Topical Bible: Joy: when They Took the Ark of the Covenant from Kirjath-Jearim

◄ Joy: when They Took the Ark of the Covenant from Kirjath-Jearim ►

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The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest built by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, held profound significance as the earthly dwelling place of God's presence. It contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna, symbolizing God's covenant with His people. The Ark's journey from Kirjath-Jearim to Jerusalem marks a pivotal moment of joy and celebration in the history of Israel.

Background and Context

After the Ark was captured by the Philistines and subsequently returned due to the calamities it brought upon them, it was placed in the house of Abinadab in Kirjath-Jearim. It remained there for about twenty years, during which time the Israelites lamented after the Lord (1 Samuel 7:2). The Ark's presence in Kirjath-Jearim symbolized a period of spiritual stagnation and longing for God's favor.

David's Desire to Bring the Ark to Jerusalem

King David, a man after God's own heart, recognized the importance of the Ark and desired to bring it to Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Israel. His intention was to restore the Ark to its rightful place among the people, signifying God's presence and blessing upon the nation. David's initiative reflects his deep reverence for God and his commitment to leading Israel in faithful worship.

The Joyful Procession

The account of the Ark's transportation from Kirjath-Jearim to Jerusalem is recorded in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13. David gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand in number, to accompany the Ark on its journey. The procession was marked by great joy and celebration, as described in 2 Samuel 6:5 : "David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals."

The joyous atmosphere was a reflection of the people's anticipation of God's renewed presence among them. The music, dancing, and sacrifices offered during the procession underscored the communal joy and reverence for the Lord.

The Incident with Uzzah

However, the journey was not without incident. As the Ark was being transported on a new cart, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah, one of the attendants, reached out to steady the Ark. God's anger burned against Uzzah for his irreverence, and he was struck dead on the spot (2 Samuel 6:6-7). This sobering event reminded the Israelites of the holiness of God and the importance of approaching Him with reverence and obedience.

Continued Celebration and the Ark's Arrival in Jerusalem

Despite the initial setback, David's determination to bring the Ark to Jerusalem did not wane. After a period of reflection and preparation, the Ark was successfully transported to the city. David's joy was uncontainable, as he danced before the Lord with all his might, clothed in a linen ephod (2 Samuel 6:14). The people of Israel joined in the celebration, offering sacrifices and distributing food to the assembly (2 Samuel 6:17-19).

The arrival of the Ark in Jerusalem was a momentous occasion, symbolizing the restoration of God's presence and favor upon Israel. The joy experienced by David and the people was a testament to their renewed commitment to worship and obedience to the Lord.

Spiritual Significance

The joy associated with the Ark's journey from Kirjath-Jearim to Jerusalem serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of God's presence in the life of His people. It highlights the blessings that come from honoring and revering God, as well as the communal joy that arises from shared worship and devotion. The event underscores the necessity of approaching God with reverence, obedience, and a heart full of joy, recognizing His holiness and the privilege of His presence among His people.

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1 Chronicles 13:8
And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with tambourines, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.
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Library

Importance of Small Things in Religion
... gather yourselves together, and bring up the ark of the ... of your God with music and
with joy." They came from ... But forgetful of the divine law, they took up the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/importance of small things in.htm

Three Decisive Steps
... Many a timid soul is kept from the joy of God's ... He had spoken to them, and they said
to one another ... had faith in Samuel's sacrifice; for Samuel took a lamb, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/three decisive steps.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Tables of the Law were enclosed in the Ark is frequently ... His two sons, on the contrary,
took advantage of his ... those who came up to worship, and they were even ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The King after Man's Heart
... Samuel 11:15 seems to imply that he took no part ... tangible than an unseen Guide, Helper,
Stay, Joy, and Peace ... They have got their king, and there he stands; but ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.
... on His behalf [1477] : and Symeon who then took Him up ... the Lord's saying of old time,
And they shall come ... but the Virgin Mary received faith and joy, when the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xii on the words.htm