Uzzah and the Ark - 1 Chronicles 13
1. Text summary
David wants to bring the ark to Jerusalem, to make it the spiritual as well as the political capital of Israel - a good thing. But they move it unbiblically, and God strikes dead the guy who tries to steady the ark when it almost falls. David aborts the plan, angry, and puts it in a nearby home, of a man from Gath! Oh, the irony.
2. Jesus
Jesus determined to go to Jerusalem, too. He is the greater ark, the symbolic-incarnate presence of God. When they mishandled Him, God struck Him instead of them.
3. Application
a. Who was David angry at? The priests? Himself? God? Probably all three.
b. God brings disruptive events into our lives to shake us up, bring us up short, and put the fear of Him back into us.
David's Exploits - 1 Chronicles 14
1. Text summary
Tyre sends men and supplies to build David a palace, acknowledging him as king.
David has more wives and children, including Solomon.
David defeats the Philistines and has their idols burned.
2. Jesus
Jesus is building a house with the help of Gentiles who acknowledge Him, too.
Jesus is faithful to one bride, the Church, and sees many spiritual offspring. It satisfies His soul (Isaiah 53:10-11).
Jesus is defeating nations and powers opposed to Him.
3. Application
a. Accepting aid from, or doing business with, unbelievers is often perfectly fine - usually doesn't entail being "unequally yoked."
b. Multiplying wives was customary for ancient kings, but God's people should not follow the customs of the nations when it goes against God's design for life. (Adam had one wife. New Testament elders were to be husbands of one wife.)
David and the Levites - 1 Chronicles 15
1. Text summary
David instructs the Levites in bringing the ark, and their other duties.
He wears their uniform himself and dances as the ark is brought into Jerusalem.
2. Jesus
Jesus is also both king and priest, like David.
3. Application
a. Church leaders (like everyone else) often need external prodding to fulfill their calling well.
David's Worship - 1 Chronicles 16
1. Text summary
David has the Levites offer Psalms of praise before the ark in Jerusalem, and at the tabernacle in Gibeon, where they took the ark from, where the altar remained. A sample of Psalms is given. Obed-Edom - where the ark stayed for a few months after the Uzzah incident - becomes a gatekeeper for the ark in Jerusalem.
2. Jesus
Jesus leads the universe is offering praise to God.
He quotes Psalms from the cross.
3. Application
a. David innovates liturgically in extraordinary ways:
- separating the ark from the tabernacle
- introducing music in tabernacle worship
Such major changes should come only from pivotal figures in history, and not any and every pastor that comes along.
David's Temple? - 1 Chronicles 17
1. Text summary
David intends to build a temple for God, but God says no. God will build David's house instead, to show His grace. His descendants' throne will never fail.
David thanks God for doing what He has done, and asks Him to keep His Word.
2. Jesus
Jesus is the descendant of David who still sits on his throne, keeping God's promise, here.
3. Application
a. Even the great and powerful leave unfulfilled plans when they depart this life.
b. We need to leave our grand plans to God's providence. When we want to do great things for Him, we need to remember first that He has done great things for us.
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