1 Chronicles 15

David faced up to his fear and discouragement that came from the death of Uzzah. He still wanted the blessing of the Lord through every means that God appointed. It was time to bring the ark to Jerusalem, the city of David.

Now the king gave specific instructions that reflected a greater awareness of the Lord's Law regarding the transportation of the ark. Only the Levites could carry the ark. He summoned the leaders from this tribe and instructed them: “You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites. Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it. Because you did not carry it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.”

This was sound direction. They needed to handle the ark according to the Lord's Law. They understood that efficiency could not overrule the demands of obedience. A cart might get the job done more quickly, but the Lord had specified that the ark was to be carried using the special poles designed for that purpose.

Even though Uzzah had died the last time they attempted to move the ark, the procession was not to be characterized by timidity and fear. It was time for the Levites and all the people to rejoice in the Lord following the example of King David. The ark would come into Jerusalem with great sounds of joy.

The great gladness of God's assembly did not mean that all care for propriety had vanished. The movement of the ark was marked by the sacrifice of bulls and rams and the consecration of all who were engaged in this dedicated act of worship, especially the king.

Not everyone was able to rejoice in what was taking place. Michal, the daughter of Saul, despised David for his behavior in leading Israel in worship that day. But the Lord accepted the king's sacrifice of praise and the ark safely arrived at the destination that the king had prepared for it.

It was very dangerous to bring the ark into Jerusalem, but by the blood of the sacrifice and the power of holy joy, the king's goal was achieved. As great as this moment was, our King Jesus has achieved something far greater. He has entered the Jerusalem above with His own blood, the blood of the eternal sacrifice, which has made a safe way for us to dwell with God forever. One Man died to assure the successful attainment of this eternal purpose of God. Now it is our privilege to approach God through the perfect holiness of Christ. God dwells in us and we will live with Him forever.