The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, on account of the ark of God. – 2 Samuel 6:12
In 2 Samuel, we read that David decided to bring the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem. However, he didn’t transport it the way God commanded in Exodus 25. God had commissioned the Levities to carry this important part of Israel’s worship. Instead of following what he knew was right, David decided the ark, which represented the very presence of God, would be more secure on a new cart with the Levities walking in front of it. He ignored God’s instructions.
Whenever we sidestep what we know is right before the Lord, we end up getting into serious trouble. This situation was no different. David had also ordered an elaborate display for the ark’s arrival—all of Israel was to be on hand for the event. However, as the procession crested a small hill, the oxen became upset and the ark started to slide. Without thinking, Uzzah reached out and touched the ark, and the anger of the Lord burned against him. God struck him down because of his irreverent attitude, and suddenly the celebration came to a halt (2 Samuel 6:7).
David was stunned. His plans had failed. So he took God’s ark from the threshing floor of Nacon to the house of Obed-edom. Only after three months did God allow the ark to be moved to Jerusalem. This time, David got it right and sent the Levities to personally move the ark to its new home.
When it comes to worship, God doesn’t kid around. We may laugh and sway to the music in our worship services, but God wants our hearts to reflect the purity and holiness that His Word commands.