The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-10-03
SUNDAY MEDITATION.


Zone reading these notes should first carefully
study the paragraph from the Holy Scriptures a.
indicated above.l
sUBJEcTsi a. THE ARK CARRIED FROM GIB-
EAH TO PEREZ UzzAH. (2.) The ARK AT
OBED- EDoM's
First: THE ARK BORNE FROM GrBEAz TO
PEREZ uzzAH.
l. Data.
We find two accounts of the transfer of the
ark from Gibeah; to wit, Sam, g: 1-6, and
be carefully read and compared.
2. Time.
We date the lesson A. M. 1862, or B. O. 1042.
Hence we are carried back nearly 1900 yeara
David had been King 10 years; seven ct He
bron and three at jerusalem.
3. Place.
Ninety nine years before our lesson the ark
was at Shiloh. Il Sam, 4:4) In q time of
desperation the Iraelites sent for the ark and
had it borne to the field of battle that 1t might
help them in fighting against the Philistines.
q Sam, d.: 81 At that time Hophni and Phin-
eas, sons of Ell, accompanied it. 1t was seized
and carried off by the enemy. Il Sam, A: III
IL proved a curse to them and they were at
length glad enough to get rid Of 1t. They en-
dured its presence for seven months. Il Sam,
jearim. Il SAM, 8: 21; IL That was %
years before Samuel became King. The ark
remained during all his reign of 10 years.
(Acts, 13:2l.) Baale of Judah u Sam, q: y
Is supposed to be the same as KiEiath- baal Of
Jos, is: 90. Baale is another form for Baalsh,
rs in 1 Chr, 13: g. and Josh, 15: o. 10. And
Kirjath- jearim was another name for Gibesh.
II was about five miles northeast of Jerusalem.
1t is also called Jebs. Hence the following are
names of the same place-Baale, Baalah, Kir-
jath- jearim, Kirjath- basl, Jebs. Gibeah was
in the tribe of Ben amin. 1t was the birth
place and home of King Saul, aud his Capital
while King Il Sam, TO- 26.) The paragraph
which we study, TO wit, 2 Sam, g: Id. carries
us from Baale or Gibesh to Perez-uzzah, 3
place probably in the subarbs or outskirts OF
Jerusalem. (V.Sl
4 Circumstances.
David had become settled as King of the Is
raelites. During the reign of Saul the ark had
been neglected. The King did not rely on 1t.
We read that once in an emergency he recalled
the existence of the ark aud wanted the sacred
symbol of Gods presence. Il SAM ID: 49,
David declared that it was ignored during the
reign of Saul Il Chr, 13 81 Jesse's son
wanted to rule, not rs in q monarchy but o
theocrasy. He, therefore, desired TIE exalta-
ton of religion. He led of in q grand refor-
nation. Inspired with the thought, he called
together the representative men of Israel, in
Guiding the priests and Levites and held q con-
sultation. He told them Of his wishes and
asked their opiuions. They all agreed that the
Government should not ignore God, worship,
religion. "Ths thing was right in the eyes Of
all the people," Il Chr, 13: 4. But read YER
sea Ia David could sea that the secret OF
Sauls failure was self-dependence. He wished
for a reign moro successful and was wise enough
20 see that governmental, civil, material adj
vaneement could not DO secured with God left
out Of consideration.
5. Darid's Purpose.
The King wanted the ark brought up 10
| Jerusalem. His experience had taught him the
need OF divine aid. He declared that the Lord
| delivered him from the paws of the lion and the
bear and that his hope in Staying Goliath
| rested on a consciousness of Gods assistance.
| Il Sam, II: 81 lie believed the same divine
power was needed by him as King.
For description of the ark see Elk, IS: 10
| %; % "a; 81: 10; 30: 3. 20, 81. It was made
| of acacia wood overlad with gold. Its length
was two and onc-balf cubits; breadth, one and
| one-half cubits; hight, one and one-half cubits
| II was u sort of chest II contained the two
tables of stone on which Moses received the deca-
| log Aarons rod that budded, and golden pot
| OF mama. On each end of the cover there was
a figure of q cherub with wings extended over
| the top. called the mercy-seat. Notice partic-
| nlarly tho manner provided by which the ark
| could be carried. There was a ring on each
corner, TO wit, two rings on each side. through
| which two slaves could be inserted, with ends
extending before and behind, ensblinga person
| 20 20 before and another in the rear, as between
/ files Its proper location was the Holy o
| HOLES. (Ex.. % 3D. II was made at Mt
| Sinai and carried all through the wilderness
/ during the 40 years wanderings OF the Israel
| ties. twas called tho ark of the testimony the
| ark of the covenant, the ark of God, and the
ark OF the Lord. 1t was the symbol Of Gods
| presence. and so the place of prayer. At il.
side. men, through their representative, the
| high priest, offered their petitions To Heaven
For about 70 years it had been at Gibeah in tn,
| family of Abinadab.
| David was determined 10 secure the ark and
| have it put into suitable tabernacle at Jorusa
| lem. He made the occasion matter of ma
tional concern. He stirred up all the israelite.
on the subject. He went after it in grand
state, having a retinue of representative meI
from every point of his Kingdom. Il Cor.
1850
The Kings order was respected. Gibeat
easily gave up an object little esteemed. TIL,
| people. led by David. set out from Gibeah fol
| Jerusalem. having tho coveted ark.
We notice the method of conveyance. 1t Il
| singular no respect was paid to the plar
ordained by God as TO the method of carrying
| the sacred chest. All through the wilderness
the ark was carried by persons holding tn,
shafts or slaves passing through the rings or
| the sides of the ark. But now, when il is TO b.
taken for only few miles, arrangements ar,
made for 10 to be carted instead of carried. w,
| would think the idea was Philistinean. w,
| remember that when the Philistines returned
| the ark to the Isrealitos they put it on a new
cart and had il drawn by kline. Il SAM, 6: Z.
No wonder. however. that they deviated from
! the plan prescribed by Moses. But ii is curious
that David did not recall the divine directions
| The plan OF having nelu cart showed grea
| respect. God should have the first best, fresh
est. The two sons of Abinadab accompanied
the procession. They took charge of the Wagon
| or cart Oxen were used. ". 81
The spirit of tho occasion is noticeable. (Se
VS.. 5, IL. 4-16, and l Chr, -: g; Is; 2T-29
There were joy, gladness, music, singing, dane
ing, shouting goodly number of musica
instruments were used-harps psalteries, tim
brels, comets, cymbals. trumpets. Rende
"even," V. g. also. The Revised Version reads
| with all manner of instruments made Of a
tcypress) wood, and with harps," etc.
g. Suggestions.
/. Obey God 10 the letter. Do not presum
to substitute oxen for slaves.
2. Favor reform whenever there Is a laxneS
or GOODNESS religiously.
3. Have u sanctuary. Seek Gods presence
Have the ark. Look to the material convent
enees of religion-provide utensils needed Il
worship.
4. Have vocal music. q Chr, 1879
| s. Have instrumental music.
9. Consult. Do not act independently. Tr,
L -. naREy fltA IA unit h NAN =