Topical Bible: Ark of the Covenant: At Kirjath-Jearim Twenty Years

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest built by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, held the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It symbolized God's presence and covenant with His people. After being captured by the Philistines and causing calamities in their cities, the Ark was returned to Israel and came to rest at Kirjath-Jearim, where it remained for twenty years.

Historical Context

Following its return from Philistine territory, the Ark was brought to the house of Abinadab in Kirjath-Jearim, a city located in the territory of Judah. The Ark's journey to Kirjath-Jearim is detailed in 1 Samuel 7:1-2: "Then the men of Kiriath-jearim came and took up the ark of the LORD. They brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill and consecrated his son Eleazar to guard the ark of the LORD. And from that day a long time passed, twenty years in all, and the house of Israel lamented after the LORD" .

Spiritual Significance

The twenty-year period during which the Ark resided at Kirjath-Jearim was marked by a spiritual awakening among the Israelites. The Ark's presence in the house of Abinadab signified a time of reflection and repentance for Israel. The people lamented after the LORD, indicating a deep yearning for spiritual renewal and a return to faithful worship. This period set the stage for the leadership of Samuel, who called the Israelites to put away foreign gods and serve the LORD only (1 Samuel 7:3).

Role of Samuel

Samuel emerged as a pivotal figure during this time, guiding the Israelites back to the LORD. He instructed them to gather at Mizpah, where he prayed for them and offered a sacrifice. The LORD responded by delivering Israel from the Philistines, demonstrating His continued faithfulness to His covenant people. The Ark's presence at Kirjath-Jearim, therefore, was not merely a matter of physical location but a catalyst for spiritual revival and national repentance.

Transition to Jerusalem

The Ark remained at Kirjath-Jearim until King David sought to bring it to Jerusalem, desiring to establish the city as the religious and political center of Israel. This transition is recorded in 2 Samuel 6: "David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the LORD of Hosts who is enthroned between the cherubim" .

Conclusion

The twenty years the Ark spent at Kirjath-Jearim were a significant period in Israel's history, marked by a collective turning back to God and preparation for the establishment of Jerusalem as the central place of worship. The Ark's journey from Kirjath-Jearim to Jerusalem under David's leadership signified a new chapter in the unfolding account of God's covenant with His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 7:1,2
And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Three Decisive Steps
... defeated them, even though they sent to Shiloh, and brought the ark of the covenant,
the symbol ... Twenty years the ark abode at Kirjath-jearim, and during ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/three decisive steps.htm

The King --Continued.
... been removed to the forest seclusion of Kirjath-jearim (the city ... so recently won,
the Levites bearing the ark, and the ... God"the law of the new covenant as of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xi the kingcontinued.htm

On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.
... Thou also by the blood of the covenant hast sent ... Psalmist refers to the recovery
of the Ark, but Cyril ... of the wood" is probably meant Kirjath-Jearim, "the city ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xii on the words.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of Baal-berith (the Lord of the Covenant), wherewith Abimelech ... Beeroth, Kirjath-Jearim,
Ajalon, Gezer, and the cities of the ... of the Lord, where the ark of God ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm