Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 6, 7, 8; Luke 15:1-16.
“And the ark of the Lord continued in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months: and the Lord blessed Obed-edom, and all his household.” – 2 Samuel 6:11 (KJVS).
The Ark of God was in the house of Abinadab for several years and there was no record of any special blessing of that family. In fact when David decided to take the Ark out of Abinadab’s house, two of his sons followed it. One in front and the other at the back but the hand of God killed Uzzah, the son that was behind the Ark. 2 Samuel 6:6-7 (KJVS), “And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it . [7] And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.”
But the reverse was the case when the Ark was taken to the house of Obed-edom. The scripture records that “And the ark of the Lord continued in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months: and the Lord blessed Obed-edom, and all his household.” – 2 Samuel 6:11 (KJVS). What happened? Why was Obed-edom’s family blessed so much and that of Abinadab punished while transporting the Ark. The answer is in attitude. The word of God says “Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” – 1 Samuel 2:30 (KJVS). God expects everyone to honour him above everything else. And those who do this are appropriately blessed. The Ark of God represents God and His holiness. The law of the Lord does not change because you are familiar with Him. Rather he expects you to show more reverence and obedience to his precepts. Then he will honour you and bless you.
There are laid down procedures for carrying the Ark of God. It should be carried on the shoulders of Levites as stated in 1 Chronicles 15:15. While that was not done when the Ark was shaken by the oxen carrying it, the poles (staves) should have been held by him instead of touching the Ark itself, because they were put there for that purpose. Touching the Ark was like touching God directly!
One of the key implications of striking Uzzah is that God should not be helped. He can do whatever he says he will do, though it may tarry, it will surely come. Thus when Sarai decided to help God by giving her maid, Hagar, to Abraham for child bearing, the maiden gave birth to Ishmael, but God still gave Abraham the son He promised him through his legitimate wife, Sarah. But the consequences of the self help still speaks up till today. Whatever God had promised, He will do, wait for Him in prayer and thanksgiving, He will surely do it.
Action Point: Whatever promises, God has given to you will be fulfilled at His time, so wait in patience while thanking him always.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero