1 Chronicles 28

1 Chronicles 28:1

Family of David

David takes still more wives, as the kings used to do in the countries around him. It is not an endorsement of what he does, for it is not according to God’s thoughts from the beginning and it also goes against the king’s law (Deuteronomy 17:17a). It is mentioned here to underline the grace of God. We see that grace expressed therein, that among his children are “Nathan” and “Solomon” (1 Chronicles 14:4). Nathan is the ancestor of Mary, and Solomon is the ancestor of Joseph. Through them run the genealogies of the Lord Jesus given in Luke 3 and Matthew 1 (Luke 3:31-32; Matthew 1:6).

1 Chronicles 28:2

Family of David

David takes still more wives, as the kings used to do in the countries around him. It is not an endorsement of what he does, for it is not according to God’s thoughts from the beginning and it also goes against the king’s law (Deuteronomy 17:17a). It is mentioned here to underline the grace of God. We see that grace expressed therein, that among his children are “Nathan” and “Solomon” (1 Chronicles 14:4). Nathan is the ancestor of Mary, and Solomon is the ancestor of Joseph. Through them run the genealogies of the Lord Jesus given in Luke 3 and Matthew 1 (Luke 3:31-32; Matthew 1:6).

1 Chronicles 28:3

Family of David

David takes still more wives, as the kings used to do in the countries around him. It is not an endorsement of what he does, for it is not according to God’s thoughts from the beginning and it also goes against the king’s law (Deuteronomy 17:17a). It is mentioned here to underline the grace of God. We see that grace expressed therein, that among his children are “Nathan” and “Solomon” (1 Chronicles 14:4). Nathan is the ancestor of Mary, and Solomon is the ancestor of Joseph. Through them run the genealogies of the Lord Jesus given in Luke 3 and Matthew 1 (Luke 3:31-32; Matthew 1:6).

1 Chronicles 28:4

Family of David

David takes still more wives, as the kings used to do in the countries around him. It is not an endorsement of what he does, for it is not according to God’s thoughts from the beginning and it also goes against the king’s law (Deuteronomy 17:17a). It is mentioned here to underline the grace of God. We see that grace expressed therein, that among his children are “Nathan” and “Solomon” (1 Chronicles 14:4). Nathan is the ancestor of Mary, and Solomon is the ancestor of Joseph. Through them run the genealogies of the Lord Jesus given in Luke 3 and Matthew 1 (Luke 3:31-32; Matthew 1:6).

1 Chronicles 28:5

Family of David

David takes still more wives, as the kings used to do in the countries around him. It is not an endorsement of what he does, for it is not according to God’s thoughts from the beginning and it also goes against the king’s law (Deuteronomy 17:17a). It is mentioned here to underline the grace of God. We see that grace expressed therein, that among his children are “Nathan” and “Solomon” (1 Chronicles 14:4). Nathan is the ancestor of Mary, and Solomon is the ancestor of Joseph. Through them run the genealogies of the Lord Jesus given in Luke 3 and Matthew 1 (Luke 3:31-32; Matthew 1:6).

1 Chronicles 28:6

David Defeats the Philistines

The Philistines go up against David as soon as they hear that David is “anointed king over all Israel”. That places us back in time to 1 Chronicles 11, where David is anointed king over all Israel (1 Chronicles 11:3). This fact leads the Philistines “to go up in search of David”, not to honor him like Hiram, but to kill him. The battle that the Philistines search of is purposed by the LORD as an exercise for David to teach him to consult Him. He did not do this in the previous chapter when he brought up the ark. But here he consulted the LORD. This is the practical reason for mentioning this.

The spiritual reason is that there are spiritual conditions attached to what we want to do for the Lord. The first condition is that we must do what we want to do for the Lord in the way He indicates. Another condition is that in doing the Lord’s will we keep ‘the Philistines’ as far away from us as possible. Philistines claim the same place as God’s people, while they are not God’s people. They are a picture of the nominal Christians, who confess that Jesus is Lord, but are essentially His enemies (Matthew 7:22-23).

David inquires of God, of Him Who is the Almighty, whether he should go up and also whether God will give his enemies into his hand. The LORD, the God of the covenant with His people, answers both questions in the affirmative. When David goes up, he defeats the Philistines, as the LORD has said. He gives God the honor of the victory and gives the place where it happens the name that honors God as the Lord of victory. “Baal-perazim” means “Lord of the breakthrough”.

The name Baal-perazim reminds of the name Perez-uzza (1 Chronicles 13:11), that is to say of the breaking through of the anger of the LORD against Uzza (Perazim is the plural of Perez). In Uzza, the breaking through of God’s anger is the result of not consulting the LORD. Here the LORD’s anger breaks through against the enemy because David has asked God and is walking in His way.

David’s description of how the victory is achieved – he speaks of “a breakthrough of water” – is reminiscent of the violence of a torrential flood. Apparently David ran with his army down from the heights and ran the enemies underfoot (cf. Judges 4:14-16).

The Philistines who were able to escape have not thought of taking their gods with them in their haste to flee. Their gods, whom they have taken with them to help them in their fight against David, have of course served them in nothing. How worthless they are is underlined when they are burned on David’s orders. This is done in accordance with the commandment of God (Deuteronomy 7:5; 25a).

1 Chronicles 28:7

David Defeats the Philistines

The Philistines go up against David as soon as they hear that David is “anointed king over all Israel”. That places us back in time to 1 Chronicles 11, where David is anointed king over all Israel (1 Chronicles 11:3). This fact leads the Philistines “to go up in search of David”, not to honor him like Hiram, but to kill him. The battle that the Philistines search of is purposed by the LORD as an exercise for David to teach him to consult Him. He did not do this in the previous chapter when he brought up the ark. But here he consulted the LORD. This is the practical reason for mentioning this.

The spiritual reason is that there are spiritual conditions attached to what we want to do for the Lord. The first condition is that we must do what we want to do for the Lord in the way He indicates. Another condition is that in doing the Lord’s will we keep ‘the Philistines’ as far away from us as possible. Philistines claim the same place as God’s people, while they are not God’s people. They are a picture of the nominal Christians, who confess that Jesus is Lord, but are essentially His enemies (Matthew 7:22-23).

David inquires of God, of Him Who is the Almighty, whether he should go up and also whether God will give his enemies into his hand. The LORD, the God of the covenant with His people, answers both questions in the affirmative. When David goes up, he defeats the Philistines, as the LORD has said. He gives God the honor of the victory and gives the place where it happens the name that honors God as the Lord of victory. “Baal-perazim” means “Lord of the breakthrough”.

The name Baal-perazim reminds of the name Perez-uzza (1 Chronicles 13:11), that is to say of the breaking through of the anger of the LORD against Uzza (Perazim is the plural of Perez). In Uzza, the breaking through of God’s anger is the result of not consulting the LORD. Here the LORD’s anger breaks through against the enemy because David has asked God and is walking in His way.

David’s description of how the victory is achieved – he speaks of “a breakthrough of water” – is reminiscent of the violence of a torrential flood. Apparently David ran with his army down from the heights and ran the enemies underfoot (cf. Judges 4:14-16).

The Philistines who were able to escape have not thought of taking their gods with them in their haste to flee. Their gods, whom they have taken with them to help them in their fight against David, have of course served them in nothing. How worthless they are is underlined when they are burned on David’s orders. This is done in accordance with the commandment of God (Deuteronomy 7:5; 25a).

1 Chronicles 28:8

David Defeats the Philistines

The Philistines go up against David as soon as they hear that David is “anointed king over all Israel”. That places us back in time to 1 Chronicles 11, where David is anointed king over all Israel (1 Chronicles 11:3). This fact leads the Philistines “to go up in search of David”, not to honor him like Hiram, but to kill him. The battle that the Philistines search of is purposed by the LORD as an exercise for David to teach him to consult Him. He did not do this in the previous chapter when he brought up the ark. But here he consulted the LORD. This is the practical reason for mentioning this.

The spiritual reason is that there are spiritual conditions attached to what we want to do for the Lord. The first condition is that we must do what we want to do for the Lord in the way He indicates. Another condition is that in doing the Lord’s will we keep ‘the Philistines’ as far away from us as possible. Philistines claim the same place as God’s people, while they are not God’s people. They are a picture of the nominal Christians, who confess that Jesus is Lord, but are essentially His enemies (Matthew 7:22-23).

David inquires of God, of Him Who is the Almighty, whether he should go up and also whether God will give his enemies into his hand. The LORD, the God of the covenant with His people, answers both questions in the affirmative. When David goes up, he defeats the Philistines, as the LORD has said. He gives God the honor of the victory and gives the place where it happens the name that honors God as the Lord of victory. “Baal-perazim” means “Lord of the breakthrough”.

The name Baal-perazim reminds of the name Perez-uzza (1 Chronicles 13:11), that is to say of the breaking through of the anger of the LORD against Uzza (Perazim is the plural of Perez). In Uzza, the breaking through of God’s anger is the result of not consulting the LORD. Here the LORD’s anger breaks through against the enemy because David has asked God and is walking in His way.

David’s description of how the victory is achieved – he speaks of “a breakthrough of water” – is reminiscent of the violence of a torrential flood. Apparently David ran with his army down from the heights and ran the enemies underfoot (cf. Judges 4:14-16).

The Philistines who were able to escape have not thought of taking their gods with them in their haste to flee. Their gods, whom they have taken with them to help them in their fight against David, have of course served them in nothing. How worthless they are is underlined when they are burned on David’s orders. This is done in accordance with the commandment of God (Deuteronomy 7:5; 25a).

1 Chronicles 28:9

David Defeats the Philistines

The Philistines go up against David as soon as they hear that David is “anointed king over all Israel”. That places us back in time to 1 Chronicles 11, where David is anointed king over all Israel (1 Chronicles 11:3). This fact leads the Philistines “to go up in search of David”, not to honor him like Hiram, but to kill him. The battle that the Philistines search of is purposed by the LORD as an exercise for David to teach him to consult Him. He did not do this in the previous chapter when he brought up the ark. But here he consulted the LORD. This is the practical reason for mentioning this.

The spiritual reason is that there are spiritual conditions attached to what we want to do for the Lord. The first condition is that we must do what we want to do for the Lord in the way He indicates. Another condition is that in doing the Lord’s will we keep ‘the Philistines’ as far away from us as possible. Philistines claim the same place as God’s people, while they are not God’s people. They are a picture of the nominal Christians, who confess that Jesus is Lord, but are essentially His enemies (Matthew 7:22-23).

David inquires of God, of Him Who is the Almighty, whether he should go up and also whether God will give his enemies into his hand. The LORD, the God of the covenant with His people, answers both questions in the affirmative. When David goes up, he defeats the Philistines, as the LORD has said. He gives God the honor of the victory and gives the place where it happens the name that honors God as the Lord of victory. “Baal-perazim” means “Lord of the breakthrough”.

The name Baal-perazim reminds of the name Perez-uzza (1 Chronicles 13:11), that is to say of the breaking through of the anger of the LORD against Uzza (Perazim is the plural of Perez). In Uzza, the breaking through of God’s anger is the result of not consulting the LORD. Here the LORD’s anger breaks through against the enemy because David has asked God and is walking in His way.

David’s description of how the victory is achieved – he speaks of “a breakthrough of water” – is reminiscent of the violence of a torrential flood. Apparently David ran with his army down from the heights and ran the enemies underfoot (cf. Judges 4:14-16).

The Philistines who were able to escape have not thought of taking their gods with them in their haste to flee. Their gods, whom they have taken with them to help them in their fight against David, have of course served them in nothing. How worthless they are is underlined when they are burned on David’s orders. This is done in accordance with the commandment of God (Deuteronomy 7:5; 25a).

1 Chronicles 28:10

David Defeats the Philistines

The Philistines go up against David as soon as they hear that David is “anointed king over all Israel”. That places us back in time to 1 Chronicles 11, where David is anointed king over all Israel (1 Chronicles 11:3). This fact leads the Philistines “to go up in search of David”, not to honor him like Hiram, but to kill him. The battle that the Philistines search of is purposed by the LORD as an exercise for David to teach him to consult Him. He did not do this in the previous chapter when he brought up the ark. But here he consulted the LORD. This is the practical reason for mentioning this.

The spiritual reason is that there are spiritual conditions attached to what we want to do for the Lord. The first condition is that we must do what we want to do for the Lord in the way He indicates. Another condition is that in doing the Lord’s will we keep ‘the Philistines’ as far away from us as possible. Philistines claim the same place as God’s people, while they are not God’s people. They are a picture of the nominal Christians, who confess that Jesus is Lord, but are essentially His enemies (Matthew 7:22-23).

David inquires of God, of Him Who is the Almighty, whether he should go up and also whether God will give his enemies into his hand. The LORD, the God of the covenant with His people, answers both questions in the affirmative. When David goes up, he defeats the Philistines, as the LORD has said. He gives God the honor of the victory and gives the place where it happens the name that honors God as the Lord of victory. “Baal-perazim” means “Lord of the breakthrough”.

The name Baal-perazim reminds of the name Perez-uzza (1 Chronicles 13:11), that is to say of the breaking through of the anger of the LORD against Uzza (Perazim is the plural of Perez). In Uzza, the breaking through of God’s anger is the result of not consulting the LORD. Here the LORD’s anger breaks through against the enemy because David has asked God and is walking in His way.

David’s description of how the victory is achieved – he speaks of “a breakthrough of water” – is reminiscent of the violence of a torrential flood. Apparently David ran with his army down from the heights and ran the enemies underfoot (cf. Judges 4:14-16).

The Philistines who were able to escape have not thought of taking their gods with them in their haste to flee. Their gods, whom they have taken with them to help them in their fight against David, have of course served them in nothing. How worthless they are is underlined when they are burned on David’s orders. This is done in accordance with the commandment of God (Deuteronomy 7:5; 25a).

1 Chronicles 28:11

David Defeats the Philistines Again

The Philistines have suffered a defeat, but they do not give up the battle. We must also remember that we are dealing with an indefatigable enemy who will never give in. Every defeat we inflict on him will sooner or later be followed by another attack. So also here.

Again the Philistines seek to attack David. It will result in a second battle, which will result in more enemies being defeated and the power and fear of David being spread into all the lands (1 Chronicles 14:17a). There is also great fear for him on all the nations, a fear that the LORD places on them (1 Chronicles 14:17b).

When the enemies threaten David again, he inquires of God again for advice. He is not lax and does not ignore the enemy. He recognizes the danger. At the same time he is not overconfident in assuming that it will be good to attack the enemy again because it was good the first time. God also answers now, but indicates that David must now follow a different tactic.

It means a new exercise for David in following the instructions of God. The exercise he gets now is greater than the first one. He must wait for God and listen carefully if he hears Him. The sound he has to pay attention to is “the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees”. This sound must not have been the rustling of the leaves, but the sound of Someone walking (cf. Genesis 3:8a). It will be an army of God, an angelic power, facing the enemies of Israel.

Only when God sets the signal to green, David may go. He does so. The result is that the Philistines are again completely defeated. The Philistines who fled are followed far away and killed.

If we notice God’s work around us, it is like “the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees”. It should arouse us to prayer and commitment. When we hear that some believers want to pray together, it is a ‘sound of God’s footsteps’. A time of crisis or tragedy in our lives is also like the sound of God’s footsteps. If we hear that sound, let us go more than before into the struggle of prayer.

In prayer we can fight for a blessing on the preaching of God’s Word, both in the gospel and in the building up of the church. God is working and uses us to do His work.

David goes out to defeat the enemies and does what God has commanded him to do and defeats the enemies. Doing what God says is the way that victories are achieved.

1 Chronicles 28:12

David Defeats the Philistines Again

The Philistines have suffered a defeat, but they do not give up the battle. We must also remember that we are dealing with an indefatigable enemy who will never give in. Every defeat we inflict on him will sooner or later be followed by another attack. So also here.

Again the Philistines seek to attack David. It will result in a second battle, which will result in more enemies being defeated and the power and fear of David being spread into all the lands (1 Chronicles 14:17a). There is also great fear for him on all the nations, a fear that the LORD places on them (1 Chronicles 14:17b).

When the enemies threaten David again, he inquires of God again for advice. He is not lax and does not ignore the enemy. He recognizes the danger. At the same time he is not overconfident in assuming that it will be good to attack the enemy again because it was good the first time. God also answers now, but indicates that David must now follow a different tactic.

It means a new exercise for David in following the instructions of God. The exercise he gets now is greater than the first one. He must wait for God and listen carefully if he hears Him. The sound he has to pay attention to is “the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees”. This sound must not have been the rustling of the leaves, but the sound of Someone walking (cf. Genesis 3:8a). It will be an army of God, an angelic power, facing the enemies of Israel.

Only when God sets the signal to green, David may go. He does so. The result is that the Philistines are again completely defeated. The Philistines who fled are followed far away and killed.

If we notice God’s work around us, it is like “the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees”. It should arouse us to prayer and commitment. When we hear that some believers want to pray together, it is a ‘sound of God’s footsteps’. A time of crisis or tragedy in our lives is also like the sound of God’s footsteps. If we hear that sound, let us go more than before into the struggle of prayer.

In prayer we can fight for a blessing on the preaching of God’s Word, both in the gospel and in the building up of the church. God is working and uses us to do His work.

David goes out to defeat the enemies and does what God has commanded him to do and defeats the enemies. Doing what God says is the way that victories are achieved.

1 Chronicles 28:13

David Defeats the Philistines Again

The Philistines have suffered a defeat, but they do not give up the battle. We must also remember that we are dealing with an indefatigable enemy who will never give in. Every defeat we inflict on him will sooner or later be followed by another attack. So also here.

Again the Philistines seek to attack David. It will result in a second battle, which will result in more enemies being defeated and the power and fear of David being spread into all the lands (1 Chronicles 14:17a). There is also great fear for him on all the nations, a fear that the LORD places on them (1 Chronicles 14:17b).

When the enemies threaten David again, he inquires of God again for advice. He is not lax and does not ignore the enemy. He recognizes the danger. At the same time he is not overconfident in assuming that it will be good to attack the enemy again because it was good the first time. God also answers now, but indicates that David must now follow a different tactic.

It means a new exercise for David in following the instructions of God. The exercise he gets now is greater than the first one. He must wait for God and listen carefully if he hears Him. The sound he has to pay attention to is “the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees”. This sound must not have been the rustling of the leaves, but the sound of Someone walking (cf. Genesis 3:8a). It will be an army of God, an angelic power, facing the enemies of Israel.

Only when God sets the signal to green, David may go. He does so. The result is that the Philistines are again completely defeated. The Philistines who fled are followed far away and killed.

If we notice God’s work around us, it is like “the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees”. It should arouse us to prayer and commitment. When we hear that some believers want to pray together, it is a ‘sound of God’s footsteps’. A time of crisis or tragedy in our lives is also like the sound of God’s footsteps. If we hear that sound, let us go more than before into the struggle of prayer.

In prayer we can fight for a blessing on the preaching of God’s Word, both in the gospel and in the building up of the church. God is working and uses us to do His work.

David goes out to defeat the enemies and does what God has commanded him to do and defeats the enemies. Doing what God says is the way that victories are achieved.

1 Chronicles 28:14

David Defeats the Philistines Again

The Philistines have suffered a defeat, but they do not give up the battle. We must also remember that we are dealing with an indefatigable enemy who will never give in. Every defeat we inflict on him will sooner or later be followed by another attack. So also here.

Again the Philistines seek to attack David. It will result in a second battle, which will result in more enemies being defeated and the power and fear of David being spread into all the lands (1 Chronicles 14:17a). There is also great fear for him on all the nations, a fear that the LORD places on them (1 Chronicles 14:17b).

When the enemies threaten David again, he inquires of God again for advice. He is not lax and does not ignore the enemy. He recognizes the danger. At the same time he is not overconfident in assuming that it will be good to attack the enemy again because it was good the first time. God also answers now, but indicates that David must now follow a different tactic.

It means a new exercise for David in following the instructions of God. The exercise he gets now is greater than the first one. He must wait for God and listen carefully if he hears Him. The sound he has to pay attention to is “the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees”. This sound must not have been the rustling of the leaves, but the sound of Someone walking (cf. Genesis 3:8a). It will be an army of God, an angelic power, facing the enemies of Israel.

Only when God sets the signal to green, David may go. He does so. The result is that the Philistines are again completely defeated. The Philistines who fled are followed far away and killed.

If we notice God’s work around us, it is like “the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees”. It should arouse us to prayer and commitment. When we hear that some believers want to pray together, it is a ‘sound of God’s footsteps’. A time of crisis or tragedy in our lives is also like the sound of God’s footsteps. If we hear that sound, let us go more than before into the struggle of prayer.

In prayer we can fight for a blessing on the preaching of God’s Word, both in the gospel and in the building up of the church. God is working and uses us to do His work.

David goes out to defeat the enemies and does what God has commanded him to do and defeats the enemies. Doing what God says is the way that victories are achieved.

1 Chronicles 28:15

David Defeats the Philistines Again

The Philistines have suffered a defeat, but they do not give up the battle. We must also remember that we are dealing with an indefatigable enemy who will never give in. Every defeat we inflict on him will sooner or later be followed by another attack. So also here.

Again the Philistines seek to attack David. It will result in a second battle, which will result in more enemies being defeated and the power and fear of David being spread into all the lands (1 Chronicles 14:17a). There is also great fear for him on all the nations, a fear that the LORD places on them (1 Chronicles 14:17b).

When the enemies threaten David again, he inquires of God again for advice. He is not lax and does not ignore the enemy. He recognizes the danger. At the same time he is not overconfident in assuming that it will be good to attack the enemy again because it was good the first time. God also answers now, but indicates that David must now follow a different tactic.

It means a new exercise for David in following the instructions of God. The exercise he gets now is greater than the first one. He must wait for God and listen carefully if he hears Him. The sound he has to pay attention to is “the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees”. This sound must not have been the rustling of the leaves, but the sound of Someone walking (cf. Genesis 3:8a). It will be an army of God, an angelic power, facing the enemies of Israel.

Only when God sets the signal to green, David may go. He does so. The result is that the Philistines are again completely defeated. The Philistines who fled are followed far away and killed.

If we notice God’s work around us, it is like “the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees”. It should arouse us to prayer and commitment. When we hear that some believers want to pray together, it is a ‘sound of God’s footsteps’. A time of crisis or tragedy in our lives is also like the sound of God’s footsteps. If we hear that sound, let us go more than before into the struggle of prayer.

In prayer we can fight for a blessing on the preaching of God’s Word, both in the gospel and in the building up of the church. God is working and uses us to do His work.

David goes out to defeat the enemies and does what God has commanded him to do and defeats the enemies. Doing what God says is the way that victories are achieved.

1 Chronicles 28:17

David Pitches a Tent for the Ark

The houses David builds for himself are possibly houses for his many wives. After all, Hiram has already taken care of a house for David (1 Chronicles 14:1). David also provides a house where the ark can dwell. Even if the transport of the ark in 1 Chronicles 13 would have succeeded, then there would have been no room made ready for it. David does this now. As an application we can say that we may build for ourselves, but that we must ensure that there is also a place where the Lord Jesus, of Whom the ark is a picture, can dwell.

David pitches a tent for the ark. It is a simple house, not yet a temple. Also if we prepare a dwelling place for the Lord Jesus, it will be a simple accommodation and not a dwelling place that impresses the flesh. It is a place outside the camp (Hebrews 13:13), that is, a place apart from professing Christianity as an organized system. In such a system, access to God into the inner sanctuary is closed to believers and only possible through an official ecclesiastical representative. This is a denial of the perfect work of Christ by which for every believer that access is made free (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Also today it is possible to come together as a church to be there with the Lord Jesus. It is about what is in that tent, the ark, just as it is now where the Lord Jesus is. In doing so, we must keep an eye on the whole people of God, even though many of God’s people stay away.

David cannot bring the ark into the tabernacle because it is no longer there (Psalms 78:60-61; Jeremiah 7:12-15). In the days of Eli the tabernacle is in Shiloh. The ark is captured by the Philistines and probably they also partly or completely destroyed the tabernacle. It is a serious judgment. The little left of it has ended up in Gibeon, as is the burnt offering altar where Solomon comes to meet the LORD (2 Chronicles 1:5-6). God has set aside the tabernacle system. That’s why David himself pitches up a tent for the ark.

There are three tents in the Old Testament as dwelling place for God: 1. the tent where Moses meets God (Exodus 33:7-11; Exodus 34:34-35), 2. the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40) and 3. this tent at Sion.

1 Chronicles 28:18

The Ark Is Brought to Sion

To bring the ark to Sion, David now gives the right orders (1 Chronicles 15:2). Here, as king of God’s people, he takes responsibility in religious matters. On him rests the duty to lead God’s people in the right way in honoring the LORD.

He acknowledges that things went wrong last time because they “did not seek Him according to the ordinance” (1 Chronicles 15:13). The ordinance is that no one but the Levites may transport the ark and that they must do so by “carrying” it (1 Chronicles 15:2; 1 Chronicles 15:15; Numbers 7:9). It is not enough that we do what is good, but it is also important to do it in the right way, the lawful way (cf. 2 Timothy 2:5).

David involves “all Israel” in the bringing up of the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:3). For us it means that all believers have a duty to give the Lord Jesus the place that is rightfully His in the meeting. For the actual replacement of the ark, David mobilizes the priests and the Levites, called by name and number (1 Chronicles 15:4-10). David determines in every respect how and by whom the transport should take place.

Two priests are mentioned (1 Chronicles 15:11). They come from the two lines of the remaining sons of Aaron, Eleazar and Ithamar (Leviticus 10:1; 6). Zadok is a descendant of Aaron via Eleazar, and Abiathar is a descendant of Aaron via Ithamar. The priesthood will continue through Zadok according to God’s thoughts. We see this later during the reign of Solomon and also in the temple service in the kingdom of peace which is described in the book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40:46; Ezekiel 43:19; Ezekiel 44:15; Ezekiel 48:11).

David also speaks about the condition, the spiritual preparation for the task (1 Chronicles 15:12). This preparation has been neglected the first time and has been the cause of God having to inflict a heavy blow on them. The condition is that those who occupy themselves with the ark must consecrate themselves. As a result, they will be kept from a second heavy blow. The positive aspect is that they will experience the joy of the LORD.

Consecration means that they separate themselves from any form of uncleanness. If we want to enjoy the blessing of the Lord’s presence, we will have to “cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

After the priests have done what is asked of them, they go to pick up the ark (1 Chronicles 15:14). Then the ark is carried in the manner prescribed by the LORD, which is on the shoulders of the Levites (1 Chronicles 15:15). The shoulders of the Levites are a better means of transport than the strongest and most beautiful cart. We see in it the picture that God has entrusted the glory of the Lord Jesus to the hands of His servants, to their responsibility.

In carrying the ark on the shoulders of the Levites we can also think of the Divine power that works in His servants (Ephesians 3:20). Levites represent the gifts of the Lord Jesus to the church and in this context perhaps especially the teachers (Ephesians 4:11). The power of God’s Spirit gives them the spiritual ability to uphold the glory of Christ in all its riches and to show it before the eyes of God’s people.

Bringing the ark to Sion is important for three reasons:

1. It means that Sion is the place where the LORD wants His Name to dwell. That is the place we must look for. Then we find the ark. For us it means that we find the Lord Jesus in the place where He is central and the service is done in accordance with His Word, because of Him the ark is a picture.

2. The ark was carried away into exile and is now returning from it under the guidance of David. In Scripture we read four times about an exile: a. Israel in Egypt, b. the ark with the Philistines, c. the two tribes in Babylonian exile and d. the exile that Israel is currently in.

Each time the deliverance from exile means that the people, or a remnant, return to the land. a1. We see that it happens for Israel when the people led by Moses leave Egypt to go to the promised land. b1. We see it here when David brings the ark to Jerusalem. c1. Later we see it when a remnant from the two tribes led by Zerubbabel from the Babylonian exile return to Israel. d1. We will still see it when the current exile will end with a return to the land through the coming of the Messiah.

3. The name of Christ is uniquely linked to Sion by David bringing up the ark to that place. Sion also represents grace (Hebrews 12:22a). This mountain contrasts with Mount Sinai (Galatians 4:25; Hebrews 12:18-21), the mountain which is a symbol of man under the law. From now on, the history of Israel will be dominated by Sion, although here literally by the law as well. But fundamentally God acts on the basis of grace through the ark, through David and through Zadok. These three we find combined in the Lord Jesus.

Four names are used for the ark. This can be compared with the content of the four Gospels:

1. “The ark of the LORD” (1 Chronicles 15:12) we see in the Gospel according to Matthew. This name reminds us that God keeps His promises by letting the prophetic word come true in the King of Israel.

2. In Exodus the ark is also called ‘the ark of the testimony’ (Exodus 25:22). We see this in the Gospel according to Mark, in which the Lord Jesus is presented as the Servant and Witness of God.

3. “The ark of the LORD’s covenant” (1 Chronicles 15:25) is seen in the Lord Jesus as the Gospel according to Luke describes Him. The Lord Jesus as the true Man, the Man according to God’s thoughts, is the foundation of the new covenant as the expression of God’s lovingkindness in Christ toward man.

4. The Gospel according to John shows us “the ark of God” (1 Chronicles 15:24). John presents the Lord Jesus as the Son of God.

These four aspects we may see when we meet at the place where He is in the midst. He is the true center of the meeting of the church where the hearts go out to Him in His great beauty.

1 Chronicles 28:19

The Ark Is Brought to Sion

To bring the ark to Sion, David now gives the right orders (1 Chronicles 15:2). Here, as king of God’s people, he takes responsibility in religious matters. On him rests the duty to lead God’s people in the right way in honoring the LORD.

He acknowledges that things went wrong last time because they “did not seek Him according to the ordinance” (1 Chronicles 15:13). The ordinance is that no one but the Levites may transport the ark and that they must do so by “carrying” it (1 Chronicles 15:2; 1 Chronicles 15:15; Numbers 7:9). It is not enough that we do what is good, but it is also important to do it in the right way, the lawful way (cf. 2 Timothy 2:5).

David involves “all Israel” in the bringing up of the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:3). For us it means that all believers have a duty to give the Lord Jesus the place that is rightfully His in the meeting. For the actual replacement of the ark, David mobilizes the priests and the Levites, called by name and number (1 Chronicles 15:4-10). David determines in every respect how and by whom the transport should take place.

Two priests are mentioned (1 Chronicles 15:11). They come from the two lines of the remaining sons of Aaron, Eleazar and Ithamar (Leviticus 10:1; 6). Zadok is a descendant of Aaron via Eleazar, and Abiathar is a descendant of Aaron via Ithamar. The priesthood will continue through Zadok according to God’s thoughts. We see this later during the reign of Solomon and also in the temple service in the kingdom of peace which is described in the book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40:46; Ezekiel 43:19; Ezekiel 44:15; Ezekiel 48:11).

David also speaks about the condition, the spiritual preparation for the task (1 Chronicles 15:12). This preparation has been neglected the first time and has been the cause of God having to inflict a heavy blow on them. The condition is that those who occupy themselves with the ark must consecrate themselves. As a result, they will be kept from a second heavy blow. The positive aspect is that they will experience the joy of the LORD.

Consecration means that they separate themselves from any form of uncleanness. If we want to enjoy the blessing of the Lord’s presence, we will have to “cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

After the priests have done what is asked of them, they go to pick up the ark (1 Chronicles 15:14). Then the ark is carried in the manner prescribed by the LORD, which is on the shoulders of the Levites (1 Chronicles 15:15). The shoulders of the Levites are a better means of transport than the strongest and most beautiful cart. We see in it the picture that God has entrusted the glory of the Lord Jesus to the hands of His servants, to their responsibility.

In carrying the ark on the shoulders of the Levites we can also think of the Divine power that works in His servants (Ephesians 3:20). Levites represent the gifts of the Lord Jesus to the church and in this context perhaps especially the teachers (Ephesians 4:11). The power of God’s Spirit gives them the spiritual ability to uphold the glory of Christ in all its riches and to show it before the eyes of God’s people.

Bringing the ark to Sion is important for three reasons:

1. It means that Sion is the place where the LORD wants His Name to dwell. That is the place we must look for. Then we find the ark. For us it means that we find the Lord Jesus in the place where He is central and the service is done in accordance with His Word, because of Him the ark is a picture.

2. The ark was carried away into exile and is now returning from it under the guidance of David. In Scripture we read four times about an exile: a. Israel in Egypt, b. the ark with the Philistines, c. the two tribes in Babylonian exile and d. the exile that Israel is currently in.

Each time the deliverance from exile means that the people, or a remnant, return to the land. a1. We see that it happens for Israel when the people led by Moses leave Egypt to go to the promised land. b1. We see it here when David brings the ark to Jerusalem. c1. Later we see it when a remnant from the two tribes led by Zerubbabel from the Babylonian exile return to Israel. d1. We will still see it when the current exile will end with a return to the land through the coming of the Messiah.

3. The name of Christ is uniquely linked to Sion by David bringing up the ark to that place. Sion also represents grace (Hebrews 12:22a). This mountain contrasts with Mount Sinai (Galatians 4:25; Hebrews 12:18-21), the mountain which is a symbol of man under the law. From now on, the history of Israel will be dominated by Sion, although here literally by the law as well. But fundamentally God acts on the basis of grace through the ark, through David and through Zadok. These three we find combined in the Lord Jesus.

Four names are used for the ark. This can be compared with the content of the four Gospels:

1. “The ark of the LORD” (1 Chronicles 15:12) we see in the Gospel according to Matthew. This name reminds us that God keeps His promises by letting the prophetic word come true in the King of Israel.

2. In Exodus the ark is also called ‘the ark of the testimony’ (Exodus 25:22). We see this in the Gospel according to Mark, in which the Lord Jesus is presented as the Servant and Witness of God.

3. “The ark of the LORD’s covenant” (1 Chronicles 15:25) is seen in the Lord Jesus as the Gospel according to Luke describes Him. The Lord Jesus as the true Man, the Man according to God’s thoughts, is the foundation of the new covenant as the expression of God’s lovingkindness in Christ toward man.

4. The Gospel according to John shows us “the ark of God” (1 Chronicles 15:24). John presents the Lord Jesus as the Son of God.

These four aspects we may see when we meet at the place where He is in the midst. He is the true center of the meeting of the church where the hearts go out to Him in His great beauty.

1 Chronicles 28:20

The Ark Is Brought to Sion

To bring the ark to Sion, David now gives the right orders (1 Chronicles 15:2). Here, as king of God’s people, he takes responsibility in religious matters. On him rests the duty to lead God’s people in the right way in honoring the LORD.

He acknowledges that things went wrong last time because they “did not seek Him according to the ordinance” (1 Chronicles 15:13). The ordinance is that no one but the Levites may transport the ark and that they must do so by “carrying” it (1 Chronicles 15:2; 1 Chronicles 15:15; Numbers 7:9). It is not enough that we do what is good, but it is also important to do it in the right way, the lawful way (cf. 2 Timothy 2:5).

David involves “all Israel” in the bringing up of the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:3). For us it means that all believers have a duty to give the Lord Jesus the place that is rightfully His in the meeting. For the actual replacement of the ark, David mobilizes the priests and the Levites, called by name and number (1 Chronicles 15:4-10). David determines in every respect how and by whom the transport should take place.

Two priests are mentioned (1 Chronicles 15:11). They come from the two lines of the remaining sons of Aaron, Eleazar and Ithamar (Leviticus 10:1; 6). Zadok is a descendant of Aaron via Eleazar, and Abiathar is a descendant of Aaron via Ithamar. The priesthood will continue through Zadok according to God’s thoughts. We see this later during the reign of Solomon and also in the temple service in the kingdom of peace which is described in the book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40:46; Ezekiel 43:19; Ezekiel 44:15; Ezekiel 48:11).

David also speaks about the condition, the spiritual preparation for the task (1 Chronicles 15:12). This preparation has been neglected the first time and has been the cause of God having to inflict a heavy blow on them. The condition is that those who occupy themselves with the ark must consecrate themselves. As a result, they will be kept from a second heavy blow. The positive aspect is that they will experience the joy of the LORD.

Consecration means that they separate themselves from any form of uncleanness. If we want to enjoy the blessing of the Lord’s presence, we will have to “cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

After the priests have done what is asked of them, they go to pick up the ark (1 Chronicles 15:14). Then the ark is carried in the manner prescribed by the LORD, which is on the shoulders of the Levites (1 Chronicles 15:15). The shoulders of the Levites are a better means of transport than the strongest and most beautiful cart. We see in it the picture that God has entrusted the glory of the Lord Jesus to the hands of His servants, to their responsibility.

In carrying the ark on the shoulders of the Levites we can also think of the Divine power that works in His servants (Ephesians 3:20). Levites represent the gifts of the Lord Jesus to the church and in this context perhaps especially the teachers (Ephesians 4:11). The power of God’s Spirit gives them the spiritual ability to uphold the glory of Christ in all its riches and to show it before the eyes of God’s people.

Bringing the ark to Sion is important for three reasons:

1. It means that Sion is the place where the LORD wants His Name to dwell. That is the place we must look for. Then we find the ark. For us it means that we find the Lord Jesus in the place where He is central and the service is done in accordance with His Word, because of Him the ark is a picture.

2. The ark was carried away into exile and is now returning from it under the guidance of David. In Scripture we read four times about an exile: a. Israel in Egypt, b. the ark with the Philistines, c. the two tribes in Babylonian exile and d. the exile that Israel is currently in.

Each time the deliverance from exile means that the people, or a remnant, return to the land. a1. We see that it happens for Israel when the people led by Moses leave Egypt to go to the promised land. b1. We see it here when David brings the ark to Jerusalem. c1. Later we see it when a remnant from the two tribes led by Zerubbabel from the Babylonian exile return to Israel. d1. We will still see it when the current exile will end with a return to the land through the coming of the Messiah.

3. The name of Christ is uniquely linked to Sion by David bringing up the ark to that place. Sion also represents grace (Hebrews 12:22a). This mountain contrasts with Mount Sinai (Galatians 4:25; Hebrews 12:18-21), the mountain which is a symbol of man under the law. From now on, the history of Israel will be dominated by Sion, although here literally by the law as well. But fundamentally God acts on the basis of grace through the ark, through David and through Zadok. These three we find combined in the Lord Jesus.

Four names are used for the ark. This can be compared with the content of the four Gospels:

1. “The ark of the LORD” (1 Chronicles 15:12) we see in the Gospel according to Matthew. This name reminds us that God keeps His promises by letting the prophetic word come true in the King of Israel.

2. In Exodus the ark is also called ‘the ark of the testimony’ (Exodus 25:22). We see this in the Gospel according to Mark, in which the Lord Jesus is presented as the Servant and Witness of God.

3. “The ark of the LORD’s covenant” (1 Chronicles 15:25) is seen in the Lord Jesus as the Gospel according to Luke describes Him. The Lord Jesus as the true Man, the Man according to God’s thoughts, is the foundation of the new covenant as the expression of God’s lovingkindness in Christ toward man.

4. The Gospel according to John shows us “the ark of God” (1 Chronicles 15:24). John presents the Lord Jesus as the Son of God.

These four aspects we may see when we meet at the place where He is in the midst. He is the true center of the meeting of the church where the hearts go out to Him in His great beauty.

1 Chronicles 28:21

The Ark Is Brought to Sion

To bring the ark to Sion, David now gives the right orders (1 Chronicles 15:2). Here, as king of God’s people, he takes responsibility in religious matters. On him rests the duty to lead God’s people in the right way in honoring the LORD.

He acknowledges that things went wrong last time because they “did not seek Him according to the ordinance” (1 Chronicles 15:13). The ordinance is that no one but the Levites may transport the ark and that they must do so by “carrying” it (1 Chronicles 15:2; 1 Chronicles 15:15; Numbers 7:9). It is not enough that we do what is good, but it is also important to do it in the right way, the lawful way (cf. 2 Timothy 2:5).

David involves “all Israel” in the bringing up of the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:3). For us it means that all believers have a duty to give the Lord Jesus the place that is rightfully His in the meeting. For the actual replacement of the ark, David mobilizes the priests and the Levites, called by name and number (1 Chronicles 15:4-10). David determines in every respect how and by whom the transport should take place.

Two priests are mentioned (1 Chronicles 15:11). They come from the two lines of the remaining sons of Aaron, Eleazar and Ithamar (Leviticus 10:1; 6). Zadok is a descendant of Aaron via Eleazar, and Abiathar is a descendant of Aaron via Ithamar. The priesthood will continue through Zadok according to God’s thoughts. We see this later during the reign of Solomon and also in the temple service in the kingdom of peace which is described in the book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40:46; Ezekiel 43:19; Ezekiel 44:15; Ezekiel 48:11).

David also speaks about the condition, the spiritual preparation for the task (1 Chronicles 15:12). This preparation has been neglected the first time and has been the cause of God having to inflict a heavy blow on them. The condition is that those who occupy themselves with the ark must consecrate themselves. As a result, they will be kept from a second heavy blow. The positive aspect is that they will experience the joy of the LORD.

Consecration means that they separate themselves from any form of uncleanness. If we want to enjoy the blessing of the Lord’s presence, we will have to “cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

After the priests have done what is asked of them, they go to pick up the ark (1 Chronicles 15:14). Then the ark is carried in the manner prescribed by the LORD, which is on the shoulders of the Levites (1 Chronicles 15:15). The shoulders of the Levites are a better means of transport than the strongest and most beautiful cart. We see in it the picture that God has entrusted the glory of the Lord Jesus to the hands of His servants, to their responsibility.

In carrying the ark on the shoulders of the Levites we can also think of the Divine power that works in His servants (Ephesians 3:20). Levites represent the gifts of the Lord Jesus to the church and in this context perhaps especially the teachers (Ephesians 4:11). The power of God’s Spirit gives them the spiritual ability to uphold the glory of Christ in all its riches and to show it before the eyes of God’s people.

Bringing the ark to Sion is important for three reasons:

1. It means that Sion is the place where the LORD wants His Name to dwell. That is the place we must look for. Then we find the ark. For us it means that we find the Lord Jesus in the place where He is central and the service is done in accordance with His Word, because of Him the ark is a picture.

2. The ark was carried away into exile and is now returning from it under the guidance of David. In Scripture we read four times about an exile: a. Israel in Egypt, b. the ark with the Philistines, c. the two tribes in Babylonian exile and d. the exile that Israel is currently in.

Each time the deliverance from exile means that the people, or a remnant, return to the land. a1. We see that it happens for Israel when the people led by Moses leave Egypt to go to the promised land. b1. We see it here when David brings the ark to Jerusalem. c1. Later we see it when a remnant from the two tribes led by Zerubbabel from the Babylonian exile return to Israel. d1. We will still see it when the current exile will end with a return to the land through the coming of the Messiah.

3. The name of Christ is uniquely linked to Sion by David bringing up the ark to that place. Sion also represents grace (Hebrews 12:22a). This mountain contrasts with Mount Sinai (Galatians 4:25; Hebrews 12:18-21), the mountain which is a symbol of man under the law. From now on, the history of Israel will be dominated by Sion, although here literally by the law as well. But fundamentally God acts on the basis of grace through the ark, through David and through Zadok. These three we find combined in the Lord Jesus.

Four names are used for the ark. This can be compared with the content of the four Gospels:

1. “The ark of the LORD” (1 Chronicles 15:12) we see in the Gospel according to Matthew. This name reminds us that God keeps His promises by letting the prophetic word come true in the King of Israel.

2. In Exodus the ark is also called ‘the ark of the testimony’ (Exodus 25:22). We see this in the Gospel according to Mark, in which the Lord Jesus is presented as the Servant and Witness of God.

3. “The ark of the LORD’s covenant” (1 Chronicles 15:25) is seen in the Lord Jesus as the Gospel according to Luke describes Him. The Lord Jesus as the true Man, the Man according to God’s thoughts, is the foundation of the new covenant as the expression of God’s lovingkindness in Christ toward man.

4. The Gospel according to John shows us “the ark of God” (1 Chronicles 15:24). John presents the Lord Jesus as the Son of God.

These four aspects we may see when we meet at the place where He is in the midst. He is the true center of the meeting of the church where the hearts go out to Him in His great beauty.