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. The event of bringing the Ark into the City of David marks a significant moment in biblical history, reflecting both the religious and political consolidation of Israel under King David.Historical Context After the Ark had been captured by the Philistines and subsequently returned to Israel, it remained at the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-jearim for many years (1 Samuel 7:1-2). King David, upon establishing Jerusalem as his capital, sought to bring the Ark to the city, recognizing its central role in the worship and identity of Israel. The First Attempt David's initial attempt to transport the Ark to Jerusalem was marked by a lack of adherence to the prescribed method of transport. The Ark was placed on a new cart, driven by Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab. As they reached the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark. The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah for his irreverence, and he was struck dead (2 Samuel 6:3-7). This incident caused David to fear the Lord and temporarily abandon his plan, leaving the Ark at the house of Obed-edom the Gittite, where it remained for three months, bringing blessings upon his household (2 Samuel 6:8-11). The Successful Transport Recognizing the need to follow God's instructions, David later organized a second attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. This time, the Levites carried the Ark on their shoulders with poles, as commanded in the Law of Moses (1 Chronicles 15:13-15). David also prepared a grand procession with music, sacrifices, and great rejoicing. As the Ark entered the City of David, David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a linen ephod (2 Samuel 6:14). Michal's Contempt The joyous occasion was marred by the disdain of Michal, Saul's daughter and David's wife, who looked out from her window and saw David leaping and dancing before the Lord. She despised him in her heart (2 Samuel 6:16). When David returned to bless his household, Michal confronted him, criticizing his behavior as undignified for a king. David responded that he was willing to humble himself even further in worship before the Lord, who had chosen him over her father and his house (2 Samuel 6:20-22). As a result of her contempt, Michal had no children to the day of her death (2 Samuel 6:23). Significance The successful transport of the Ark into Jerusalem established the city not only as the political capital of Israel but also as its spiritual center. The event underscored the importance of obedience to God's commands and the centrality of worship in the life of the nation. David's actions demonstrated his deep devotion to God and his desire to honor Him above all else. The Ark's presence in Jerusalem foreshadowed the future construction of the Temple by Solomon, where the Ark would find its permanent resting place in the Holy of Holies. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 6:12-15And it was told king David, saying, The LORD has blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertains to him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 15:25-28 Library The King --Continued. The Temple and Its Dedication Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The Captivity. The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert The visitation The Israelites Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna The Middle Colonies: the Jerseys, Delaware, and Pennsylvania --The ... Resources Were there dinosaurs on Noah's ark? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.org Why did God strike Uzzah dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant? | GotQuestions.org Ark: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ark of the Covenant was Called The: Ark of God Ark of the Covenant was Called The: Ark of God's Strength Ark of the Covenant was Called The: Ark of the Covenant of the Lord Ark of the Covenant was Called The: Ark of the Testimony Ark of the Covenant was Carried by Priests of Levites Alone Ark of the Covenant was Carried: Before the Israelites in Their Journeys Ark of the Covenant was Carried: Sometimes to the Camp in War Ark of the Covenant: A Copy of the Law Laid in the Side of Ark of the Covenant: A Symbol of the Presence and Glory of God Ark of the Covenant: A Type of Christ Ark of the Covenant: Anointed With Sacred Oil Ark of the Covenant: At Kirjath-Jearim Twenty Years Ark of the Covenant: Brought by Solomon Into the Temple With Great Solemnity Ark of the Covenant: Brought Into the City of David Ark of the Covenant: Captured by the Philistines Ark of the Covenant: Covered With the Vail by the Priests Before Removal Ark of the Covenant: David Made a Tent For Ark of the Covenant: Dimensions of Ark of the Covenant: Entirely Covered With Gold Ark of the Covenant: Esteemed the Glory of Israel Ark of the Covenant: Furnished With Rings and Staves Ark of the Covenant: Mercy-Seat Laid Upon Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Fall of Dagon Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Fall of the Walls of Jericho Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Jordan Divided Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Manner of Its Restoration Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Philistines Plagued Ark of the Covenant: Placed in the Holy of Holies Ark of the Covenant: Profanation of, Punished Ark of the Covenant: Protecting of, Rewarded Ark of the Covenant: Removed from Kirjath-Jearim to the House of Obed-Edom Ark of the Covenant: Sanctified Its Resting Place Ark of the Covenant: Surrounded With a Crown of Gold Ark of the Covenant: Tables of Testimony Alone Placed In Ark of the Covenant: The Israelites Enquired of the Lord Before Ark of the Covenant: The Pot of Manna and Aaron's Rod Laid up Before Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant in John's Vision Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of God Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of God's Strength Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of the Covenant Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant of the Testimony Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Aaron's Rod Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: An Oracle of God Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Captured by the Philstines Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Carried by Kohathites Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Construction of Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Directions for Making Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Holy Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: How Prepared for Conveyance Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Place of Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Pot of Manna Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Prophecy Concerning Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Remains at the House of Abinadab Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Remains in the House of Obed-Edom Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Returned by the Philistines Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Sanctification of Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Set up in Jerusalem Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Set up in Shiloh Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Siege of Jericho Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Taken to Battle Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: The Law Ark: in the Tabernacle--Called the Ark of the Covenant: Transferred to Solomon's Temple Ark: Noah's: Directions for Building of Ark: Noah's: Noah and Family Preserved In Removed from Jerusalem by Zadok at the Time of Absalom's Revolt, But Returned by Command of David Related Terms Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Beth-she'mesh (20 Occurrences) Blast-trumpets (3 Occurrences) |