements / awards during dinner.

After a good decision, you might be tempted to revel in it for a while. David could have been like “boo-yah! told you guys!” but instead he’s out there praying, praising, and running the busy grill after a long day.

Make sure you take care of the people who help you. Classic examples are thank you cards after an event or pizza for friends who help you move. Make sure the gesture costs something, out of respect for their sacrifice.

Notice how David also caters to different types of people. The general public likes to eat, that always works. In India, almost every public gathering involves a meal. The early church had weekly potlucks for communion.

But those who have really worked hard appreciate public verbal praise. Can you imagine how proud the wives of those men would have been? The king just appointed my husband and sons as leaders in the capital! I mean, after the whole Uzza incident, I’m sure some of them may have been wondering if the men would come back alive.

Not only that, but their service was inscribed by inspiration. What a tremendous example?

9:30 | 5. Publicly Recount God’s Greatness (16:7-36)

But that is not all! Chapter 16 is filled with stuff that people normally forget. You might have felt like, “Wow, that was so kind of David, must have been a great day and fun to go home afterward.” Yet David goes on to publicly recount God’s greatness. He had just assigned ministers in Jerusalem, and now he gives them their first job.

Not enough time, hitting the highlights.

v. 7 - David appoints Asaph, his legendary music pastor.

His relatives too, Atlas, Finn and the gang.

Set apart as holy, minister, sing songs, raise a sound of gladness, bring to remembrance, thank, praise Yahweh

The song of thanksgiving comes in three parts: Psalms 105, 96, and 106

Authorship of the song is unclear. Probably David, could have been Asaph.

Psalm 105:1-15

vv. 8-12 calls everyone to worship (note verbs)

1 Chronicles 16:8–12 “8 Oh give thanks to Yahweh, call upon His name; Make known His acts among the peoples. 9 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; Muse on all His wondrous deeds. 10 Boast in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh be glad. 11 Inquire of Yahweh and His strength; Seek His face continually. 12 Remember His wondrous deeds which He has done, His miraculous signs and the judgments uttered by His mouth,”

vv. 13-22 affirm Yahweh’s covenant: both recollecting it (14-18) and appreciating it (19-22)

1 Chronicles 16:13–22 “13 O seed of Israel His servant, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones! 14 He is Yahweh our God; His judgments are in all the earth. 15 Remember His covenant forever, The word which He commanded for a thousand generations, 16 Which He cut with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac. 17 Then He also confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, To Israel as an everlasting covenant, 18 Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan, As the portion of your inheritance,” 19 When you were only a few men in number, Of little account, and sojourners in it, 20 And they wandered about from nation to nation, And from one kingdom to another people, 21 He permitted no man to oppress them, And He reproved kings for their sakes, 22 “Do not touch My anointed ones, And against My prophets do no evil.””

Psalm 96:1-13

vv. 23-30 calls all nations to worship - OT evangelism

1 Chronicles 16:23–30 “23 Sing to Yahweh, all the earth; Proclaim good news of His salvation from day to day. 24 Recount His glory among the nations, His wondrous deeds among all the peoples. 25 For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised; And He is more fearsome than all gods. 26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But Yahweh made the heavens. 27 Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and joy are in His place. 28 Ascribe to Yahweh, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength. 29 Ascribe to Yahweh the glory of His name; Lift up an offering, and come before Him; Worship Yahweh in the splendor of holiness. 30 Tremble before Him, all the earth; Indeed, the world is established, it will not be shaken.”

vv. 31-33 calls all creation to worship (v. 31 original)

1 Chronicles 16:31–33 “31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; And let them say among the nations, “Yahweh reigns.” 32 Let the sea roar, as well as its fullness; Let the field exult, and all that is in it. 33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before Yahweh; For He is coming to judge the earth.”

Psalm 106:1, 47-48

vv. 34-36 plea for salvation to worship (Exodus)

1 Chronicles 16:34–36 “34 Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for He is good, For His lovingkindness endures forever. 35 Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation, And gather us and deliver us from among the nations, To give thanks to Your holy name And revel in Your praise.” 36 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, From everlasting to everlasting. Then all the people said, “Amen,” and praised Yahweh.”

Echoed by Solomon with Temple. Chronicler emphasizes with second temple. Millennial Temple worship after Jesus returns and conquers His enemies.

Public thanksgiving is super important and often forgotten. Many are there for the food and bounce. Probably everyone would have been happy to go home after verse 6, but then there is this whole huge song of praise.

Maybe you remember to whisper a “thank you Lord” when something goes well. But do you stop to see your moment in the grand scheme of redemptive history? David dwarfed his accomplishment by focusing on God. He did not even so much as mention the movement of the ark in the entire song from three psalms!

Make it a point to praise God publicly. Recount his greatness. Like David, you do not even need to talk about how he helped you do amazing stuff. But remember to give him all the glory. Keep none for yourself. Remember, 15:26 explains that David’s success arose from “God helping the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant.”

Deuteronomy 8:18 “18 “But you shall remember Yahweh your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”

9:35 | 6. Delegate to Preserve a Legacy (16:37-43)

And now once again, you might find yourself thinking, what else is there to do? Here is our final principle. You need to delegate to preserve a legacy. If the first attempt was all about David, this time it was all about the Levites.

Read 1 Chronicles 16:37-43. 54s.

Not going to bore you with the details, but pay attention to place names for people math. In chapter 15, David had 3 chief singers, 14 gatekeepers, 1 leader of carrying, 2 gatekeepers for the ark, and 7 priests with trumpets.

v. 37 says some left behind in Jerusalem; the ark of the covenant in a new tent that David built.

v. 39 puts the rest in Gibeon. Pre-existing location of the tabernacle tent and altar.

Jerusalem had more of the Levites and musical leaders, Asaph. Gibeon was priests and trumpets / offerings.

Temptation to see Gibeon as second rate, separated from the capital. 5.5 miles northwest.

v. 41 these men “were chosen and designated by name.” Honor restored. Legacy preserved. Clarity like a will.

What in common? David had a long-term plan in mind. v. 37 Jerusalem “continually” and v. 40 Gibeon “continually.” Likely that the music in Jerusalem was synchronized with the timing of Gibeon offerings.

When you look at the things you’re responsible for, can they continue without you? Have you honored people by inviting them by name to specific roles? Don’t wait for them to ask. Observe and learn, then ask. Train, disciple.

Often we avoid delegation out of self-preservation. We see others as a threat to our role. Decisions seem like competitions. But if we are driven by the glory of God and the good of others, we need to drop the ego.

If we are committed to the work we are doing, we should want it to continue. It is more important than we are.

God’s glory matters more than ours. God preserved David’s legacy for him, inspired here and then chapter 17.

9:40 | Conclusion

This time around David makes wise decisions that honor God. We learned six principles from his example:

Follow all of God’s instructions

Choose your people carefully

Commit to getting the job done

Tangibly express your gratitude

Publicly recount God’s greatness

Delegate to preserve a legacy

Song opens and closes with God’s “holy name” (vv. 10, 35).

Verse 29 says, “Ascribe to Yahweh the glory of His name; / Lift up an offering, and come before Him.”

You cannot glorify God’s name unless you obey God’s Word.

And when you obey, you discover the splendor of holiness, and you enjoy the Lord’s blessing by faith.

Pray, dismiss.