David, a Man After God’s HeartНамуна

Good intentions, disastrous outcome

“Let us bring again the ark of our God to us” (1 Chronicles 13:3)

Once David was king, things were going well. He built a beautiful palace, he managed to defeat the hostile Philistines, and the people lived in relative peace and prosperity. Yet there was still something missing: the ark of God. This sacred box was “the throne of the Lord,” representing God's presence. David was eager to bring this ark to his capital, to make it the political as well as religious center of Israel.

That in itself was a good idea, but unfortunately, David did not follow God's regulations for transporting the ark. It was to be carried by priests and Levites (as was done when the people traveled through the desert), but David put it on a cart. During the ride to Jerusalem, the oxen stumbled. In a reflex, one of the priests reached out his hand to grasp the ark - and he died on the spot, as the LORD's anger burned against him.

The festive procession suddenly ended in mourning and bewilderment. Later David acknowledged, “the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek Him according to the rule” (1 Chronicles 15:13).

Apparently, good intentions are not a guarantee for success. It is equally important to follow the rules God has given. Do you do so?