How does 1 Samuel 7:1 demonstrate the importance of reverence for God's presence? Text of the Passage “So the men of Kiriath-jearim came for the ark of the LORD and took it up to the house of Abinadab on the hill. And they consecrated his son Eleazar to guard the ark of the LORD.” (1 Samuel 7:1) Why the Ark Matters - The ark is the earthly throne of God (Exodus 25:22). - It embodies His covenant promises (Exodus 25:16). - Wherever the ark rests, God’s presence is uniquely manifest (Numbers 7:89). Previous Lessons Learned - Casual curiosity at Beth-shemesh—looking into the ark—brought judgment (1 Samuel 6:19). - The Philistines’ mishandling caused plagues (1 Samuel 5). - God had already commanded strict procedures for transporting the ark (Numbers 4:15). Actions That Display Reverence in 1 Samuel 7:1 1. “Came for the ark of the LORD” • They did not leave the sacred object unattended; they moved with purpose and care. 2. “Took it up to the house of Abinadab on the hill” • Placing it on higher ground signified separation from common life and visibility as a center of worship. 3. “Consecrated his son Eleazar” • Consecrate = set apart; only a sanctified person may serve near God’s presence. 4. “To guard the ark of the LORD” • Guarding prevents profane access; it also reflects obedience to God’s commands for holiness. Principles for Us Today - God’s presence is holy and should never be treated casually (Hebrews 12:28-29). - Reverence involves deliberate action: setting apart places, people, and practices for worship. - Past judgments warn us against flippant attitudes (2 Samuel 6:6-7—Uzzah). - Spiritual leadership must be consecrated—character matters when handling holy things (1 Timothy 3:1-7). Supporting Scriptures - Exodus 19:12-13 – boundaries at Sinai underline holiness. - Leviticus 10:1-3 – Nadab and Abihu illustrate consequences of irreverence. - Psalm 89:7 – “God is greatly feared in the council of the holy ones.” - Isaiah 6:3 – seraphim cry “Holy, holy, holy,” reminding us that holiness defines God’s presence. Takeaway 1 Samuel 7:1 shows a community waking up to God’s holiness. By moving the ark respectfully, setting it apart on a hill, and consecrating a guardian, they model the reverence every believer owes to the Lord’s manifest presence. |
    |