I thought that 1 Chronicles 13 and 14 revolved around the idea of celebration and worship of God but it pales in comparison to the details given in 1 Chronicles 15 and 16. The over all story covers the arrival of the Ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. The text also makes it clear why Uzza died at the threshing floor when the ark was transported by cart. In the urgency, excitement, and celebration over the kingship of David the Israelites forgot to adhere to the commands of God about the handling of the Ark. Did the years of everyone doing what was right in their own eyes lead to the forgetfulness of the people to remember God’s commands? All too often I failure is found to be the best reminder and teacher when it comes to our faith in God.
When the Ark is finally transported the Levites took up the role for which they were chosen. The Levites again stand in the gap between God and the people of Israel as they carry and care for the Ark. The story that is woven throughout scripture will never cease to amaze me as I continually see how God is orchestrating everything.
The hidden gem within 1 Chronicles 16 is a Psalm of Thanksgiving. In the midst of all the genealogies there is a beautiful picture of the relationship between God and His beloved. We need to remember and give thanks for what God has done through His continual daily deliverance through the trials of life and the mundane daily grind. How can we do anything but proclaim how great God is to all people around us. God needs the be given the proper awe and wonder that He deserves as we seek to cling to Him. Read through 1 Chronicles 16:8-36 and experience the beauty of this Psalm and to feel the complete weight of this Psalm read through the first 15 chapters in 1 Chronicles and you will feel refreshment and joy it brings.
