“And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness.”
Context:Prior to this verse, David had attempted to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem but faced a setback when Uzzah was struck dead for touching the ark improperly (2 Samuel 6:1-11). This incident caused David to fear and delay his plans. However, after witnessing the blessings that befell the house of Obed-edom, David was encouraged to bring the ark to Jerusalem.
The Ark of God:The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred container that symbolized the presence of God among the Israelites. It contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s staff, and a jar of manna (Exodus 25:10-22). The ark was to be handled with reverence and respect, and God had given specific instructions on how it was to be transported (Numbers 4:15).
The Blessing on Obed-edom’s House:When the Ark of the Covenant remained in the house of Obed-edom, his household experienced the Lord’s blessings. This event demonstrated that God’s presence and favour were connected to the ark. The blessings that Obed-edom received were likely material, spiritual, and perhaps even relational.
David’s Response:After hearing about the blessings on Obed-edom’s house, David’s fear was transformed into gladness. He recognised that the ark was a source of blessing and desired to bring it to the City of David, which is Jerusalem. David’s response shows his reverence for the presence of God and his longing to have God dwell among the people.
Lessons and Applications:
- Reverence for God’s Presence:The incident with Uzzah serves as a reminder that God’s presence is holy and should be treated with reverence. It is essential to approach God in the manner He has prescribed.
- Blessings from God’s Presence:Obed-edom’s experience teaches us that being in God’s presence can lead to blessings in various aspects of our lives. When we honour and seek God’s presence, He can bring blessings to our families, relationships, and endeavours.
- Response of Gladness:David’s response of gladness after seeing the blessings on Obed-edom’s house encourages us to respond joyfully when we experience God’s favour and blessings. We should have a deep longing to be in God’s presence and desire to share that presence with others.
- Seeking God’s Presence:As believers, we can seek God’s presence through prayer, worship, studying His Word, and living a life of obedience to His commands. It is important to have a heart like David’s, which longs for God’s presence and desires to honour Him in all things.
In summary, 2 Samuel 6:12 highlights the significance of the Ark of the Covenant, the blessings that came with God’s presence, and David’s response of gladness in bringing the ark to Jerusalem. This verse reminds us to approach God’s presence with reverence, seek His blessings, and respond with joy when we experience His favour.
