Highlights In Today's Reading:
David's intentions to bring the Ark to its proper place in Jerusalem results in a good man's death. Compare incorrect transport of the Ark (6:1-11) to the correct way (6:12-18; Ex. 25:13-15; Num. 7:9; I Chr. 15:2,15). The ways of God are holy (II Sam. 7:18-19; see Is. 55:8-9). God forbids David to build Him a house, but God builds David a house — meaning royal lineage (II Sam. 7:1-11).
The Lord gives an awesome promise to David upon which his kingdom — the future Kingdom of Christ — would be founded. Thy kingdom shall be established for ever (7:16; see Rom. 1:3). David conquered Jerusalem and established a united kingdom. It was his desire that Jerusalem would be not only the center of his government but also the center of worship of the One True God.
Therefore David made plans to bring the Ark of the Covenant (II Sam. 6:2,12; I Chr. 13:1-4; 15:1-3), above which the Lord's presence dwelt, into the capital city in the midst of Israel (I Sam. 14:18). There I will meet with thee . . . from above the Mercy Seat . . . upon the Ark of the Testimony (Ex. 25:22). He knew that a successful reign as king of the chosen nation of God was dependent upon their obedience to the invisible King of kings. David arose, and went with all the people that were with him . . . to bring up . . . 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'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 to day in the eyes of the handmaids (6:20). This simply meant that David did not wear the royal robes of a king. Instead, in an act of humility, he wore the simple, white linen ephod garment as the head of the kingdom of priests (6:14; I Sam. 22:18; Ex. 19:6).
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? Are you willing to step "down," as expressed in David's answer to Michal? He would gladly be more vile (willing to take an even lower position) if it would bring honor to God, the true King of Israel (II Sam. 6:22).
The blessing of God 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:
Pride causes our fleshly mind to be puffed up (inflated) so that we see "self" more than God (Col. 2:18).
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 we 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 =b> 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 =establish his territory to the River Euphrates; 8:4 houghed =hamstrung; 8:5 succour =help; 9:8 look upon such a dead dog =show favor to an insignificant person.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts to India for the week in honor of Jesus Christ • International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Joshua Belisle, age 7, saved on 01/20/08 and baptized on 04/13/08 • Staff: Pam Pendergrast • Government Officials: Sen. Robert Casey (PA), Rep. Jim Costa (CA), and Rep. Susan Davis (CA) • Country: Honduras (6 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects • Religious freedom • 86% Roman Catholic; 10% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: During times of trouble, pray constantly and ask for patience (Rom. 12:12).
Optional Reading: Acts 14
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:11-12
