David’s longing for God’s presence was profound—a desire not just for personal encounter but for God’s rule over Israel. This desire set the stage for a transformative journey sparked by an unexpected catalyst—Obed-Edom’s blessing.
David’s Longing for God’s Rule
David’s aspiration was clear from Psalm 27:4: “One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.” His deepest yearning was for God’s presence to reign over Israel, shaping its governance and identity.
The Ark’s Journey and Obed-Edom’s Blessing
The Initial Attempt
When David initially sought to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, he organized an elaborate procession. The ark, representing God’s presence, was placed on a new cart, and there was great celebration with music and dancing. However, during the journey, the oxen pulling the cart stumbled, causing the ark to become unsteady. Uzzah, one of the men guiding the cart, instinctively reached out to steady the ark and touched it. This act violated God’s command that only the Levites were permitted to handle the ark, and they were to carry it using poles inserted through rings on its sides (Numbers 4:15, 7:9).
God’s response was immediate and severe; Uzzah was struck down for his irreverence. This incident demonstrated the holiness of God and the importance of adhering strictly to His instructions. David was deeply affected by Uzzah’s death, becoming both angry and afraid of the Lord. Consequently, David decided not to bring the ark into Jerusalem immediately and instead diverted it to the house of Obed-Edom, a Gentile from Gath.
Obed-Edom’s Blessing
While the ark was in Obed-Edom’s care, his household experienced extraordinary blessings. News of these blessings reached David, reigniting his desire to bring the ark to Jerusalem. This time, David approached the task with greater reverence and careful adherence to God’s commands. He instructed the Levites to carry the ark on their shoulders using the poles, as prescribed in the Law of Moses. This move was accompanied by tremendous singing, loud music, and shouts of praise. David wore a linen ephod, a priestly garment, and danced before the ark with all his might as it entered the city.
David’s Response: Establishing God’s Rule
David’s response was more than ceremonial. It was a deliberate establishment of God’s rule in Israel. He orchestrated the ark’s entry with joyous celebration and priestly reverence, signifying God’s rightful place as King in Jerusalem. This act foreshadowed a future where God’s presence would reign visibly and universally.
David placed the ark in an open tent where it could be seen and funded hundreds of singers and musicians to worship before the ark day and night. This radical approach was a prophetic prototype of how God desires to dwell among His people, with His presence central to their lives and worship.
Implications for Today: Provoked to Pursue God’s Rule
Obed-Edom’s blessing challenges us to consider our role in God’s kingdom today. Just as David’s desire was for God to rule Israel, our pursuit should be for God’s kingdom to manifest in our lives and communities. Obed-Edom’s story prompts us to steward God’s presence with reverence and joy, preparing the way for His sovereign rule in our hearts and beyond.
Conclusion
Obed-Edom’s blessing was not merely a historical event but a spiritual catalyst. It ignited David’s pursuit of God’s rule over Israel, setting a precedent for our own pursuit of God’s kingdom today. May we, like David, be provoked by Obed-Edom’s story to passionately seek God’s sovereign presence in our lives and communities.
Prayer
Lord, ignite in us a desire for Your rule and presence, just as You stirred David’s heart through Obed-Edom’s blessing. Help us steward Your presence with reverence and joy, preparing the way for Your kingdom to reign in our midst. Amen.
Key Verses
- 2 Samuel 6:9b – “And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and he said, ‘How can the ark of the Lord come to me?'”
- Psalm 27:4 – “One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.”
- 1 Chronicles 15:2 – “Then David said that no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the LORD had chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister to him forever.”
- 1 Chronicles 15:28 – “Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres.”
- Revelation 21:3-4 – “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.'”