While the ark was kept in Obed-Edom’s house for three months (13:14), David prepared a place for the ark and decided to bring it to Jerusalem again. He learned from his failed attempt that he didn’t carry it correctly. According to God’s commands, only consecrated Levites should carry the ark on their shoulders using wooden poles (Nu 4:15). David found that in doing God’s work, the process was as important as the goal. Good motives and goals do not exempt disobedience from obedience. We are to do God’s work in God’s way.

This time, David called more than 800 Levites and told them to consecrate themselves. He also appointed musicians and singers. As the ark was brought up, David danced joyfully in the procession entering the city with the ark. He did not hold back his expression of thanks and worship to God. David’s dance offended Michal, David’s wife, who didn’t share David’s heartfelt joy and thanks to God. Instead, she despised David who took off his royal robes and danced in the streets without keeping his royal dignity. Thus, she lost God’s blessing.
Application: Lord, you are the source of my joy and thanks. Help me to do your work according to your way and worship you joyfully
One Word: Find joy by following God’s words