2 SAMUEL CHAPTER 6 (SUMMARY OF A READING)
[p. 26] 2 SAMUEL CHAPTER 6 (SUMMARY OF A READING)
The ‘ark of God’ is the term applied commonly to the ark in Samuel where it is, we may say, more exposed to unholy handling than anywhere else. That is, it is viewed according to its essential divine character, not in the relations of grace which would be signified by the name ‘Jehovah’ or when the covenant is definitely brought in. It is very much like the difference between ‘God’ and ‘the Father’ in John 4. God is a spirit; it is what He is essentially, and this must never be forgotten in worshipping Him. Indeed, if we lose the sense of this, and the reverence suitable to it, we shall miss the sweetness of the name of ‘Father’, and all that goes along with it. Christ as the Ark of God would be regarded as the One who maintains, or in whom is maintained, all that is due to God, and in whom is set forth all that God is morally. He has declared God who is light and love: “In him is no darkness at all”, 1 John 1: 5. He sits between the cherubim; there is perfect discrimination between good and evil.
When the ark is affectionately entertained, as in the house of Obed-Edom, it is spoken of as the “Ark of Jehovah”. The houses of Abinadab and of Obed-Edom represent what is unofficial, but they gave testimony to God’s readiness to be entertained, and show that He could provide suitable conditions for Himself in a sovereign way. Abinadab hallowed his son, Eleazar; he understood that holiness was necessary. In Obed-Edom’s case no adjustment was necessary; the ark brought only blessing. Its true normal character came out, so that David was [p. 27] encouraged and his heart was established with grace. He had accepted the lesson. There is always an element of severity in God’s ways when His order has been disregarded. But David’s restoration was brought about by the confirmation in grace which was afforded when Obed-Edom’s house was blessed. God said, as it were, ‘I have not changed My thoughts of blessing; though you have changed and brought in an offence, I am unchanged’. So David brought up the ark with joy. The city of David was a new place for it; it was not restored to its original place in the tabernacle. Zion was a new beginning, and referred to what God would establish on the ground of Christ’s victory, where all is of the power of God’s kingdom. That place was holy enough for the ark. The saints, viewed as having come to Zion and having been established in Christ and in grace, are suitable to entertain the ark assemblywise. Much of the work of God is to bring us collectively to the city of David. All there is of Christ and in Christ, but it is in view of there being a place for Christ.
When they had gone six paces death came in again, but how different from the first time! Now they must move in accord with the death of Christ. An ox would speak of Christ in spiritual energy and the fatted beast of matured excellence. What a contrast to the new cart! Then we see great energy in David, but of a priestly kind. Our meetings should be full of that kind of energy.
Then the communion side comes in. We need Colossians and Ephesians to fill out the thought of fellowship.