BRINGING THE ARK OF THE COVENANT TO JERUSALEM After the death and the burial of Uzzah, the prophet David learned the lesson, did nothing further without seeking the counsel of God, studied the law, and was committed to the divine commandment. The greatness of David was not because he committed no mistakes, but because he benefited from every mistake he did. He did not do according the proverb saying: “If you want to make no mistake, do not do any work”. … He works and makes mistakes, but he learns from his mistakes, grew in purity through the grace of God, working in the repentant. This time, the prophet David was keen on carrying out the procedure of moving the ark of the covenant according to the statute of God: a- The procedure was done in a more accurate way. b- David prepared a special place for the ark in the city (1-2). He pitched a special tent for the ark in Jerusalem, other than the tabernacle of meeting and its furniture that remained in Gibeon (16-39) up till the days of Solomon. He prepared a tent for the ark (and not a house); which so seemed to follow the same pattern of the one set by the prophet Moses in the wilderness (Exodus 26; Numbers 1: 50). c- He gave the command that the priests should carry the ark on their shoulders, and not on a cart like the last time. d- He assigned a special role to each of their categories. e- The Levites and the others practiced their duties without any mistake (26) f- The atmosphere was full of joy for all who partook of that task. g- Nobody was preoccupied with Michal’s attitude toward the dancing by David before the ark of the covenant. 1- David learns from his mistake 1 - 3 2- David assembles the sons of Aaron and the Levites 4 - 15 3- David chooses the musicians 16 - 19 4- David offers sacrifices to the Lord 26 5- David dances before the ark 27 – 29 1- DAVID LEARNS FROM HIS MISTAKE: “David built houses for himself in the city of David, and he prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched a tent for it” (1) When David built houses for himself, for his household, and for those working with him in the royal palace, he cared for preparing a place for the ark of the covenant in the city of David….. In every work we do, it is befitting of us to care for preparing a place for the ark of the covenant, which represents the presence of God, the essence of our life, the cause of our growth, and the secret of our perpetual edification. “Then David said, ‘No one may carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the Lord has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister for him forever” (2) David learned from his past mistake when he attempted to move the ark of the covenant from Kerjat Jearim (1 Chronicles 13). He moved the ark to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite, after the death of Uzzah, where it remained for three months, until he prepared to move and receive it in Jerusalem. But this time he elaborately studied the law, to know the perfect procedure of its moving, and he discovered that the reason of God’s wrath, when his attempt to move the ark turned into a tragedy, was because it was not assigned to the Levites. And he perceived that that the blessing that dwelt upon the house of Obed-Edom was because of the presence of the ark of the covenant in his house. This time, David commanded that the ark is to be carried by the Levites, and not on a cart, whatever its price or beauty are; for God is pleased to see His believers carry Him in their hearts, and reign Him on their inner emotions and feelings. God is not preoccupied with the buildings, however magnificent they are, but finds His pleasure in the sanctification of man. “And David gathered all Israel together at Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the Lord to its place, which He had prepared for it” (3) It was not allowed for anyone except the Levites to touch the ark. For it represents the divine presence, not only among the priests and the Levites, but among all His people; Hence David gathered all Israel together, for all to enjoy the encounter with God, the Lover of mankind. 2- DAVID ASSEMBLES THE CHILDREN OF AARON AND THE LEVITES: The great number of the Levites gathered together by David to bring the ark to Jerusalem, did not create any problem, for they all were preoccupied with doing that assignment with joy from their whole hearts, with ministering to God with gladness, and with worshipping the Lord with flaring zeal, like what David did when he danced before the ark. “Then David assembled the children of Aaron and the Levites” (4) “And the sons of Kohath, Urie the chief, and one hundred and twenty of his brethren” (5) “Of the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, and two hundred and twenty of his brethren” (6) “Of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, and one hundred and thirty of his brethren” (7) “Of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, and two hundred of his brethren” (8) “Of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and eighty of his brethren” (9) “Of the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, and one hundred and twelve of his brethren” (10) “And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites; for Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Ammindab” (11) For that occasion (11), David called for the two high priests: Zadok and Abiathar (1 Kings 4: 4). Zadok was ministering in the tabernacle in Gibeon; and Abiathar was ministering in Jerusalem in the tent newly prepared there for the ark of the covenant. David spoke to the Levites, and commanded them to carry the ark of the covenant; and whoever was a father, a leader, or a chief, to go ahead before the others. not to give orders, nor to organize; as much as to partake of the work, and to be a role model for his children and subordinates. “Then he said to them, ‘You are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, you and your brethren, that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it” (12) What does he mean by the words “Sanctify yourselves, (or purify yourselves) that you may bring the ark …”? If the term ‘sanctifying’ sometimes means (separation, or seclusion), and the term ‘purification’ means (washing); man would be sanctified or purified by washing his body and clothes with specific rites (Numbers 8: 5-8); and by separating his heart, mind, and depths, from anything not befitting of God. He is committed to wash his inner man from anything foreign from God, and to obedience of the divine commandment. The Holy God is pleased to work with those He sanctifies; He even transfigures in their hearts, and proclaims Himself and His secrets to them. He grants His Holy Spirit to His holy church, to sanctify His believers. The apostle Paul says: “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4: 7); and he also says, “Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrew 12: 14) + The Holy Spirit, proceeding from God (the Father) is the source of holiness; of the life-giving strength, and of the perfection-giving grace. Through Him man enjoys adoption, and the corrupt becomes non-corrupt. He is One with the Father and the Son in everything; in glory, eternity, power, kingdom, and Divinity; all of which are experienced through the tradition of the baptism of salvation. + The diversity of the sacraments is purposely done according to the ordinance of the new creation; For the baptism renews our origin; the holy Meron gives us holiness and spiritual talents; and the communion in the Eucharist provides us with the divine nourishment. (St. Basil the Great) + By the divine incarnation we became like Him concerning the body; became branches in the vine; united to Him, enjoying its fullness (John 1: 16). By it, our body, which was before dead and corrupt; came to be sanctified, and to have the right of the resurrection and salvation through our brotherhood with the Lord Christ, who bears our body. (St. Athanasius the apostolic) + The Father sanctifies according to the words of the apostle, saying:: “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5: 23); …. The Father sanctifies, according to the supplication of the Lord Jesus, saying:: “O Father, sanctify them by Your truth” (John 17: 17). And about the Son, the apostle says: “You are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1: 30). And the apostle teaches us, as well, that, “We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation, through sanctification by the Spirit in the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2: 13). But the sanctification is one, for the baptism is one, and the grace of the sacrament is one. (St. Ambrose) “For because you did not do it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order” (13) Despite David’s flaring zeal, his love for the ark, appreciating and honoring it, yet intending to move it, without letting the priests carry it according to the statute, he failed in his attempt. Now we see him confess his mistake, with the perception that God who seeks the purity of heart and the zeal of the soul, is also God of order and peace, and not an author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14: 33). That incident also came in (1 Chronicles 13: 8 – 11; 2 Samuel 6: 1 -11). This time, bringing the ark forth to Jerusalem, the priests carried it on their shoulders, as sought by Moses (Numbers 4: 2, 14; Deuteronomy 10: 8; 31: 25; 1 Samuel 6: 15). David learned from his mistake that the ark of the covenant should be carried according to the statute (13). Last time, Uzzah died because he touched the ark, although with the good intention of keeping it from falling; yet contrary to the statute. David learned that the worship of God has its rites to which he is committed; yet by the Spirit. It is befitting of us to perceive that even heaven itself has its rites as well, by which the heavenly hosts are committed. The rite in worship is not mere orders, but touches our understanding of the holiness of God, and the edification and salvation of our souls; for the glory of God. It is befitting of our worship to respond to the proclamation of God Himself, and not merely to our human mind. Having discovered the secret of God’s wrath, and the mistake done, David attempted to correct it this time, by: 1- In the first time he did not seek the counsel of God; Now he seeks His counsel concerning the right way to move the ark of the covenant. 2- The priests and the Levites purified and sanctified themselves, in preparation to carry the ark, according to the statutes of the law.. 3- They carried it by poles on their shoulders; lest someone might unintentionally touch it like what Uzzah did. David’s care to correct his previous mistake, confirmed to the people that God Himself is the true Leader of the kingdom, Who controls its affairs. Like a little child who does not often perceive what is behind his father’s instructions; It was befitting of the leaders and the people, being God’s children who should listen to the counsel of their Father, who knows things they cannot perceive at the time, to commit themselves to God’s commands and instructions; “So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel” (14) Here again he confirms that the right persons proceed to carry the ark, in the befitting way, according to the word of God to Moses. “And the children of the Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders by its poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord” (15) Many who are slothful in doing their duty, if warned, they would correct, and do their duty in a better way. The punishment that dwelt upon Uzzah made the priests care more to sanctify themselves by God; namely, to purify themselves from the routine dross, and be prepared to minister to God with seriousness, so that their awe would flow over the people, and to become good role models for others. Although the ark was not too heavy to carry, yet God helped the Levites to carry it in the following way: 1- Remembering the punishment that dwelt on Uzzah, those who proceeded to carry the ark, probably were trembling; but God encouraged them, took away their fear, and strengthened their faith. 2- It is better for us to seek the divine help, even for the regular situations within our natural ability; as without the help of God, we shall not be able to step a single step. 3- We should seek a special help to perform our religious services (see Acts 26: 22); for our whole abilities to do them come from God 4- God helped them to perform their task in order without any mistake. … In case we proceed to perform any religious rite, it is befitting of us to refer the favor to the help of God; for, Otherwise we would fall into serious mistakes. The ministers of God who bear the vessels of the Lord, need a special help, so as God would be glorified in them, and His church would be edified by them; Having helped the Levites, the people in turn got the benefit. 4- DAVID CHOOSES THE MUSICIANS: “Then David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy” (16) David appointed supervisors for the preparations to receive the ark with all the expressions of joy.. The ark was brought forth in a joyful procession, for the presence of God among His people stirs up joy in the hearts of all. David cared for mixing the order or the rite with the spirit of joy, not with the hard letter; as it is befitting of the believer in executing the rite, to bear the experience of the exultant heaven. The book of the chronicles often refers to the role of the singers accompanied with the instruments of praise; for the worship of God is joyful and exultant. God’s pleasure is to let His people practice their worship and their life with the spirit of joy and exultation; whether on the individuals or the collective level. The musical instruments mentioned here were used in the temple after captivity; and are still used in the Jewish worship, specially during the celebration of the new Jewish year. “So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brethren, Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of their brethren, the sons of Merari, Ethan, the son of Kushaiah” (17) David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint those who are known to be industrial in service; the foremost of whom were the singers of psalms: Heman (psalm 88); Asaph (Psalm 73-83), and Ethan (Psalm 89) “And with them their brethren of the second rank: Zechariah, Ben, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Elipheleh, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the gatekeepers” (18) In that assembly, or spiritual procession, as for every task, there were spiritual touches of order; a special group was appointed to carry the ark of the covenant, or as doorkeepers (18), to guard the gates (23, 24), among whom was Obed- Edom, who considered it a great honor and a reward for his care for the ark of the covenant in his own house. According to some fathers, the presence of the ark in his house for a period of three months, was a symbol and a reference to the stay of the mental ark (the virgin Mary the mother of God) in the house of Zechariah and Elizabeth, for a period of three months. (Luke 1: 56) “The singers Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were to sound the cymbals of bronze” (19) “Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Uni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with strings according to Alamoth” (20) “Mattithiah, Eliphaleh, Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azariah, to direct with harp on the Sheminith” (21) Some sounded the cymbals; others played the harp on the Sheminith (1); namely on a louder or a lower tune according to the notes of the concert. Some priests blew the trumpets, as they used to do when moving the ark (Numbers 10: 8), and in the holy feasts (psalm 81). On such occasions they probably used the fourteen psalms of ascent (Psalm 120-134) in their first form, before some alterations were done on them. Such a way of praise or thanksgiving was not used at the time, but David, being a prophet, set them by a divine ordinance, and according to Paul the apostle, he added to them other physical statutes (Hebrews 9: 10). David’s heart was only preoccupied with using every occasion to praise the Lord. “Chenaniah leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful” (22) Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark” (23) Two doorkeepers were assigned to guard the ark of the covenant, lest anyone would dare to uncover the ark, as it happened in Beth Shemesh, for which thousands were struck and killed (1 Samuel 6: 19) “Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethaneel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, were to blow the trumpets before the ark of God, and Obed-Edom and Jehiah, doorkeepers for the ark“ (24) Blowing the trumpets by the priests when moving the ark reminded those present of what took place when they used to carry the ark to move during their journey across the wilderness, that was a symbol of our journey in this world, not toward the promised land, but toward the heavenly Canaan. It also created an atmosphere of celebration of an awesome holy feast (Psalm 81: 3). “So David, the elders of Israel, the captains over thousands went to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-Edom with joy” (25) Here we find a portrait of the awe of that occasion, which was like a joyful procession of a great victory, to bring the ark from the house of Obed-Edom to the city of David. Carrying the ark did not need all that number of men, for it was not that heavy; but through the previous experience, all perceived that moving the ark does not depend on its weight, nor on the number of those taking part in the procession, as much as on the intervention of God Himself, His pleasure in His people, His ministers, and all the leaders. All perceived that there will be no success of that task without the intervention of God. 5- DAVID OFFERS SACRIFICES TO THE LORD: “And so it was, when God helped the Levites who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that they offered seven bulls and seven rams” (26) Once they felt the presence of the Lord among them (in the presence of the ark), they offered Him sacrifices of praise of bulls and rams, probably as an atonement for the previous mistake; and to confess the help they have got from God this time. They intended to pay God’s love, back with love; Yet, our love for the Lord could never be compared to His love for us. 6- DAVID DANCES BEFORE THE ARK: “David was clothed wit a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites, who bore the ark, the singers, and Chenaniah the music master with the singers. David also wore a linen ephod” (27) Here, we find great expressions of joy; from playing the holy music, singing praise, the people shouting (27-28), to David dancing before the ark, also mentioned in (2 Samuel 6: 14-15); From which we may learn: 1- We serve a good Master, who is pleased to see His ministers sing during work. 2- Popular revivals should be occasions for joy by the people. For those who do not rejoice in the ark, are not worthy of it. 3- It would not lessen the honor of men to show off their zeal for the works of worship. Michal, the daughter of Saul, who became the first wife of David, when she watched him demonstrate such an enthusiasm and joy in ministering to the Lord, she felt in her heart that he is a religious bigot We are actually in need of people like David in our days, not a need for bigotry, but for joy coming from the depths of the heart and life of the people of God. According to father Maximus, bishop of Turin, moving the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem refers to the encounter of the heavenly Groom with His bride. It is befitting of us to rejoice together with David, who danced before the ark (2 Samuel 6: 14). It is befitting of us to rejoice and exult for Christ incarnated in the womb of St. Mary; as in the ark of the covenant. + What could be said of the ark, if not referring to St. Mary? The ark carried inside it the two tablets of the law; whereas St. Mary bore the Lord of that covenant. The ark carried the law; And Mary carried the gospel. The ark glittered inside and outside with the shining of gold; whereas St. Mary shined inside and outside with the splendor of virginity. The ark was adorned with earthly gold; whereas St. Mary was adorned with heavenly gold. (Father Maximus, bishop of Turin) The church believes in the unique sanctity of Mary that surpasses the heavenly creation, even that of the cherubim and the seraphim. She spent her whole life in holiness, like the ark of the covenant, made of pest-resistant wood, coated inside and outside with gold. + The golden two cherubs shadowing the cover of the ark by their wings; are shadowing the Most Holy Place in the second dome. As for you, Mary, thousands and thousands, and tens of thousands are shadowing you. Praising their Creator while in your womb; He who took over our likeness. (The Sunday Theotokos) + I implore you man, to accept his conception, and to dance before Him, if not in the womb like St. John the Baptist, let it be once the ark is established, the way David did. (St. Gregory the Nezianzen) + Zechariah, in his amazement, sings, praises; and so does Elizabeth on the good news; While the Virgin keeps silent like a ship laden with secrets; and the household of the priest rejoices and honors her. They looked at her like the ship of God, or counted her like an ark of the covenant, filled with fire. + The Israelites danced for joy before God (the ark of the covenant), when it was carried to other places David danced before the ark of the covenant (2 Samuel 6: 14-16), regardless of the royal prestige, because of the great joy in his heart. And while still a fetus in his mother’s womb, St. John the Baptist danced for joy better than David. The blessed virgin mother was more splendid than the ark of the covenant, full of the secrets of the house of God. While David danced before the ark of the covenant, john the Baptist danced before Mary. Nobody heard of a king dancing except for David; nor of a fetus dancing, except for John the Baptist; One of whom told about the other. The prophets and kings prepared the way for the Son of God; who, once He came, He consummated the secrets they searched for. While the ark was carried, David joyfully danced, testifying for his King and Lord. It was the true portrait of the Virgin who was, as well, an ark for the Godhead. The Lord of the secrets dwelt in her; hence the fetus joyfully danced before her, like a victorious king. Mary was like an ark filled with holy writings; in whom all the vague prophecies were interpreted. As she was greatly adorned in a way that surpassed that of the ark of the covenant; the fetus rejoiced; The stir-up of the silent fetus was without limits, bringing joy to the womb that was depressed for such a long time. (St. (Mar) Jacob El-Serougi) “Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn, with trumpets and with cymbals, making music with stringed instruments and harps” (28) That collective worship was partaken by the priests, the Levites, all the people, and the king himself who was dancing and whirling before the ark.. “And it happened as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul, looking through a window saw king David whirling and playing music; and she despised him in herheart” (29) Michal, David’s wife, the daughter of Saul was not impressed by David dancing before the ark of the covenant, But David would rather appear like an imbicile in the sight of some, even that of his wife, to express his joy and thanks to God with every strength and faithfulness. Michal ridiculed her husband David, when she saw him dancing before the ark of the covenant, with which her father Saul was never preoccupied. According to some, Michal’s attitude toward David, even if it apparently seemed to be ridiculing him as a king dancing in the presence of his people, yet, it actually reflected her inner attitude of disregard and lack of respect toward the ark of the covenant itself, which she took after her father Saul. In the next chapter we shall see David praying twice to God, most probably before the ark of the covenant (14: 10; 14). The book of the chronicles cared for David’s care for God’s proclamations of His divine will. According to St. Ambrose, Michal was punished for her attitude by barrenness (2 Samuel 6: 23), saying: [It is a clear lesson to see the king playing on a drum, and dancing before the ark of the Lord, justified; while the one who rebuked him was punished with barrenness.]. ---------------------------- AN INSPIRATION FROM 1 CHRONICLES 15 TEACH ME, O LORD, HOW TO EXULT IN YOUR SPLENDID PROCESSION + David desired to set a tabernacle for Your ark of covenant in his city. He called the priests, the Levites, the leaders, and all the people; For all to partake of Your splendid procession; Grant me to present my heart as Your dwelling place; Where You put Your head and find comfort; To perpetually proclaim Your divine presence; To sanctify and exult all my depths. + Let Your Holy Spirit play a symphony of love on my harp; Let Him play on the strings of my senses, emotions, heart, and mind; Let all the members of my body shout for You; Grant me, not to blow silver trumpets to proclaim Your presence; But to blow with all the breaths of my life, by the obedience of Your commandments. + Tell me what I should wear in that exalted procession; Grant me to put on the garment of Your righteousness, instead of my sins; Grant me to submit to Your commandments, to bear a heavenly adornment. + What sacrifice shall I offer You in this procession? Grant me to offer a sacrifice of love for You and for all mankind; Grant me to offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; For You are more content with such sacrifices. + Turn my life into an unceasing procession; To find rest in me, like in a holy tent; Let me find comfort in You, as You are my pleasure; + Come, O Lord Christ, together with Your Father, and Your Holy Spirit; To make me move toward You, and settle down in Your bosoms; When shall I see You on the clouds, and set forth with You to Your secret place? When shall I see the heavenly creatures exultant in the day of the eternal wedding?!
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