1 Chronicles 15:2, 12, 13 Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them has the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God… We are not left in any doubt as to the national lesson intended to be taught by the Divine judgement on Uzza. David came to see that "none ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites" (comp. Numbers 1:50; Numbers 4:15; Numbers 7:9; Numbers 10:17). The judgment showed that God had not been "sought after the due order;" and of this error and neglect there is now the honest confession, with due care in the new effort, to meet fully the Divine conditions and requirements. "The 'due order' was that the ark should be borne on the shoulders of the Kohathite Levites - not that it should be placed upon a cart, drawn by oxen, and rudely shaken." Out of his first mistaken attempt David learned the valuable, practical lesson that ? "Evil is wrought for want of thought, As well as for want of heart." The incident suggests a general treatment of the teachings of God's judgments. Isaiah expresses the attitude, of which David here gives us the example, when he says (Isaiah 26.), "In the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee." I. JUDGMENT TAUGHT DAVID RESPECT FOR GOD'S LAW AND ORDER. It does not appear that the full ceremonial of Mosaism had been preserved during Saul's reign, and certainly there had been some neglect of the Scriptures; but it is especially to be observed that, in making a new tabernacle on Mount Zion, and fitting it up according to his own ideas, David was in great peril of wilfulness, and of neglecting to consult and to follow the Divine regulations. Such a judgment as that on Uzza was needed to thoroughly arouse him to the importance of a precise and minute obedience. So we too often say, "What does it matter, if the thing is done?" And we have, often bitterly, to learn that God cares for the doing, and wants even the right things done in the right way. Obedience in the very forms and order of Divine service tests the deep feeling of God's worshippers. Apostles recognized the importance even of forms when they enjoined, "Let all things be done decently and in order." II. JUDGMENT TAUGHT THE NEED FOR THOUGHTFULNESS AND CARE. Haste is as unfitting as self-will in matters of God's worship. Consideration; due attention to precedents; personal preparation of spirit; serious demeanour; - all properly attend on Divine service. God wants the signs and indications of real heart-feeling and deep sincerity. III. JUDGMENT TAUGHT THE DUTY OF FINDING FIT INSTRUMENTS FOR GOD'S WORK. Holy duties should not be done by unsuitable hands. No common persons might touch the sacred ark. The proper persons were the Levites, and a particular family of them. Illustrate the need for a wiser selection of instruments in connection with the work of the modern Church. Compare the apostolic injunctions, "Lay hands suddenly on no man;" "Let such first be proved." IV. JUDGMENT TAUGHT THE REVERENT TREATMENT OF THE SYMBOLS OF DIVINE PRESENCE. Without adopting strained ideas of sacramental virtue, we too may learn this lesson. Sanctuaries, sacraments, Bibles, etc., because of their sacred associations and suggestions, properly demand reverent treatment. Only shallow and self-satisfied natures tail in reverence. A worthy sense of the infinite glory of the Unseen, Eternal, and Divine, gains fitting expression in the reverent touch of all earth-symbols that bring the Eternal near. There may be danger of stopping with the symbol, even as heathen stopped with the idol; but the fact that danger lies in excess does not relieve us from the claims of the symbolic, as set within wise limitations. There is danger of overdoing forms. But there is also danger of an undue indifference to forms; and this kind of danger is seriously imperilling to some important features of the religious life. This may be practically illustrated in relation to long-received forms of doctrine, and long-hallowed rites and symbols. They who would sincerely honour God must not be unmindful of the reverence that is due to his ark. - R.T. Parallel Verses KJV: Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever. |
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