David
had military personnel like Ittai who would gladly follow him but also faithful
priests like Zadok and Abiathar, who would do likewise. This passage describes
the chief priests Zadok and Abiathar, and the Levites bearing the Ark of the
covenant, all ready to accompany him in his fugitive life. The Ark was just a
piece of furniture that represented God’s presence with His people. And the
chief priests were responsible to administer it, while the Levites were
responsible for transporting it. Both Zadok and Abiathar reckoned that David
would like to have the Ark with him as he took leave from Jerusalem.
Apparently, David was more sensible. He did not want to needlessly move the Ark
with him in his uncertainty. He would rather leave the Ark
in Jerusalem. So he asked them to bring it back with them.
Let
us consider some possible reasons why David did not want the Ark to be with him
in his wandering. Firstly, it was because he was being considerate. He knew the
people needed it to remind them of the Lord’s presence more than him. Secondly,
he was a fugitive and would rather have less than more to consider. Besides,
there were stringent regulations on how the Ark ought to be transported. All
these considered, having the Ark with him would certainly slow down his
movement. Thirdly, it took a fair bit of time before the Ark was finally
returned and settled in Jerusalem, so he did not want to subject it to needless
wandering again. Fourthly, he believed that in God’s dealing with him, there
could be a possibility that he would return to Jerusalem again. However, the
real reason why David did not want the Ark to travel with Him was that he was
subjecting himself totally to God’s plan. He knew that the reason why he was
experiencing all these trials of life was a part of God’s dealing. David would
rather move in tandem with God’s will for him than against His will. What he
needed was not so much the Ark of God but the God of the Ark.
In
submitting to God’s will, David also knew that Zadok, who was also a seer would
be of tremendous help. So he instructed him, his son Ahimaaz and Jonathan, the
son of Abiathar to return to Jerusalem peacefully. He made them the sources of
information for all that would transpire in Jerusalem. David also set the fords
of the wilderness where he would be waiting for information from them. With
that, Zadok and Abiathar returned the Ark of God to Jerusalem and remained
there.
These
verses show David’s absolute submission to God. Most people can trust God’s
plan for their lives when the circumstances of their lives are good and
peaceful. But when the storms of life assail, it seems difficult for them to
continue to trust Him. But not so for David. He trusted God and submitted to
Him even in the most trying circumstance of life. He did not need the Ark to
remind him of God’s presence. He would submit unreservedly to the Sovereign God
with or without the Ark. David gave God the right to freely move in his life to
bring about His will and purpose, regardless of whether his circumstance be congenial or non-congenial. He
was confident that God would be there with him. Like David, let us totally
submit to God regardless of what life may dish out to us. We must yield to God willingly,
regardless.
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