Day 127 – 2 Samuel 6-7, 1 Chronicles 17

Talking Points

• There is a parallel account of David trying to move the ark of God to Jerusalem by way of the cart.
• In David’s second attempt to move the ark, he follows God’s instructions (Numbers 4).
• As the ark makes its way to its resting place in Jerusalem, David enthusiastically worships “before the LORD.” Overcome at God’s goodness and blessing shown to him, David is leaping and dancing. He offers sacrifices to the Lord and then blesses each home by giving them a cake of bread before dismissing them to their homes. It was a great day.
• When David arrives at home, he is met by the disdain of his wife Michal (Saul’s daughter). For whatever reason, she claims David has acted disgracefully in a way that didn’t match his stature as king. She accuses him of acts that made him appear foolish. David’s response is that what He did was for the Lord. He explains that his personal dignity did not matter, but that he would honor the Lord.
• David desires to build a temple, a permanent dwelling place for the Lord’s presence.
• God’s covenant with David is explained. He is promised a son who would succeed him and who would build a temple for God. The Lord promises to establish His kingdom forever and to extend His mercy forever. All of these promises are fully realized in Jesus.
• David’s prayer of response is that “God’s name would be established and magnified forever” (1 Chronicles 17:24).

Thoughts

Consider David’s response to God. I think it reveals a lot about this “man after [God’s] own heart” (Acts 13:22). David’s proposal, in his zeal for God, was to build Him a temple. When the Lord tells him that he won’t be the one to do it, David could have mourned. He could have pouted. He could have felt sorry for himself or tried to justify to God all the reasons he should get to see it through.

David’s desire was honorable. But, God had other plans. When He revealed His will and His promises to David, his servant’s response was to praise Him and then do everything to serve God’s plan to His glory.

This is a great model for us. When things don’t go the way we hoped, even in noble desires, we can look at the many, good promises revealed by God, and we can rejoice. We can praise God, trust Him, and then do everything to serve His plan to His great glory. May our hearts be after God’s own!