The Book of Chronicles - An Introduction - The Ark of the Covenant (1 Chronicles 16:1-10)

The previous book, 2 Kings, ends with Israel and Judah in exile, a dark age for God's people. Now the Book of Chronicles which is written after the captivity, and summarizes Israel's history with emphasis on the people's spiritual heritage seeking to unify the nation. The author is selective in his writing as he highlights spiritual lessons and moral teaching. David's triumphs and not his sins are the emphasis of this book. The first topic addressed is the role of the Ark of the Covenant which is a sacred chest where God's Shekinah glory dwelled. 1 Chronicles 16: 1-10. Sometime later, David gathered everyone from Egypt to LeboHamath in the north. They went to get the sacred chest and bring it to Jerusalem whose throne is above the winged creatures (seraphim angels) on the lid of the chest. The chest was still at Abinadab's house, and when David arrived, they placed it on an ox cart. But when they came to Chidon's threshing place, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out and took hold of the chest to stop it from falling. The Lord God was angry at Uzzah for this and killed him right there beside the chest. This is a lesson in holiness. God is holy and sacred objects of worship are holy due to their association with him. David was angry with God from killing one of his servants, but David questioned if he should be the one to move it. David did well to place it back in its state of prominence, because in the reign of King Saul, the chest was ignored. But the lesson of holiness was a hard lesson and the Levite priests became the only ones who will handle the chest and its care. Daily Prayer: Father, I don't fully understand holiness because I myself am tainted by sin. I ask that you reveal true holiness to me so that in awe, I may come to understand. In your holy name I pray Amen.