David as the king now desires to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. A noble desire, and yet, the reminds him the He is holy.
1 Chronicles 13: The Ark Brought from Kiriath-Jearim
1 David consulted with the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with every leader.
2 And David said to all the assembly of Israel, "If it seems good to you and from the LORD our God, let us send abroad to our brothers who remain in all the lands of Israel, as well as to the priests and Levites in the cities that have pasturelands, that they may be gathered to us.
3 Then let us bring again the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul."
4 All the assembly agreed to do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.
Uzzah and the Ark
5 So David assembled all Israel from the Nile of Egypt to Lebo-hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim.
6 And David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim that belongs to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD who sits enthroned above the cherubim.
7 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart, from the house of Abinadab, and Uzzah and Ahio were driving the cart.
8 And David and all Israel were rejoicing before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.
9 And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled.
10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God.
11 And David was angry because the LORD had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzza to this day.
12 And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, "How can I bring the ark of God home to me?"
13 So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
14 And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.
1 Chronicles 14: David's Wives and Children
1 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also masons and carpenters to build a house for him.
2 And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel.
3 And David took more wives in Jerusalem, and David fathered more sons and daughters.
4 These are the names of the children born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon,
5 Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet,
6 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia,
7 Elishama, Beeliada and Eliphelet.
Philistines Defeated
8 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went out against them.
9 Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the Valley of Rephaim.
10 And David inquired of God, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?" And the LORD said to him, "Go up, and I will give them into your hand."
11 And he went up to Baal-perazim, and David struck them down there. And David said, "God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood." Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim.
12 And they left their gods there, and David gave command, and they were burned.
13 And the Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley.
14 And when David again inquired of God, God said to him, "You shall not go up after them; go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees.
15 And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines."
16 And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer.
17 And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations.
Things to think about…
1. The ark of the Lord had not been with Israel for so long, about 20 years, that in order to bring it back the Lord’s people had to be united. David calls for all the tribes to be brought together after being divided for a season, 1Chr 13:1-4. Note Israel is recorded as being over a s far as the Nile of Egypt, 1 Chr 13:5. When we gather as a church for corporate worship every Sunday, we are given an opportunity to be united in the Lord’s purpose for us as we seek His leading, presence and blessing together. When there is unity and God is glorified and He is sought after by His people, amazing things tend to happen. But not was well, God is still holy and to be revered as David (and Uzzah) found out.
2. Seeking after God is a noble thing, but pride and presumption in assuming how He is to be worshipped is a dangerous pastime. Anyone who touched the ark directly was going against the direct decree of the Lord, and would die if they did so, Num 4:15. Uzzah touches the ark and was struck down 1Chr 13:7-14. Didn’t the oxen stumble? Wasn’t the ark about to fall? Wouldn’t the lid have flown off and the two stones, the ephod and Aarons staff fly out and be desecrated? Wasn’t Uzzah just concerned about the Lord’s honour? God didn’t think so. God can look after Himself without our aid. The Lord needs to be regarded as holy and worthy of worship, especially among His people. In fact, the ark was not to be transported by oxen, even though it was brought back to Israel that way by the Philistines, it was to be carried by the Levites on poles as prescribed in Num 7:9. We are the Lord’s witnesses and we are to reflect His glory through what we say and do. This was a rude wake up call for David. He needed to be shown again ‘Who’ it was he was asking to dwell in the midst of His people. David was angry and afraid and leaves the ark at Obed Edom’s house, 1Chr 13:13, 14. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
3. Obed Edom was a Gittite – that means he was from the area of Gath. This was in the region governed by the Philistines. But we also know he was a Levite, 2 Sam 6:10, so not born as a Philistine, but of the tribe of Levi. His name means worshipper of Edom – the line that was not blessed (Esau) and historically had been against Israel. But we also know of this man that he was a gatekeeper, 1 Chr 15:17, 18. His name does not reflect his heart and character. Regardless of what we are named or where we come from our true identity is in Christ, we are living stones, princes and priests ruling with Him, Rev 20:6; 1 Pet 2:9. The Lord blesses Obed Edom. Obed Edom had faith; this is what the Lord used to bless him.
4. The Lord established David in Jerusalem, 1Chr 14:1-4, but the land the Lord had given to Israel had not been entirely conquered. The Philistines still had control of the lowlands through to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The Philistines knew what sort of leader David was and did not waste much time in trying to topple him from his throne. David rather than rely on his own ability and skill, David seeks after the Lord for guidance 1 Chr 14:10,14. His trust in the Lord is evident because even after he defeats the Philistines the first time, he does not presume upon the Lord the second time, but again enquires of the Lord. The Lord then shows him a completely different way to attack the enemy. David through the incident of Uzzah knows that the Lord’s presence and guidance should be sought. The ark was taken initially because Saul had rejected the Lord and had led Israel astray in their rebellion. The characters of David and Saul stand in stark contrast to each other. Here David seeks the Lord and sees the Philistines defeated. We know Saul was rejected by God and sought after the counsel of a witch. Afterwards he is defeated by the Philistines. The world has an incredible pull upon our souls. Without the Lord’s power and presence, we are powerless to stand against it. In your opinion, what are the spiritual Philistines that need to be defeated in our day? Go with the Lord’s guidance and strength.
5. Look what happens when the Lord’s people move in obedience to Hom and embrace His leading and presence! The surrounding nations respected the Lord’s people and their leader, 1Chr14:17. This is similar to what happened after Pentecost. The book of Acts says that the people greatly feared because the Lord was with them. Do you long to see the Lord’s name lifted up and seeing His tangible presence among Christians, and that the world would take notice? It begins when we as His people respond to His revealed will and crave His leading and power in our lives.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for Gary Denning – results this week.
2. Pray for peace over Israel.
3. Ministries for this year’s events and ministries as they begin this week.
4. Conversions and more visitors this time of year.
5. Pray for Ukraine.
6. Pray for the work we have going on with site development and TMR and the ways forward whether with our friends at the Drive-in or elsewhere.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. New people on Sunday.
2. The return of more hostages from Israel
3. Tess healing well – good to see her back at church
4. Safe return of families back from the holidays.
5. The Lord’s grace over our lives and country
6. Café, music, sound and technical team every week
7. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Ministries start back on the 29th Jan. Life group, Kids@Church, Kids Hope - Karalee.
2. PlayPatch back this week – Fri 24th Jan.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for January...
Q. 28. What effect did Adam’s sin have on all mankind?
A. All mankind are born in a state of sin and misery.
