The Tabernacle of DavidSýnishorn

A Failed Attempt

After enduring years in the desert, David finally ascends to the throne, conquering Jerusalem in a resounding victory. Instead of prioritizing conventional pursuits such as fortifying boundaries, building the army, or indulging in pleasure, David's heart longs for the presence of God.

Addressing the assembly in Israel, David declares, "Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul" (1 Chronicles 13:3). Saul's neglect of God's presence resulted in a fatal blow to his relationship with the Almighty, and David is determined not to repeat his father-in-law's mistake.

However, the initial attempt to bring back the ark ends in failure. David, rather than inquiring of God, relies on human advice from his leaders. They place the ark on a new cart pulled by oxen—a departure from God's prescribed method of transporting the ark. While the Philistines got away with moving the ark on a cart, God held Israel, His chosen people, to higher standards.

When the oxen stumble, Uzzah reaches out to steady the ark, and God strikes him dead. David, initially angry with God, learns a profound lesson about respecting the presence of God. Uzzah's good intentions led to a misguided attempt to control the ark, revealing a lack of reverence and the presumption that God needed human assistance on human terms.

The ark finds a temporary residence at the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite, a gentile. This foreshadows a New Testament covenant where gentiles will be welcomed into God's presence as temples of the Holy Spirit, as prophesied in Amos. The Lord blesses Obed-Edom and his entire household, highlighting the tangible benefits of hosting the ark of God's presence.

Although David is initially upset by the failure of his manmade plans, tomorrow's exploration will reveal how, when David humbles himself and adheres to God's terms, he experiences significant success.