Ob and In:
(1) Compare with the same passage in 2 Samuel 6:12-20 (the proper way to carry the ark to the tent), the account in 1 Chronicles includes the details tasks of the Levites in chapter 15. Why?
The Levites were important for the requirement of God. God is holy
15:12 He told them: “You are the leaders of the Levites’ families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves and bring the ark of the LORD God of Israel up to the place I have prepared for it. 13 The first time you did not carry it; that is why the LORD God attacked us, because we did not ask him about the proper way to carry it.”
(2) Similarity with the 2 Samuel's passage
15:16 David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint some of their relatives as musicians; they were to play various instruments, including stringed instruments and cymbals, and to sing loudly and joyfully.
15:25 So David, the leaders of Israel, and the commanders of units of a thousand went to bring up the ark of the LORD’s covenant from the house of Obed-Edom with celebration.
Both 2 Samuel 6:12 and 1 Chronicle 15:16, 25 described it as a joyful occasion. The difference was, in 1 Ch we can almost hear that because of all the musical instruments describing it. Why?
Both 2 Samuel 6:12 and 1 Chronicle 15:16, 25 described it as a joyful occasion. The difference was, in 1 Ch we can almost hear that because of all the musical instruments describing it. Why?
(NAC) by the time of the Chronicler it had already ceased to exist. In other words, the original readers of this book had no more opportunity to worship God before the ark than we do. Why would the Chronicler stress the joy and holiness associated with it if his readers would never have opportunity to emulate David’s obedience?
The answer must be that for the Chronicler it was not the object itself but what the object represented that mattered. The ark represented two great truths. First, God was with them and would go with them wherever they went...
Second, the ark represented the holiness of God. It contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments—the essence of the law...
These two truths, that God is with us and that God is holy, are what really mattered to the Chronicler...
Finally, the chapter teaches God’s compassionate forgiveness in allowing Israel a second chance. Israel’s initial failure was not final and God’s judgment was not just positive but instructive.
Reflection: The tangible temple and ark were not temporary, but the presence of God and God Himself last. As believers in the church age, we have the presence of God within us. Are we holy and joyous? Do we care about having a "clean heart" or an obedient heart?
The carrying back the ark was a second attempt after the fatal incident in the first try. David reset his method and it had a great joyous result! What great failure you have experienced in your life? Have you asked for forgiveness and reset yourself in where you have failed.
(3) David attempted to build the house for God, but instead, God built the house/dynasty for him (ch 17).
4 “Go, tell my servant David: ‘This is what the LORD says: “You must not build me a house in which to live..." '
7 “So now, say this to my servant David: ‘This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says:... v.10b “ ‘ “I declare to you that the LORD will build a dynastic house for you!
(NAC)...it actually shows that the temple was not what really was important. David wanted to build a house for God, but God himself would do something far greater in building a house for David. This house, the Davidic dynasty with its eternal and messianic implications...
This chapter reminds the reader that the house God builds surpasses any human house however grand it may be and however honorable the motivations were behind its building. This should once again remind us that it is superficial to think of the Chronicler as someone who could not see beyond legal and ceremonial religion.
Reflection: What can we bring to the LORD that He have not already possessed? But the thought counts! God was pleased with David for his thought of building Him a house. Do we care about God's family-the church?
The material house was not important, the house that the LORD build for David was his dynasty. What house do we build today? A house stuffed with beautiful things, luxurious things, and entertainment? Or we build up our children and lead them to the LORD?
Audrey
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