What lessons can we learn about reverence for God’s instructions from this verse? Setting the Scene 1 Chronicles 15 recounts David’s plan to bring the ark to Jerusalem after a tragic first attempt (1 Chronicles 13; 2 Samuel 6). Verse 13 explains the failure: “It was because you Levites did not bring it up the first time that the LORD our God burst out in anger against us. For we did not inquire of Him about the proper order.” The Heart of the Issue: “the proper order” • God had already given clear instructions: only Levites were to carry the ark on poles (Exodus 25:14; Numbers 4:15). • David admits they “did not inquire” of the LORD, treating divine detail as optional. • Reverence, therefore, is not generic respect; it is careful, informed obedience to what God actually said. Lessons in Reverence for God’s Instructions • God’s commands are precise, not suggestions. • Good motives or enthusiasm cannot replace obedience (cf. Uzzah’s good intention in 1 Chronicles 13:10). • Neglecting God’s revealed pattern invites discipline: “the LORD … burst out in anger.” • Leadership bears responsibility. David addresses the Levites first; knowing and teaching God’s word is a leadership duty (James 3:1). • Reverence grows when we “inquire” of God—searching Scripture before acting. • Repentance leads to restoration: once the proper order is followed, the ark arrives with blessing (1 Chronicles 15:25–26). Confirmations from the Rest of Scripture • Deuteronomy 12:32 — “See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.” • 1 Samuel 15:22 — “Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice.” • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Hebrews 12:28 — “…worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Together these passages echo the 1 Chronicles 15:13 principle: true worship is ordered by God’s word, not human creativity. Living It Out Today • Prioritize Scripture in every plan—family, church, work. Ask, “What has God already said?” • Measure success by faithfulness before fruitfulness; obedience precedes blessing. • Teach the next generation the connection between reverence and careful obedience. • Guard against casual attitudes toward worship practices; align them with biblical directives. • When failure surfaces, respond as David did: admit the neglect and return to God’s pattern. Closing Thoughts Reverence for God’s instructions means embracing His word as final, sufficient, and life-giving. 1 Chronicles 15:13 reminds us that blessing flows when we approach Him on His terms, humbly seeking “the proper order” in all we do. |
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