(13:1) David Listens to His Followers - David took time to confer with all his officials. As king, he had ultimate authority and could have given orders on his own, but he chose to involve others in leadership. Perhaps this is why his decisions had unanimous support (13:1-5). When in a position of power, we can be tempted to make unilateral decisions, pushing for our own opinions. But effective leaders listen carefully to others' opinions, and they encourage others to participate in making decisions. Of course, we should always consult God first. We can run into big problems if we don't talk with him (see the note on 13:10).

(13:3) The Ark of the Covenant - The ark of God is also called the ark of the covenant. The most sacred object of the Hebrew faith, it was a large box containing the stone tablets on which God had written the Ten Commandments (Exodus 25:10-22). David had already made Jerusalem his political capital (1 Chronicles 11:4-9). At this time, he brought the ark there in order to make Jerusalem the nation's center for worship.

(13:3) A Symbol of Devotion - The ark of God had been in Kirjath-jearim for many years. The neglect of the ark symbolized Israel's neglect of God. Bringing the ark back to the center of Israel's life reflected David's desire to remind the nation of its true foundation--God. Neglecting the things that remind us of God--the Bible, the church, and relationships with Christians--causes us to also neglect God. How would an observer know that God is at the center of your life?

(13:6) Cherubims - Cherubims are mighty angelic beings.

(13:8) A Worshiping King - Worship in the Old Testament was more than a sober religious exercise. David's exuberance as he worshiped God with dancing and music is approved of in Scripture. Our worship should reflect a healthy balance: Sometimes we should be reflective and serious (see Exodus 19:14-25), and sometimes we should show enthusiasm and jubilation. What do you need- more serious reflection or more joyous celebration?

(13:10-14) A Swift Judgement - Uzza died instantly for touching the ark, but God blessed Obed-edom's home, where the ark was stored. This demonstrates the two-edged aspect of God's character: He is both perfectly loving and perfectly just. Great blessings come to those who obey his commands, but severe punishment comes to those who disobey him. This punishment may come swiftly or over time, but it will come. Sometimes i've focused only on the blessings God gives us, while forgetting that when we sin, "it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31). At other times, however, we concentrate so much on judgment that we miss God's blessings. Don't fall into a one-sided view of God. Along with his blessings comes the responsibility to live up to his standards regarding fairness, honesty, and justice.

(13:10) A Holy God - Why did Uzza die? He touched the ark, and that offense was punishable by death. God had given specific instructions about how the ark was to be moved and carried (Numbers 4:5-15), and those instructions had been neglected. The Levites were responsible for moving the ark (there is no record that Uzza was a Levite), and it was to be carried on their shoulders with poles through its rings (Numbers 7:9). It was never to be touched. Bringing the ark on a cart followed the Philistines' example (a Samuel 631-21). Uzza, though sincere in his desire to protect the ark, had to face the consequences of his sin, and David was reminded that respect and obedience to God's laws were more important than enthusiasm about moving the ark. Also, David had conferred with all his officials (1 Chronicles 131) but had neglected to consult God. The advice of our friends and colleagues is no substitute for God's direction.

(13:11) A Serious Symbol - David was angry at both God and himself. David knew that he had done something wrong in transporting the ark, and he was angry that his plans for the joyous return of the ark had ended in a man's death. Once David's anger cooled, it was replaced by fear as the king realized the importance God placed on the ark, the symbol of his presence and covenant with Israel. David left the ark in Obed-edom's home until he could consider how to get it to Jerusalem. This allowed David to discover God's instructions for transporting the ark. The next trip would be carried out according to God's commands.