David and the choice men of Israel (30,000 of them) put together a team to bring the ark back to Jerusalem. They took it from the house of Abinadab, put it on a cart, and Uzzah and Ahio drove the cart. The entire crowd played music on instruments. When they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, the oxen stumbled and Uzzah took hold of the Ark to steady it. God struck him dead for touching the Ark. David was angry and called the place Perez Uzzah (Outburst Against Uzzah). David was afraid to move the Ark into the City of David. He stored it in the house of Obed-Edom for three months and he was blessed along with his household. Upon hearing this, David took the Ark and brought it up to the City of David with gladness. They offered sacrifices, and David danced before the Lord in a linen ephod. They brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouting and trumpets. As they came into Jerusalem, Michal, David’s wife, saw him from the window and despised him for his shameless dancing. They brought the ark, set it up in the tabernacle, and offered offerings before the Lord. He gave the people each a loaf of break, a piece of meat, and a cake of raisins, and the departed to their houses. When David returned to bless his household, he was scolded by Michal, accusing him of being like one of the shameless base fellows. David reminded her that God chose him over her father Saul to be ruler over Israel, so therefore he would be even more undignified in his worship. Michal had no more children until she died.
One day, as David was sitting in his house, he thought he should build a temple for the Lord. Nathan the prophet told him that he should do what he felt. However, God spoke to Nathan and told him later that David would not build the Lord a house. He also reminded David that the Lord had never asked for a house or lived in one. He also reminded David of how he took him from the sheepfold to being ruler over Israel. God had given him victory over all his enemies, and made his name great. He even promised to give David a palace. After David’s death, the Lord would set up his son, and establish his kingdom. He would build God’s house, and his throne would be established forever. This would be the beginning of the Davidic covenant, in which there would be an heir on the throne forever. Nathan told all this to David.
Just a few things to consider: David’s unfettered worship, and covenant with God. David demonstrated that the presence of the Lord was worthy of worship, and that the worship of God should be without limits or restraint. When that type of worship was criticized by Michal, she was judged with barrenness. Moral of the story: don’t criticize worshippers, even those who seem overly exuberant. The covenant God made with David was one that established his throne through His heirs. This was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the son of David, who reigns on the throne of God for eternity. Follow God, and He will stand for and with you for eternity!
Devoted To You 