2 Samuel 6:14-15; 17-19
Verse 15 …while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.
Now that they know how to move the Ark of the Covenant properly, David and all of Israel are ready to make it happen. They are all geared up for a party and can’t wait to get the celebration started. And while we may not know the distance they were traveling, we do know that it was more than a 5 minute walk. This was a parade that was ready to go the distance.
As the parade marched towards the city of Jerusalem there was much joy. David was dancing and others were shouting and blowing trumpets. David was in on the party showing that he saw himself as someone who needed to join in the joy of his people. He understood this joy wasn’t in his honor but was a joy that came from obeying the Lord and bringing the Ark back into a place where the people understood God was back in their midst. The king knew this was a time to celebrate God desiring to be with His people.
The king had laid aside his royal robes and was wearing a linen ephod that would have been similar to the priestly garments. Had he been wearing a priestly ephod the Lord would have been displeased with him but we can see that isn’t the case. David was rejoicing, praising God who wanted to live among His people.
We mentioned the people were shouting and blowing trumpets, this would have announced the parade allowing more people to join in the celebration along the route. This was also representative of the fact this wasn’t just about the people of Jerusalem, this was a true sign of the uniting of the kingdom. Moving the most sacred of objects to the capital city is reminding the people God is to be at their center of living.
The party didn’t end when they reached the city. They placed the Ark in the tent David had set up for it and there was more sacrificing. The people of God were showing, for the moment anyway, they were focused on Him. After sacrificing, David blesses the people in the name of the Lord. It would have been interesting to hear what he said to them in the blessing. Then before sending everyone home, the king gifts each person a loaf of bread, cake of dates and a cake of raisins. Not one set per family but one per adult! The celebration was going to continue in each home. The Ark was home!
Making It Personal
When is a time you have rejoiced over God’s presence in your life? Did you rejoice in a way that others joined in? What can you celebrate about Him today?
Making It Personal Kids
What are some things you can celebrate about Jesus? How do you celebrate Jesus? Is there anything you can celebrate about Him today?
Closing Prayer
Father, we praise You for calling us near into Your presence and for never leaving us or forsaking us. Give us wisdom about the proper way to praise and worship You. In Jesus’ name, amen.