Topical Bible: Jerusalem: The Ark of the Covenant Brought To, by David

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The event of bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem is a significant moment in biblical history, marking a pivotal point in the establishment of Jerusalem as the religious and political center of Israel. This event is primarily recorded in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 15-16.

Background and Context

The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest built by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, symbolized the presence of God among His people. It contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna (Hebrews 9:4). Before its relocation to Jerusalem, the Ark had been housed at Kiriath-jearim for many years following its return from Philistine captivity (1 Samuel 7:1-2).

David's Desire to Bring the Ark to Jerusalem

King David, having established his rule over Israel and captured Jerusalem, desired to bring the Ark to the city, thereby making it the spiritual heart of the nation. David's intention was to unify the tribes of Israel around the worship of Yahweh and to establish Jerusalem not only as the political capital but also as the religious center.

The First Attempt and Uzzah's Death

David's initial attempt to transport the Ark was marked by tragedy. The Ark was placed on a new cart, driven by Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab. As they reached the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark. The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah for his irreverence, and he was struck dead (2 Samuel 6:6-7). This incident highlighted the importance of adhering to God's instructions regarding the handling of the Ark, as outlined in the Law of Moses, which specified that the Ark should be carried by Levites using poles (Exodus 25:14).

The Successful Transport of the Ark

After a period of reflection and preparation, David made a second attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. This time, he followed the prescribed method, having the Levites carry the Ark on their shoulders. The procession was marked by great celebration, with David himself dancing before the Lord with all his might, wearing a linen ephod (2 Samuel 6:14). The Ark was brought into the city with shouts of joy and the sound of trumpets.

Michal's Contempt

David's wife Michal, the daughter of Saul, observed David's exuberant worship and despised him in her heart. She confronted David, accusing him of undignified behavior. David responded by affirming his devotion to the Lord, stating, "I will celebrate before the LORD" (2 Samuel 6:21). Michal's disdain resulted in her being childless for the rest of her life (2 Samuel 6:23).

The Ark's Placement and David's Worship

Upon its arrival in Jerusalem, the Ark was placed inside a tent that David had pitched for it. David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord and blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Hosts. He distributed food to the entire assembly of Israel, further solidifying the unity and joy of the occasion (2 Samuel 6:17-19).

Significance

The successful relocation of the Ark to Jerusalem was a defining moment in Israel's history. It signified God's presence and favor upon David's reign and established Jerusalem as the central place of worship for the Israelites. This event foreshadowed the future construction of the Temple by Solomon, David's son, where the Ark would find a permanent resting place. The Ark's presence in Jerusalem underscored the city's importance in God's redemptive plan and its enduring significance in biblical theology.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 6:12-19
And it was told king David, saying, The LORD has blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertains to him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Temple and Its Dedication
... part of the kingdom were accustomed to assemble at Jerusalem to celebrate ... and with
great ceremony, "the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

Meditation ii. The Supper-Room.
... Previous to the building of the Temple, the Ark of the Covenant had been ... manner,
and let it as a supper-room to strangers coming to Jerusalem for the ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/meditation ii the supper-room.htm

The Captivity.
... the Temple was to be destroyed, he saved the Ark of the Covenant, Aaron's rod ... On
his way Nebuchadnezzar seized Jerusalem, in the year 606, and carried off ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson x the captivity.htm

A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
... And Solomon awoke; and, behold, It was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood
before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a young mans wise choice.htm

After This, Pilate Going into the Temple of the Jews...
... the structure of the ark of the old covenant, that in ... of years, Jesus Christ was
to come in the ark of the ... to make manifest these words to no one in Jerusalem. ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 12 28 after this.htm

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
... the law at the side of the ark, so as ... since it contained a renewal of the covenant
between God ... accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem." Dan.9 ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xv formation and history.htm

The visitation
... of her house for a considerable distance on the way to Jerusalem; and I ... be able to
perceive and relate the holy mystery of the Ark of the Covenant and the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ix the visitation.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... Canaan, a land of inheritance promised in covenant: Jerusalem, the vision ... The Ark
prepared by Noah was entered by him ... men, in all ages, to the covenant of God ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

Was Moses "A Literary Fiction"?
... the law and put it in the side of the ark of the ... the tenor of these words I have
made a covenant with thee ... for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it ...
/.../iii was moses a literary.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... his horn for ever, He gave him a covenant of kings ... When David took it, he named it
Jerusalem, or the ... with songs and solemn dances, the long-hidden Ark, so that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm