Highlights:
Duties assigned to priests; musicians and singers; divisions of the porters (gatekeepers); treasurers and other officers and judges.
During the time the Ark of the Covenant was in the care of the sons of Obed-edom . . . God blessed him (I Chr. 26:4-5). Three months earlier, King David had planned to take the Ark to Jerusalem and make Jerusalem their religious center.
At that time, the Ark was placed on an ox cart driven by Uzza and Ahio, to transport it from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem. The directions for transporting the Ark were recorded in Ex. 25:14; Num 4:15; 7:9; 10:21. David did not follow the instructions and so his plan was not acceptable to God. Along the way, Uzza was struck dead for touching the Ark as he tried to steady it. David refused to take the Ark on to Jerusalem and it was taken to the home of Obed-edom (II Sam. 6:1-11; I Chr. 13:7-14).
There were four thousand porters (23:5) 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 porters (26:1), it is said that God blessed him (Obed-edom) (26:45). When Obed-edom received the Ark, he received more than the inspired Word of God; he received the very presence of God (Ex. 25:22; 30:6,36; I Sam. 4:4; II Sam. 6:2).
Three months later, after hearing how God blessed Obed-edom, David again planned to have the Ark brought to Jerusalem. But this time it was transported in the way God had directed (15:2-3; Ex. 24:15; Num. 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.
Just as the Ark brought the blessing of God to the home of Obed-edom, so God blesses all who have chosen 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 (Matt. 28:18-20).
Thought for Today:
If worship doesn't come from a heart of love for God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, it is hypocrisy.
Christ Revealed:
Through the Temple treasures (I Chr. 26:20-28). Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2-3). In Christ are treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and riches to supply all a believer needs (Phil. 4:19).
Word Studies:
24:2 executed =served in; 24:5 divided by lot =lots were cast to determine the will of God (Prov. 16:33); 24:19 orderings =schedules; 25:5 lift up the horn =sound the trumpet.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Official: Rep. Brad Miller (NC) • Country: Kirabati (86,000) 3 islands in southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and Gilbutese • Religious freedom • 52% Roman Catholic; 44% Protestant; 2% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Offering praise and thanks to God is a sacrifice pleasing to Him (Heb. 13:15).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 6
Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:5