Sabbath, July 13 – 1 Chronicles 15, 16 – Additional Reading, Patriarchs and Prophets chapter 70, “The Reign of David”

1. What was King David’s recommendation to the chief priests according to 1 Chronicles 15:12?

2. According to 1 Chronicles 15:16, who was to lead the singing to worship in the temple?

3. 1 Chronicles 15:29 describes King David’s joy at the arrival of the Ark in the city; the king leaps and dances. What reaction did this provoke in Michal?

4. What was the result of the Israel families having the Ark in their midst? 1 Chronicles 15:28

Commentary and Reflection:

1 Chronicles 15 and 16 set the scene where King David faces the great challenge of moving the Ark, a symbol of God’s presence. The priests sanctified themselves to carry the Ark. Sanctification means to set oneself apart for holy purposes. The priests separated themselves from sin.

The incident David refers to is recorded in 1 Chronicles 13:8-11 and 2 Samuel 6:1-11. When the Ark was being brought back to Israel on an ox cart, the oxen stumbled. Uzzah, trying to prevent it from falling, was instantly struck dead. The error wasn’t in David’s desire to move the Ark but in the method used. David forgot or ignored God’s specific instructions on how the Ark was to be moved. He realized his mistake and prepared to correct it. This incident served as a divine lesson for all Israel that God is above the king, not vice versa. Had David been allowed to handle the Ark carelessly, what would this have taught the people about God?

When David’s first attempt to move the Ark failed (1 Chronicles 13:8-14), he learned an important lesson: when God gives specific instructions, it is wise to follow them precisely. This time, David ensured the Levites carried the Ark (Numbers 4:5-15). We may not fully understand the reasons behind God’s instructions, but we know His wisdom is complete and His judgment infallible. We learn God’s instructions through His Word.

The grand musical procession was designed as a fitting accompaniment for the grand occasion. It raised enthusiasm, elevated the minds and hearts of the people, and focused their attention on the event. It also helped to seal it in their memory for years to come. Beginning any task by praising God can inspire us to give our best to Him.

David expressed sincere gratitude to God. In contrast, Michal was so upset by his “undignified” ways that she could not rejoice at the return of the Ark to Jerusalem. Worship had deteriorated so much under her father Saul’s reign that it had become a mere ritual. Michal could accept David as a military conqueror and king but could not take his free and spontaneous expression of praise and worship to God.

We may not always agree on the forms of worship, but we must respect others. Someone once said, “I don’t like macaroni and cheese, but I buy it because I want my grandchildren to be home with me.”

Each generation, culture, and people express their worship of God in different ways. Some raise their hands, others clap, and others sing songs that may spontaneously spring from their souls, expressing their sincere gratitude and worship. Michal judged David, but David chose to offer his worship to the King of the Universe.

1 Chronicle 16:1, 2 says, “So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tabernacle that David had erected for it. Then they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. ² And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 16:43, “Then all the people departed, every man to his house; and David returned to bless his house.”

May God allow you to bless your home, community, and wherever you gp today.