the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 2 of 5
1 Chronicles 13:1-14
A happy desire is born in the heart of the new king: to restore the ark to its place of honour in Israel, and to involve all the people in this event. Everything seems to be going in the best possible way. Joy is universal. Unfortunately one single detail (but it was all-important) had been overlooked, and this is sufficient to bring about the death of Uzza, and with it the greatest consternation. As a result of this blow, the joy in the king’s heart gives way to a feeling of dread, and anger takes the place of thanksgiving.
The Word laid down that the Levites should carry the ark on their shoulders, and this had not been done. Probably this was simply a result of ignorance! They had acted for the best because they knew no better. But just the same, the king, who had to copy out the book of the law, and also the Levites who were responsible to teach it, ought to have known the commandment on this subject (Deuteronomy 17:18; Deuteronomy 31:12). They were therefore without excuse. We, who have the Bible in our hands, are responsible to walk and to serve the Lord according to the teaching which it contains.
The ark is turned aside to Obed-Edom’s house, and remains there "with the family" of this man.
