LIFT UP YOUR VOICE WITH JOY!
So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD. David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joyH8057, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals.
1 Chronicles 15:14-16
Two chapters earlier in 1 Chronicles 13, David had hastily attempted to bring the Ark of the Covenant up to Jerusalem so the Israelites could inquire of God, but because he did not do it in the proper order, disaster struck one of his men. Uzzah was one of two men accompanying the cart carrying the ark. When the oxen stumbled, he reached out and touched the ark to steady it. God struck him dead which may seem terribly harsh, but there were strict rules about the ark and how it was to be moved. Fast forward to chapter 15 which occurs three months later. David apparently has studied or inquired about how to transport the ark since Uzzah’s death, and he makes sure everything is done according to what God told Moses. He prepared a tent to house the ark and enlisted the Levites to carry it according to the proper procedure. The Levites consecrated themselves in preparation for carrying the ark. David also asked them to appoint singers who would accompany the ark singing joyously and playing instruments. The word for joy in this context would indicate exuberant, exhilarating celebration! This was a high-octane worship event! They were to celebrate the symbol of God’s presence being carried to the seat of David’s kingdom, the capital of Israel.
In these verses, the ark is not yet placed in its new tabernacle in the City of David. However, even along the way, in eager anticipation of worshiping God together in Jerusalem, the Levites were already consecrating themselves and celebrating joyously. We do not usually join a procession into our worship center, but we should already be rejoicing in our Lord before we enter the doors. Before we even arrive at our local church building, we should prepare our hearts to worship the God of our salvation with thanksgiving. “Go through His gates, giving thanks; walk through His courts, giving praise. Offer Him your gratitude and praise His holy name” (Psalm 100:4 VOICE).
Father, You are so tremendous that words cannot express. Let Your joy flow through us so that others see Jesus in us so strongly they are attracted like moths to a flame. Let us worship You even as we travel through our week in preparation for celebrating You together on Sunday.