David Worships God by Singing

King David’s Decision

Messengers from King David went here and there throughout the land, calling the leaders of the people
to come to the palace. David had not been king very long, and he had been busy fighting battles against
the Philistines. Now David’s old enemies were defeated, and he had something very important that he
wanted to do.

When all the captains and leaders arrived at the palace, David said, “If it seems like a good idea to you
and that it is from the Lord our God, let us send for all the people in the land of Israel to meet with us so
that we can bring the ark of our God back to us.”

The leaders were very glad to hear what King David wanted to do. They, too, wanted to bring the ark of
the covenant back to Jerusalem. This was not Noah’s ark. Does anyone know what this ark was? The ark
was the most important piece of furniture in the tabernacle, the special tent where the people came
together to worship God. The ark was a beautiful chest that was made of wood and then completely
covered with gold on the inside and outside. (Show 10-26) The lid was solid gold. On top of the lid were
two cherubim, or angel-like figures, also made of gold.

Inside the ark were the two stone tablets on which were written the Ten Commandments. Do you
remember Who wrote the commandments on the stone tablet? (Have a good reader read Exodus 34:1
and 28). These were the stone tablets Moses brought down from the mountain called Sinai many years
before. The two other objects in the ark were Aaron’s rod that budded and a jar filled with manna. This
ark was to help the people remember that God is great and holy God.

How the Ark was lost

Since it was such a special piece of furniture, you may be wondering why it was ever taken from the
tabernacle. Many years before, the Israelites had disobeyed. They did not listen to God’s prophets or
obey God’s laws. The Israelites were fighting a war against the Philistines, the enemy David had finally
defeated. The men of war took the ark to battle because they were losing the war. They thought God
would help them win if the ark was on the battlefield. They thought there was some magic about the
ark. They did not understand that God alone had power to help them.

A terrible thing happened. The battle was lost. Many Israelites were killed. The enemy soldiers captured
the ark and took it home with them. But wherever God’s enemies placed the ark, something terrible
happened. In their temple a large idol fell over and broke out on the Philistines. Mice came and ate
everything they had. Everyone became afraid of the ark. Why do you think these things happened? God
was showing the Philistines that He alone is the great God. The Philistines gave the ark back to God’s
people as quickly as they could. For many years it was kept in a home in Israel instead of in the
tabernacle.

Preparing to get the ark

Now King David wanted to bring the ark to Jerusalem, the capital city. He called workmen and
commanded, “Prepare a tent that will be especially for the ark.” The workmen got busy and obeyed the
king’s command. Soon the tent was ready.
Messengers again went throughout the land, telling all the people to come to Jerusalem. Everyone was
to take part in this happy day. And the people came at the king’s command.

Next, David called in the Levites, men who led others in worshipping God. David ordered them to
prepare to carry the ark, for he knew God had commanded that only Levites could carry it. These
ministers of God were instructed to make themselves clean and to wear clean, white linen robes. The
king spoke to the chief Levite and said, “Those Levites who are singers must get ready to march in the
procession. Those who can play an instrument are to play. The musicians are to lift up their voices in
joyful singing.”

King David dressed in a fine linen robe. He himself would march in the procession, bringing the ark to
Jerusalem. He and the leaders of Israel went to the house where the ark was. God had commanded long
ago that the ark to be covered when it was carried from place to place. The Levites did this and then put
poles through the metal rings and lifted the poles to their shoulders. Because the ark was so special, no
one was to touch it. At last, the ark was ready to bring to Jerusalem.

Bringing back the ark

The Levites marched, carrying the ark on their shoulders. (Show 10-27). The musicians marched behind
them, playing their harps, cymbals, cornets and trumpets. The singers lifted their voices in praises to
God. What a joyful sound the instruments and voices made as the great crowd slowly marched to the
city. All the people shouted for joy as they saw the Levites carry the ark.

David marched and played his harp. He was so happy he leaped and jumped with joy. The Levites carried
the ark into the tent prepared for it. The singers stood before the ark and sang praises to God while the
people listened. Seeing the ark again reminded the people of the greatness and holiness of their God.
They wanted to worship Him and show Him their love and thankfulness. Sacrifices were offered to God
as the people thanked Him for helping them bring the ark to Jerusalem.

King David sang a special song of praise (show 10-28). He had written the song himself. (Call on several
good readers to read these verses: 1 Chronicles 16:8, 9, 25, 34 and 36). David surely sang his psalm with
all his might, with all his heart. With his song of praise, he worshipped the God who made all things.

Approach God’s Word

 To define worship.
 To sing or listen to a worship song and discuss it

1. Worship – to praise God for His goodness, care and provision.