Highlights In Today's Reading:
Before his death, David institutes a method of Temple service for the 24,000 Levites to avoid any favoritism. This division of duties was still in effect in the time of Christ. Notice how the duties were rotated to ensure that no one person did any more or less service to the Lord than the other. This involved the priests, the Levites, the musicians and singers, even down to the gatekeepers.
God greatly blessed Obed-edom during the time the Ark of the Covenant was in his home. Three months earlier, King David had planned to take the Ark to Jerusalem and make Jerusalem the religious center of all Israel.
At that time, the Ark was placed on an ox cart driven by Uzza and Ahio, who were to transport it from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem. Along the way, Uzza was struck dead for touching the Ark while attempting to steady it. David was displeased with God and refused to take the Ark on to Jerusalem. It was taken instead to the home of Obed-edom (II Samuel 6:1-11; I Chronicles 13:7-11). There were four thousand porters whose duties were to open and close all the gates, act as guards against intruders, and assist and encourage worshipers to minister in the House of the Lord (26:12). Concerning the divisions of the porters (26:1) only about one is it said that God blessed him (Obed-edom) (26:5).
Then three months later, after hearing of God's blessing on Obed-edom, David again planned to have the Ark brought to Jerusalem. But this time he made sure it was transported in the way God had directed (15:2-3; Exodus 24:15; Numbers 4:15; 7:9).
The Ark was prominent in leading the Israelites through the wilderness (10:33-36). Because it contained the Ten Commandments which God had given to Moses on Mt. Sinai, it was a symbol of the authority of God. When Obed-edom received the Ark, he received more than the inspired Word of God, he received the very presence of God (Exodus 25:22; 30:6,36; I Samuel 4:4; II Samuel 6:2).
Just as the Ark brought the blessing of God to the home of Obed-edom, so He will bless all who allow Christ — the Son of God — and His Word to rule their lives (John 1:12). The more our thoughts are occupied with Christ and His Word, the more we realize His presence.
Just before He ascended into heaven, Jesus declared: All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Spirit): Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Ephesians 5:19).
Thought for Today:
If worship doesn't come from a heart of love, it becomes hypocrisy.
Christ Revealed:
Through the Temple treasures (I Chronicles 26:20-28). Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3). In Christ are treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and riches to supply all a believer needs (Philippians 4:19).
Word Studies:
24:2 executed the priest's office =served as priests; 24:5 divided by lot =assigned by drawing lots to determine the will of God (Prov. 16:33); 24:19 orderings =schedules; 25:5 to lift up the horn =to exalt the Lord's power and glory.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Walter & Gladys Essex • Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd • Government Official: Rep. Brad Miller (NC) • Country: Papua New Guinea (5 million) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: 715 indigenous languages • Religious freedom • 64% Protestant; 33% Roman Catholic; 2% ancestor worship, belief in spirits, and witchcraft • Prayer Suggestion: Children, ask the Lord to enable you to honor your parents (Ephesians 6:1-3).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 6
Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:19
