Highlights:

Ark taken to Jerusalem; Michal criticizes David; David's victory; his kindness to Mephibosheth.

And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him . . . to bring up from thence the Ark of God, whose Name is called by the Name of the Lord of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims (II Sam. 6:2).

David conquered Jerusalem and established a united kingdom. It was his desire that Jerusalem not only would be the center of his government, but that it would be the center of worship.

During the forty years Saul reigned, there is no mention of the Ark of the Covenant (the symbol of the Lord's presence) being in the midst of Israel.

David immediately recognized that a successful reign as king of the chosen nation of God was dependent upon his obedience to the invisible King of kings. Therefore, he planned to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.

David's wife, Michal, expressed the same indifference for the Ark as did her father, Saul. She criticized David as he led the procession, saying he uncovered himself . . . in the eyes of the handmaids (6:20). This simply meant that on this occasion, David did not wear the impressive royal robes of a king. Instead, he wore the simple white linen ephod garment (6:14) as the head of the kingdom of priests — a holy nation (see I Sam. 22:18; Ex. 19:6). Michal loved being married to the popular king, but she despised David when he dressed as a humble priest of God.

David's greatness can be attributed to his humble spirit, as expressed in his answer to Michal. He would gladly be more vile (be willing to take an even lower position) if it would bring honor to the true King of Israel (II Sam. 6:22).

All true greatness is dependent upon true humility. When given the opportunity to boast, do you see your advancements as totally dependent upon the mercy of God? Is it easy for you to step "down," as expressed in David's answer to Michal? Even if your friends criticized you, would you willingly be more vile — willing to take an even lesser position — if it would bring honor to the Lord?

The Lord's blessing will rest upon all who humble themselves and serve Him in whatever capacity He chooses for them to serve — regardless of how lowly the position may seem.

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted (Luke 14:11).

Thought for Today:

When we walk in the light of the will of God, we are protected from the darkness of the world.

Christ Revealed:

By the Ark of the Covenant which they . . . set . . . in the midst of the Tabernacle (II Sam. 6:17). The Ark contained the Ten Commandments, given to Moses (Deut. 10:1-5). Christ is the Living Word (John 1:1) and dwells within those of us who are the Temple of God (I Cor. 3:16) — Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).

Word Studies:

6:7 error, fault committed through negligence; 6:14 linen ephod, priestly, linen garment; 6:19 dealt, distributed; 6:21 play, celebrate, show my joy; 7:8 sheepcote, pastureland; 7:9 cut off, destroyed, eliminated; 7:12 seed, offspring, descendants; 7:23 terrible, full of wonder; awesome; 8:3 recover his border at the river Euphrates, establish his territory to the Euphrates River; 8:4 houghed, hamstrung; 8:5 succour, help; 9:8 look upon such a dead dog, show favor to such an insignificant person.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Joshua Belisle's baptism • Staff: Pam Murton • Government Officials: Rep. Jim Costa (CA), Rep. Susan A. Davis (CA), and Sen. Robert P. Casey, Jr. (PA) • Country: Bangladesh (125.7 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Bangla and English • Present religious freedom may become limited • 86.6% Muslim; 12.1% Hindu; .6% Buddhist; .3% Christian; .4% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith, without doubting (James 1:6).

Optional Reading: Acts 14

Memory Verse for the Week: John 11:25