The event of the Ark of the Covenant being successfully brought to Jerusalem is a significant moment in the history of Israel, marking a pivotal point in King David's reign and the religious life of the nation. This event is primarily recorded in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 15-16.

Background

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). After being captured by the Philistines and causing calamities in their cities, the Ark was returned to Israel and remained in the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-jearim for about 20 years (1 Samuel 7:1-2).

David's First Attempt

King David, desiring to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, initially attempted to transport it on a new cart, accompanied by a grand procession of Israelites celebrating with music and dancing (2 Samuel 6:1-5). However, this attempt ended in tragedy when Uzzah, one of the men guiding the cart, touched the Ark to steady it and was struck dead by God for his irreverence (2 Samuel 6:6-7). This incident caused David to fear the Lord and temporarily abandon his plan, leaving the Ark at the house of Obed-edom the Gittite, where it remained for three months and brought blessings to his household (2 Samuel 6:8-11).

The Successful Transport

Recognizing the need to follow God's prescribed method for transporting the Ark, David prepared a second attempt. This time, he instructed the Levites to carry the Ark on their shoulders using poles, as commanded in the Law of Moses (1 Chronicles 15:2, 13-15). David also organized a large assembly of Israelites, including priests, Levites, and musicians, to accompany the Ark with singing, instruments, and sacrifices (1 Chronicles 15:16-28).

As the Ark entered the city of David, David himself danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a linen ephod, a garment associated with priestly service (2 Samuel 6:14). The procession was marked by great joy and celebration, with shouts and the sound of trumpets (2 Samuel 6:15).

Michal's Disdain

However, not everyone shared in the joy of the occasion. Michal, the daughter of Saul and David's wife, looked out from a window and saw David leaping and dancing before the Lord. She despised him in her heart, later confronting him with disdain for what she perceived as undignified behavior (2 Samuel 6:16, 20). David responded by affirming his actions as an expression of worship before the Lord, who had chosen him over her father Saul to rule over Israel (2 Samuel 6:21-22). As a result of her attitude, Michal remained childless throughout her life (2 Samuel 6:23).

The Ark in Jerusalem

Upon the Ark's arrival in Jerusalem, it was placed inside the tent 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 (2 Samuel 6:17-18). He distributed food to all the people, further enhancing the communal celebration (2 Samuel 6:19).

David also appointed Levites to minister before the Ark, to commemorate, thank, and praise the Lord, the God of Israel (1 Chronicles 16:4). This included Asaph and his brothers, who were responsible for leading worship through music and song (1 Chronicles 16:5-6). David's psalm of thanksgiving, recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:8-36, reflects the joy and reverence of the occasion, calling the people to remember God's covenant and proclaim His deeds among the nations.

The successful transport of the Ark to Jerusalem established the city as the religious and political center of Israel, foreshadowing the future construction of the Temple by Solomon, David's son. This event underscored the importance of obedience to God's commands and the centrality of worship in the life of God's people.