The Ark Brought to Jerusalem 1 Chron 15:1-3, 14-16, SS Lesson for 03/02/2008

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1 Devotional Scripture: Heb 9:1-12 The Ark Brought to Jerusalem 1 Chron 15:1-3, 14-16, SS Lesson for 03/02/2008 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS THE PLACE READIED (1 CHRON 15:1-3) Building (1) Building to have a dwelling place for God (Ps 132:3-5) Building based on God's pattern (Acts 7:44-47) Being a part of God's building (1 Cor 3:9) An eternal building (2 Cor 5:1) A building joined together by the Chief Cornerstone (Eph 2:19-22) Planning (2) Plan by pressing on toward the goal (Phil 3:12-14) Plan by not losing heart, but focusing on the eternal (2 Cor 4:16-18) Plan depending on the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 5:1-5) Know that my plans are dependent on God's purposes (Prov 19:21) All my plans must be committed to God (Ps 37:5-7) Gathering (3) The gathering of the elect (Matt 24:31) The gathering that will bring all the scattered children of God together (John 11:51-52) Christians are used to help gather God's kingdom (Matt 12:30) Gathered so that we may give thanks, praise and worship to God (Ps 106:47) All the nations will gather together and the peoples assembled (Isa 43:6-9) THE LEADERS READIED (1 CHRON 15:4-16) Sanctification (14) Sanctification is when God makes one blameless (1 Thess 5:23) Sanctification through the blood of Jesus (Heb 9:13-14) Sanctification is setting apart Jesus as Lord (1 Peter 3:15) Sanctification is presenting to God in righteousness (Rom 6:19) Sanctification is the purpose for which God has called His people (1 Thess 4:7) Pursue sanctification (Heb 12:14) Obedience (15) Obedience that is consistent with God's will (Isa 58:6-9) Obedience that delights God (1 Sam 15:22) Obedience that is from humble, praying, repentant people of God (2 Chron 7:14) Obedience that is bold and steadfast (Dan 3:16-18) Appointments (16) An appointment because God chose us (Eph 1:3-7) An appointment because God predestined it (Rom 8:29-30) An appointment of leadership (1 Cor 12:28) An appointment to receive salvation (1 Thess 5:9) An appointment for service (1 Tim 1:12) THE MOVE CELEBRATED (1 CHRON 15:25-28) With joy (25) Joy of the righteous (Ps 68:3) The Ark Brought to Jerusalem Page 1 of 12 SS Lesson for 03/02/2008

2 Joy in worship (Ps 100:2) Joy even in trials (Hab 3:17-19) Joy in fasts (Zech 8:19) Joy in hope (Rom 12:10-12) With offerings (26) Everyone who is willing should bring an offering to God (Exodus 35:5) Sharing with others is considered a pleasing offering to God (Heb 13:16) The best offering to God is myself as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1) The most important offering to God is to love Him with all that I have (Mark 12:33) With music and singing (27-28) Music and songs of the heart (Eph 5:19) Music and songs of gratitude (Col 3:16) Music and songs of praise (James 5:13) Music and songs of thanksgiving (Ps 147:7) Music and songs of God's wonderful acts (Ps 105:2) Music and songs of exhortation (Ps 95:2) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR Respectful preparation (1 Chron.15:1-3) Holy preparation (1 Chron. 15:14-16) Joyful reception (1 Chron. 15:25-28) The Ark Brought to Jerusalem Page 2 of 12 SS Lesson for 03/02/2008

3 Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The outline of the lesson came from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator. The study's aim is to learn that something sacred can serve as a visual aid to teach us about the presence of God. The study's application is to serve God with respect and joy. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary The use of symbols is a vital part of who we are as Christians and as a church. Many churches use symbols to reflect their beliefs and/or practices. Of course, many incorporate the cross in their building design, as this is a key symbol of the church. Others make use of the basin and towel to signify that it is a church that serves in the name of Jesus. One man said the symbol of his church was the covered dish because fellowship meals were the main thing his church was known for! The secular world knows all about symbols too. Their symbols try to get us to do something namely, buy their products or buy into their ideas. Company logos scream, Look who we are! Try us! Evolutionists put feet on the Christian symbol of the fish in an attempt to persuade people against the idea of creation. So we are surrounded by competing symbols. The information overload in this regard can lead us in the wrong path if we are not careful. As we study this lesson, consider what symbol or symbols might be (or should be) used to characterize our church as it gathers for worship. Also, consider what symbol might signify a personal relationship with Christ and what adjustments we need to make in that regard. I once visited a certain church to conduct a Bible study. The building was functional, practical, and not showy. But eight stained-glass windows in the sanctuary overwhelmed me with their messages. On the left were four Old Testament symbols: the tree of life, a rainbow with Noah s ark, a burning bush, and a pillar of fire. On the right were four New Testament symbols: a stable (for Jesus birth), a cross, an empty tomb, and a dove descending. The impact of these eight beautiful windows has never left me. These symbols clearly communicate God s presence or promise. As long as Adam and Eve had access to the tree of life, they could live forever in God s presence. Every time we see a rainbow, it reminds us of God s promise never to flood the earth again. Moses knew he was in God s presence when he approached a burning bush. The pillar of fire was a clear demonstration of God s presence in the midst of the Hebrew people. On the New Testament side, the symbols are just as powerful. The stable symbolizes that the Word of God became flesh. The cross has always been a symbol of God s promised forgiveness. Of course, without the empty tomb of the resurrection there would be no salvation for the world; the resurrection assures us that God is still here. Finally, the dove is a symbol of God s Spirit, which is present within every Christian. Today s lesson focuses on another important symbol of God s presence for Old Testament believers: the ark of the covenant. The ark of the covenant was ancient Israel s most precious symbol of God s presence. The construction of the ark is recorded in Exodus 37:1 9. That happened in about 1446 B.C. Within the ark of the covenant eventually were placed the testimony, a gold jar of manna that the Israelites had gathered during their time in the wilderness, and Aaron s budded rod (Exodus 40:20; Hebrews 9:4). Four gold rings were fastened to the ark. Poles were inserted through these rings for transporting it. The ark was never to be carried in any way other than by Levites with those poles on their shoulders (Exodus 25:13 15; 37:5; 1 Chronicles 15:2, 15). Since the ark was top-heavy, using a cart to carry it was dangerous (1 Chronicles 13:7 10). Indeed, the top cover itself (called mercy seat or atonement cover) was made out of gold an extremely heavy substance (Exodus 25:17). The ark of the covenant symbolized the throne of God (see 1 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 6:2; 2 Kings 19:15; 1 Chronicles 13:6; Psalm 80:1; 99:1). Perhaps more precisely, the space between the cherubim on the atonement cover represented the footstool of God (see 1 Chronicles 28:2; Psalm 99:5). Atonement for sin was made by sprinkling the blood of bulls and goats before the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:11 16). The importance of the ark of the covenant to the Hebrew people cannot be overstated! After the ark was built and placed in the tabernacle, it stayed with the Israelites throughout their wilderness wanderings. Eventually it was placed in Shiloh, about 30 miles northeast of Jerusalem, after the conquest of the promised land (Joshua 18:1). Through an unusual series of The Ark Brought to Jerusalem Page 3 of 12 SS Lesson for 03/02/2008

4 events, the ark ended up in a private residence, where it remained in obscurity for some time (1 Samuel 4:4 7:2). The tabernacle that had housed the ark was located elsewhere at that time, separated from the ark (1 Chronicles 16:39; 21:29; 2 Chronicles 1:3, 13). It was under these conditions that David sought to bring the ark to Jerusalem and place it within a specially prepared tent (1 Chronicles 13:5; 15:1). Today s background texts of 1 Chronicles 13 and 15 must be understood as part of a literary unit, namely chapters This unit brings us to an important stage in the establishment of Jerusalem as both a political and religious center for the newly united kingdom under King David. This stage began when David brought the ark to Jerusalem (chapter 13) and concluded when God gave his promise concerning David s dynasty (chapter 17; see Lesson 2). By the time David became king, more than 400 years had elapsed since the ark of the covenant had come into being. First Chronicles 13 recounts the first attempt at bringing the ark to Jerusalem. That attempt ended in failure. Someone, either David or the priests, made a serious mistake by appointing the wrong people to move the ark (1 Chronicles 15:13a). Another mistake was in transporting the ark in the wrong manner (1 Chronicles 15:13b). The result was a tragedy that halted the process (2 Samuel 6:1 7; 1 Chronicles 13:1 10). David was despondent: How can I ever bring the ark of God to me? (1 Chronicles 13:12b; compare 2 Samuel 6:9). For three months the project languished until everyone, including David, recognized that God had blessed the household of Obed-Edom, where the ark was housed temporarily (1 Chronicles 13:13, 14). The author of Chronicles arranged his material to show that David s first major decision and act as king of a united Israel was to bring the ark to Jerusalem. Our printed text picks up the story of King David s second attempt at this project. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator The day has finally arrived, that day we have been planning for and looking forward to for many weeks. Today we get to pack up and leave on vacation! Partially filled suitcases have been lying around on the floor for the past few days. Clothes have been stacked around various rooms in preparation for completing the task of packing. Mom has been washing and ironing for days, getting everything ready for each of the children. Dad has been tuning up the car changing the oil, checking the water, and examining all the hoses and belts. When the day comes for the family to arrive back home, everyone realizes that all the planning and the effort were worthwhile. Good things do not happen on their own. Careful planning and preparation are always necessary for the accomplishment of something worthwhile. David was about to attempt and hopefully accomplish the most significant event of his kingship so far. He had tried this particular thing once before, and it had ended in disaster and angry feelings. He could not let that happen again. God instructed Moses to construct the ark of the covenant (Exod. 25:10-22; Deut. 10:1-5). It traveled with Israel in the wilderness and across the Jordan River into Canaan. Taken in battle by the Philistines, it was held by them until a plague convinced them that was too dangerous. Temporarily stored at Beth-shemesh and Kirjath-jearim, it was brought to Jerusalem by David after a previous attempt led to Uzzah's death and later to Obed-edom's blessing (2 Sam. 6:1-11). Originally occupied by the pagan Jebusites many centuries before Christ, Jerusalem was taken by David, who expanded it and made it his capital over the united kingdom. It later reached its ancient zenith under Solomon. It still exists today and is claimed by Jews, Christians, and Muslims for both political and religious reasons. In our lesson text we see the beginning of David's development of the city. In the first verse we are told that he made houses and prepared a place for the ark of God, thus showing his concern for both material and spiritual progress. Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) The Place Readied (1 Chron 15:1-3) 1 David built houses for himself in the City of David; and he prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched a tent for it. 2 Then David said, "No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the Lord has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister before Him forever." The Ark Brought to Jerusalem Page 4 of 12 SS Lesson for 03/02/2008

5 3 And David gathered all Israel together at Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the Lord to its place, which he had prepared for it. Building (1) Building to have a dwelling place for God (Ps 132:3-5) 3 "I will not enter my house or go to my bed 4 I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids, 5 till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob." Building based on God's pattern (Acts 7:44-47) 44 "Our forefathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the desert. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. 45 Having received the tabernacle, our fathers under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, 46 who enjoyed God's favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who built the house for him. Being a part of God's building (1 Cor 3:9) 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. An eternal building (2 Cor 5:1) 5:1 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. A building joined together by the Chief Cornerstone (Eph 2:19-22) 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Planning (2) Plan by pressing on toward the goal (Phil 3:12-14) 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Plan by not losing heart, but focusing on the eternal (2 Cor 4:16-18) 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Plan depending on the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 5:1-5) 1 Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 The Ark Brought to Jerusalem Page 5 of 12 SS Lesson for 03/02/2008

6 Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Know that my plans are dependent on God's purposes (Prov 19:21) 21 Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. All my plans must be committed to God (Ps 37:5-7) 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Gathering (3) The gathering of the elect (Matt 24:31) 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. The gathering that will bring all the scattered children of God together (John 11:51-52) 51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. Christians are used to help gather God's kingdom (Matt 12:30) 30 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. Gathered so that we may give thanks, praise and worship to God (Ps 106:47) 47 Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. All the nations will gather together and the peoples assembled (Isa 43:6-9) 6 I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." 8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. 9 All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Which of them foretold this and proclaimed to us the former things? Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right, so that others may hear and say, "It is true." The Leaders Readied (1 Chron 15:4-16) 14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel. 15 And the children of the Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders, by its poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord. 16 Then David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy. The Ark Brought to Jerusalem Page 6 of 12 SS Lesson for 03/02/2008

7 Sanctification (14) Sanctification is when God makes one blameless (1 Thess 5:23) 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sanctification through the blood of Jesus (Heb 9:13-14) 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Sanctification is setting apart Jesus as Lord (1 Peter 3:15) 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, Sanctification is presenting to God in righteousness (Rom 6:19) 19 I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. Sanctification is the purpose for which God has called His people (1 Thess 4:7) 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Pursue sanctification (Heb 12:14) 14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Obedience (15) Obedience that is consistent with God's will (Isa 58:6-9) 6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, Obedience that delights God (1 Sam 15:22) 22 But Samuel replied: "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. Obedience that is from humble, praying, repentant people of God (2 Chron 7:14) 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. The Ark Brought to Jerusalem Page 7 of 12 SS Lesson for 03/02/2008

8 Obedience that is bold and steadfast (Dan 3:16-18) 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Appointments (16) An appointment because God chose us (Eph 1:3-7) 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace An appointment because God predestined it (Rom 8:29-30) 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. An appointment of leadership (1 Cor 12:28) 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. An appointment to receive salvation (1 Thess 5:9) 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. An appointment for service (1 Tim 1:12) 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. The Move Celebrated (1 Chron 15:25-28) 25 So David, the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-Edom with joy. 26 And so it was, when God helped the Levites who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that they offered seven bulls and seven rams. 27 David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who bore the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah the music master with the singers. David also wore a linen ephod. 28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn, with trumpets and with cymbals, making music with stringed instruments and harps. With joy (25) Joy of the righteous (Ps 68:3) 3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. The Ark Brought to Jerusalem Page 8 of 12 SS Lesson for 03/02/2008

9 Joy in worship (Ps 100:2) 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Joy even in trials (Hab 3:17-19) 17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. Joy in fasts (Zech 8:19) 19 This is what the Lord Almighty says: "The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace." Joy in hope (Rom 12:10-12) 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. With offerings (26) Everyone who is willing should bring an offering to God (Exodus 35:5) 5 From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze; Sharing with others is considered a pleasing offering to God (Heb 13:16) 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. The best offering to God is myself as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1) 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God this is your spiritual act of worship. The most important offering to God is to love Him with all that I have (Mark 12:33) 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." With music and singing (27-28) Music and songs of the heart (Eph 5:19) 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, Music and songs of gratitude (Col 3:16) 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Music and songs of praise (James 5:13) 13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. The Ark Brought to Jerusalem Page 9 of 12 SS Lesson for 03/02/2008

10 Music and songs of thanksgiving (Ps 147:7) 7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp. Music and songs of God's wonderful acts (Ps 105:2) 2 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Music and songs of exhortation (Ps 95:2) 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary The ancient Israelites rejoiced greatly, for they had placed on Zion the symbol of God s presence that was initiated by God himself. The ark itself symbolized God s throne, or at least his footstool. The status of the Israelites as God s people was based in large part on their receiving and keeping the Ten Commandments, located within the ark. God s gracious provision for his people during the wilderness wanderings was symbolized by a jar of manna, also within the ark. The God-given leadership of Moses and Aaron was signified by Aaron s budded rod, within the ark as well. For the Christian, the greatest physical symbol of God s presence is found in the Lord s Supper. Jesus said, This is my body, which is for you. To symbolize his shed blood Jesus said, This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me (1 Corinthians 11:24, 25). The Gospel of John makes it clear that God s spiritual presence today is his own Holy Spirit (John 16:5 15; compare Acts 5:32; Ephesians 1:13). Look around you the next time you worship with fellow believers. What symbols of God s presence do you see? Certainly the cross is a good one. The Bible, as the revelation of God s Word, is another. But keep looking! Some of the greatest symbols of God s presence are all around you. These are the men and women who worship alongside us. God has created every human being in his image (Genesis 1:26, 27). It is we and not the animals who can reflect who God is in love, graciousness, and compassion. Compare Psalm 111:4, 5: He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. More vital symbols of God s presence are the hungry we feed, the thirsty to whom we give drink, the strangers we welcome, the naked we clothe, the sick we look after, and the prisoners we visit. Jesus himself said, Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40b). God is present in those we serve. To serve them is to serve Jesus; to fail to serve them is to fail to serve Jesus. Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator King David showed his spiritual leadership by gathering the nation for the return of the ark of the covenant. Private devotion and celebration were not adequate for this occasion. God's covenant blessings and the promise of His presence involved all the people, not just the king. The previous attempt to move the ark had resulted in death and sorrow (1 Chron.13). David had taken care to do things right this time. One thing he would not do was give up. God's covenant, of which the ark was the symbol, was the very foundation of Israel's existence. David knew it had to come back to Jerusalem, and this was his heart's desire. A man appointed to a leadership position by God must seek to communicate his passion for God to the people under his care. He must take the necessary steps in preparing the way for God's will to be carried out and then inspire people to follow. David had prepared the "place" for the ark. Now he needed the people to support his plan. By gathering the people in Jerusalem, David was making the arrival of the ark a time of consecration, of dedication to the God of Israel. The celebration that had been ruined by carelessness before could now be resumed. That all of this was to take place in Jerusalem was of great significance. Jerusalem was taking on "the unique character of a holy city [as well as] a royal city" (Elwell, ed., Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, Baker). God had promised David that an eternal kingdom would emerge from his descendants. And the Lord desired that Jerusalem be the capital of David's kingdom. In Psalm 132, after repeating the promise of an eternal kingdom for David's line, the psalmist declared, "For The Ark Brought to Jerusalem Page 10 of 12 SS Lesson for 03/02/2008

11 the Lord hath chosen Zion (or Jerusalem); he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my [resting place] for ever" (vs.13-14). The book of Revelation speaks of the New Jerusalem, over which and from which Christ will rule (Rev ). In the New Jerusalem, "the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people" (21:3). The steps that David took with regard to the ark of God's presence had great typological significance. They pointed to the time when the great Messiah would rule in perfect holiness and righteousness from Jerusalem. Just as in ancient Israel, so today it is essential that God's people recognize and emphasize the importance of God's presence. Without God's presence, all of our efforts and concerns are futile. As the psalmist declared, "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it" (Ps. 127:1). Why do our ministry efforts today so often seem to lack power and effectiveness? Could it be that we have not attended to the most important thing making sure that our Lord and Saviour is present in our efforts? Without Him, our religion is an empty shell. The zeal of David serves as a good reminder of what our priorities should be. Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. If we have no place for God in our lives, our lives are truly empty (1 Chron. 15:1) 2. We must always do the work of God in God's way, not ours (vs. 23) 3. Spiritual preparation is necessary for spiritual service (vs ) 4. Joyless service is not genuine service for God (vs. 16) 5. We are not capable of doing God's work without God's help (vs ) 6. Worship should reflect true joy but always be accompanied with a sense of propriety (vs ) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator The ark of the covenant was a crucial symbol of God's presence with the people of Israel. It had been carried before them in the wilderness. Later, after the conquest of Canaan, it was housed in the tabernacle at Shiloh. Later still, after the ark was captured and returned by the Philistines, it ended up in Kirjath-jearim. That happened during the time Samuel judged Israel, but the ark remained in Kirjath-jearim throughout the entire reign of King Saul and into the opening of King David's rule. But David had established his throne in Jerusalem, and he believed the ark should reside there as well. His first attempt to transport the ark to Jerusalem was stopped by the death of one of the men involved, and the ark was temporarily left in the home of Obed-edom (I Chron. 13:14). Today's lesson text records the successful move of the ark from Obededom's home to Jerusalem. Respectful preparation (1 Chron.15:1-3) David first made sure he had a suitable place in which to install the ark of God once it arrived in Jerusalem. He "pitched for it a tent." We do not know the specifics of this tent. It is possible that it was the tabernacle that had been with the people in the wilderness, if that sanctuary still remained, or it may have been a new shelter designed in the tradition of the tabernacle. In either case, it was an appropriate dwelling place for the ark of God. David also specified that only Levites, men specially consecrated for service before the ark, would carry it into the city. With these careful preparations, David showed his respect for the holiness of God. We should do no less when we open our hearts to Him. Holy preparation (1 Chron. 15:14-16) Although the priests and Levites ' were already, by virtue of their vocations, set apart for service to God, they were not automatically in spiritual readiness to handle the ark. Thus, they went through the prescribed rituals for sanctifying themselves. Only then did they undertake to carry and escort the ark of God. Thankfully, God invites us to come to Him as we are, in our sinful state, for redemption. But once redeemed, we show disrespect for our Redeemer and His salvation if we carry on without making a determined effort to live a redeemed life. Likewise, we should not go forth to serve God without first preparing ourselves with sincere prayer and careful study of His Word. The Ark Brought to Jerusalem Page 11 of 12 SS Lesson for 03/02/2008

12 Joyful reception (1 Chron. 15:25-28) As the ark arrived in Jerusalem, both those in the procession and those in the viewing crowd were moved with spontaneous joy. There were organized groups playing instruments in praise of God, but there were also unprompted shouts of rejoicing from those who gathered to witness the great event. Unlike the crowd demonstrations that sometimes occur at the command of despots, this was a gathering of people eager to welcome this special emblem of God's presence. They were not forced to come; rather, they were there voluntarily, to their great delight. Real joy, of course, cannot be manufactured or mustered up. When it occurs spontaneously, it is often a sign of God's Spirit moving among us, and it is always a suitable and acceptable response to the presence of God in our lives. The Ark Brought to Jerusalem Page 12 of 12 SS Lesson for 03/02/2008