THE ARK OF GOD
If we glean anything from the following verses, let’s remember how important it is to search out truth in scripture and inquire of the Lord in prayer. The Bible is our guideline for living. We really don’t have an excuse for “not knowing” if we make His Word our daily bread and pray about everything. He promises to order our steps and lead us on the right paths. The Holy Spirit will teach us and remind us of everything the Lord has said. But we have a responsibility to find out His instructions by seeking and asking. As you complete this lesson, consider where you may have assumed to be doing the right thing without really committing it to God. David learned a lesson the hard way. Let’s learn from his mistake.
We learn in Deuteronomy that Moses made a wooden chest and put the Ten Commandments inside of it. It was called the Ark of God and signified the very presence of God among His people.
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READ 2 SAMUEL 6:1-5
1. What did David and his men set out to do?
2. Who dwelled between the cherubim on top of the ark? Why do you think Israel wanted to take the ark back to Jerusalem?
3. How did David and his men move the ark from verses 3-4? This is significant to the story.
4. What is described in verse 5?
Read Exodus 25:10-22
5. What specific instructions had previously been given about carrying the ark of God? Did David and his men follow these instructions? How could they have found out the proper way? It is interesting to note that David had inquired about specific battles in the previous chapter but now makes a decision without asking God.
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Let’s stop and picture what’s going on in these verses. David wanted to restore the ark to a place of honor, acknowledging that the God of heaven and earth was the true King of Israel. His intensions were pure. David and the whole house of Israel celebrated before the Lord with songs and instruments of praise as they marched along with the ark. It must have been quite a sight! We will continue with more of this story next week but keep in mind that even thought the people worshipped God they had to bear the consequences of disobedience. God always demands obedience over sacrifice, even a sacrifice of praise. Note what David did not do in this story. We will see what results from it in our next study. Here’s some verses to ponder this week:
God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Psalm 119:105)
The man who LOOKS INTENTLY into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues to do this,
not forgetting what he has heard, but DOING IT, will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:25)
FROM ORLANDO, FL.
David and all of his 30,000 thousand men went to bring the Ark of GOD home and it was called the LORD of hosts that dwelled between the cherubim at the top – they carried the ark on a new cart – they all gathered and played before the LORD on all of their instruments – they were giving the LORD much praise and singing until the LORD. They were given the definite qualifications for the art and just how it was to be made and sit – a lot of times in our lives you and I make decisions without asking GOD or even looking into HIS scriptures for HIS insights into our lives – but OH how wrong we usually turn out in our own decisions – once again we should start each morning with the reading of GOD precious word and with prayer – GOD lead us in the right direction today – help us to be more like you and everything that YOU would help us with today – You and I can be a great help to other people each day of our lives – again another beautiful lesson – I think I will dwell on this all week – I want to always be more obedient to the voice of the LORD and I want HIS leading in my life each day.
I always have trouble with this story. It seems so terribly harsh & unfair. But it is also an excellent reminder that we cannot ever take God lightly. He means what He says. Your statement that God desires obedience over sacrifice is huge to me. That’s something I need to really digest, as I often do the reverse. In James 1:25, what stands out to me is “not forgetting what he has heard…” Another call to remember. I’m so thankful that the HS does help me to remember things because on my own, I often fail!