May 4, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

2 Samuel 5:11-25 - David was blessed with people like Hiram, the king of Tyre, who blessed him with building materials for constructing David's home and the new temple in Jerusalem.  David's sons born in Jerusalem are listed, and then David's continued conflicts with the Philistines are recorded.  Though David had become king in all of Israel he would still face daily challenges that required daily leaning on the Lord.

2 Samuel 6 - Though David wanted to bring back the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem he forgot to examine the Scriptures as to how the ark was to be handled.  David put the ark on a new cart, but being "new" did not impress the Lord.  According to the Law, the ark was always to be carried by the Levites.  David would learn a valuable, though costly lesson.

1 Chronicles 13 - This chapter speaks of the failure of David to abide by God's Law regarding moving the ark.  One noteworthy statement comes in verse 4 where the people thought what David did was "right in their eyes."  David didn't think to ask God for guidance.

1 Chronicles 14 - Hiram's generosity to David was a testimony to him that God had established him in the kingdom.  When the Philistines attacked, David was wise enough to ask God for guidance each time he faced his enemy.

1 Chronicles 15 - David learned his lesson on how to handle the ark of God.  Only the Levites could touch it.  There was great joy in Jerusalem when the ark finally arrived.  But the chapter ends with the sad note of Michal's resentment of David.

1 Chronicles 16 - David rejoices over the ark coming to Jerusalem and pens a Psalm, recorded here, but also found in Psalm 105:1-15.  Doing God's work God's way allows for joy in the believer's life.