The Ark of the Covenant Moved

And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. —2 Samuel 6:2

As we have seen, the ark of the covenant was taken in battle by the Philistines while Samuel was still an “intern.” The Philistines kept it for seven months before returning it. Upon its return, it was taken to Kirjath-jearim and placed in the hillside home of Abinadab (1 Samuel 4:4–7:1). David longed to bring the ark to Jerusalem.

When the nation found itself temporarily at peace with its neighbors, the time seemed right. “It was fitting that the capital of the nation should be honored with the token of the divine Presence. “David summoned thirty thousand of the leading men of Israel, for it was his purpose to make the occasion a scene of great rejoicing and imposing display. The people responded gladly to the call. The high priest, with his brethren in sacred office and the princes and leading men of the tribes, assembled at Kirjath-jearim. David was aglow with holy zeal. The ark was brought out from the house of Abinadab and placed upon a new cart drawn by oxen, while two of the sons of Abinadab attended it.” “The law of Moses provided that the ark should be carried by the sons of Kohath (Num. 4:4–15; 7:9). David should have heeded this instruction, but he probably reasoned that the conveying of the ark on a new cart drawn by oxen would be a mark of special respect. He no doubt remembered that when the Philistines returned the ark to Israel they brought it on a new cart (1 Sam. 6:7–14). That was an entirely different situation, however, for they had acted according to the best of their knowledge. When the ark arrived in Israel it was taken from the cart by Levites (1 Sam. 6:15) in harmony with the divine directions to Moses.” Even though God is long-suffering, it is a grave mistake to presume upon His mercy when disobeying His instructions.