April 22nd~Proceed With Caution

2 Samuel 5:1-3


1 Chronicles 11:1-3


1 Chronicles 12:23-40


2 Samuel 5:17-25


1 Chronicles 14:8-17


2 Samuel 5:6-10


1 Chronicles 11:4-9


1 Chronicles 3:4b


2 Samuel 5:13,4-5,11-12

1 Chronicles 14:1, 2


1 Chronicles 13:1-5


2 Samuel 6:1-11


1 Chronicles 13:6-14

All of the tribes of Israel gathered to Hebron to anoint David as their King. After seven years, the entire nation rallied behind one man. The people came by the tens of thousands to show their support, and “there was great joy throughout the land of Israel” (1 Chronicles 12:40).

Everyone was glad to hear about David’s rule, except their enemies, including the Philistines. They immediately gathered their army to deflate Israel’s momentum. However, the Lord gave David a great victory. “His fame spread everywhere, and the Lord caused all of the nations to fear David” (14:17).

Then, David turned his sights toward Jerusalem; he planned to make it his home and capital city. The Jebusites who lived there were routed and removed and the new King had his citadel — the “City of David.” From there he would reign for thirty-three years. “David became more and more powerful because the Lord God Almighty was with him” (2 Samuel 5:10). “He realized that the Lord had made him King over Israel and had made his kingdom great for the sake of His people.” (5:12). In other words, as David became powerful, Israel benefitted as a nation and God’s name was glorified. Under David’s godly leadership, the Lord was blessing His people as He had promised.

However, though things were moving along nicely, David experienced a hitch in his plans. While relocating the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, Uzzah, one of the men helping to transport it, accidentally touched the Ark and died. David realized that the people of Israel had neglected the Tabernacle, the sacrificial system, and the Ark of God’s presence during the reign of Saul, and he desired to restore all of them in his new capital city. But, when Uzzah was killed in the process, everything ground to a halt.

Daily Reflection

It doesn’t make sense. If David was trying to honor the Lord by moving the Ark to Jerusalem, then why would God allow someone to die in the process? David asked the same question. He was angry too (2 Samuel 6:8); but, evidently, he found his answer (1 Chronicles 15:1, 2).

God had given specific instructions to Moses and the people for how to transport the sacred objects. Only Levites were to carry the Ark. Thus, it was not the idea of moving the Ark to Jerusalem that God rejected, but rather it was the way in which the Ark was moved that angered Him. David had the right intentions but carried them out in the wrong way.

Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever done something that you thought was God’s will or that was honoring to His name, only to be met with difficulty or failure? Explain.

It is easy, especially when things are going well, to believe that you have everything under control, that you have everything figured out. In those moments, your arrogance or self-reliance can get in the way and you can err, even in the small things. Be careful not to do God’s work your way. As difficult as it is, don’t run ahead of Him and start calling the shots yourself. Your plans will be frustrated, or they may fail altogether; and who knows, others like Uzzah may even get hurt. Constantly consult the Lord and carry on with caution. He wants you to succeed but in His way.

BiAY.org | Day 112 — 253 Days to Go