1 Chronicles 15:11-15 – “And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites: for Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. 12 He said to them, ‘You are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites; sanctify yourselves, you and your brethren, that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it. 13 For because you did not do it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order.’ 14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel. 15 And the children of the Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders, by its poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord.”
1 Chronicles 16:4 – “And he appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, to commemorate, to thank, and to praise the Lord God of Israel.”
Yesterday’s devotional about God striking down Uzzah seemed to stir up some great conversation. Today’s reading answers the question as to why the event took place. Verse 13 is the concise reason given by David concerning the death of Uzzah. Verse 15 also gives us the prescribed order and method of carrying the ark of the covenant, which had been violated.
Once the ark had been successfully returned and placed inside the tent that David pitched for it, there are four significant responsibilities of the Levites in relationship to the ark (representing the presence of the Lord). I believe these should speak to every believer about how to approach the presence of God.
1. They were to “minister before the ark of the Lord.” The Levites used their gifts to worship God. Some presented the offerings, others sang, others played musical instruments. Whatever your gift may be, use it before the presence of the Lord.
2. They were “to commemorate.” That is, they were to make petition. We should bring our needs before the Lord in prayer continually. Request of God to move upon the prayer you are offering to Him. Petition Him!
3. They were “to thank.” In our prayer and worship time we must include offering thanks. Thank Him for what He has done. Thank Him for what He is doing. Thank Him for what He is going to do!
4. They were “to praise the Lord God of Israel.” David offers a psalm to Asaph, who was one of David’s worship leaders, which comprises most of chapter 16. Two verses deal specifically with praise. Verse 9 – “Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts.” Verse 25 – “For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise…” God has done great things and is the great God. We should sing it, tell it, pray it, proclaim it. This is how we praise the Lord.