What does it say?
David built houses for himself and prepared a place for the ark of God by pitching a tent for it. This time David ascribed that the Levites should carry the ark of God to its resting place in the tent. The sons of Aaron and the Levites consecrated themselves for the task. David , with the elders of Israel and the captains of the armies went to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem and the Levites carried the ark of the covenant. The Israelites were united as one, shouting and playing musical instruments. The ark of God was placed in the tent and they offered burnt offerings and peace offering before God. Then all of Israel had a meal together; both man and women alike; a loaf of bread, a portion of meat and a raisin cake. David gave thanks to the Lord with a psalm of thanksgiving. Then David was stirred in his heart to make a house of cedar for the ark of God but God told David that he would make him a house permanently. Through Nathan the prophet, the word of God said” “I took you from the pasture…I have been with you wherever you have gone…I will make you a name…I will appoint a place for my people…I will subdue your enemies…I will build a house for you…I will set up one of your descendants and establish his kingdom…He shall build a house for me and I will establish his thrown forever…I will be his Father and he shall be my Son…I will establish his thrown in my kingdom forever. (vs. 17:7-14) David prays adoration to the Lord God in response to his covenant.
What does it mean?
The first time that David attempted to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem he did not obey the Lord’s command regarding how the ark of the covenant of God was to be carried. Poles were to be used and it was to be carried by Levites on foot. John chapter 12 speaks of Jesus entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey’s colt. I think that there is a direct parallel with Jesus entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey’s colt and the ark of God being carried into Jerusalem by the hands and feet of the Levites. The ark of God is placed in a tent which is a temporary holding place. Jesus Christ came in a human body which is a temporary holding place for the soul. He was to die for the sins of the people. The celebration of Israel parallels the celebration that occurred when Jesus entered Jerusalem, and the feast parallels the supper that the disciples had with Jesus before his arrest and crucifixion. Like David, we should all be singing songs of thanksgiving to God for what he did for us in Jesus Christ. The covenant that God made with David through Nathan the prophet (vs. 17:7-14) has been fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus Christ housed God in a human body, God is his Father and he is the Son of God, and God has settled Jesus Christ in heaven, and in the kingdom of God forever. Jesus will return on a day and our of the Father’s choosing to sit down on his glorious thrown to judge the earth.
What shall I do?
Jesus Christ is the ark of the covenant of God who was taken into Jerusalem to dwell temporarily in a tent (a human body). The people rejoiced at his entry and the disciples enjoyed a meal with the Lord before his arrest. The chief priest and the officers saw him and cried out saying, “Crucify, crucify!” (John 19:6) Jesus was crucified at the hands of foreigners. Jesus Christ rose from the dead and has been given all authority in heaven and earth. He our king has commissioned the church to make disciples of all nations and teach them to observe all that he commanded. Therefore, I shall reach out to people with the gospel and of those who hear, I shall teach them the word of God. I shall gather together with other believers to celebrate the coming of the Lord in worship, offering up hymns of praise and thanksgiving and fellowshipping around the table with bread, meat and dessert. Listening to the word of God taught by our elders and praying to God. Yes, this is what I shall do, I shall worship the Lord. Praying, reading and studying his word. Going and fellowship with the brethren; rejoicing, singing and eating together in the name of Jesus Christ.
