The ark of the covenant contained three things: the covenant on stone, a reminder of God’s choice as high priest, and the bread of heaven. Are these symbols of important Christian essentials? Let’s look at 1 Chronicles 16.
How did Israel celebrate the arrival of the ark of the covenant in Jerusalem?
So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tabernacle that David had erected for it. Then they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. Then he distributed to everyone of Israel, both man and woman, to everyone a loaf of bread, a piece of meat, and a cake of raisins. (1 Chr 16:1-3 NKJV)
Who did David appoint to lead the worship and of what did it consist?
David appointed the following Levites to lead the people in worship before the Ark of the Lord—to invoke his blessings, to give thanks, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel. Asaph, the leader of this group, sounded the cymbals. Second to him was Zechariah, followed by Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They played the harps and lyres. The priests, Benaiah and Jahaziel, played the trumpets regularly before the Ark of God’s Covenant. (1 Chr 16:4-6 NLT)
For what did David give thanks on that day? Did they sing? Did they tell of God’s works? Did they encourage rejoicing?
Then on that day David first ordained giving of thanks to Yahweh by the hand of Asaph and his brothers. Oh give thanks to Yahweh. Call on his name. Make what he has done known among the peoples. Sing to him. Sing praises to him. Tell of all his marvelous works. Glory in his holy name. Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice. Seek Yahweh and his strength. Seek his face forever more. Remember his marvelous works that he has done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth, you offspring of Israel his servant, you children of Jacob, his chosen ones. (1 Chr 16:7-13 WEB)
What history was recounted? Is God a God of justice?
The Lord—he is our God. His justice is everywhere throughout the whole world. God remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded to a thousand generations, which he made with Abraham, the solemn pledge he swore to Isaac. God set it up as binding law for Jacob, as an eternal covenant for Israel, promising, “I hereby give you the land of Canaan as your allotted inheritance.” When they were few in number— insignificant, just immigrants— wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to the next, God didn’t let anyone oppress them. God punished kings for their sake: “Don’t touch my anointed ones; don’t harm my prophets!” (1 Chr 16:14-22 CEB)
Why do we worship the Lord? What traits of His are we thankful for?
Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the Lord. Day after day announce, “The Lord has saved us!” Tell every nation on earth, “The Lord is wonderful and does marvelous things! The Lord is great and deserves our greatest praise! He is the only God worthy of our worship. Other nations worship idols, but the Lord created the heavens. Give honor and praise to the Lord, whose power and beauty fill his holy temple.” Tell everyone of every nation, “Praise the glorious power of the Lord. He is wonderful! Praise him and bring an offering into his temple. Worship the Lord, majestic and holy. Everyone on earth, now tremble!” The world stands firm, never to be shaken. (1 Chr 16:23-30 CEV)
Should all creation be glad for our God? Did all the people agree?
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!” Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Say also: “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!” Then all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the Lord. (1 Chr 16:31-36 ESV)
Did David make sure that organized worship and thanks be given to God?
So David left Asaph and his relatives there before the ark of the Lord’s covenant to minister regularly before the ark according to the daily requirements. He assigned Obed-edom and his 68 relatives. Obed-edom son of Jeduthun and Hosah were to be gatekeepers. David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the Lord at the high place in Gibeon to offer burnt offerings regularly, morning and evening, to the Lord on the altar of burnt offerings and to do everything that was written in the law of the Lord, which He had commanded Israel to keep. With them were Heman, Jeduthun, and the rest who were chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the Lord—for His faithful love endures forever. Heman and Jeduthun had with them trumpets and cymbals to play and musical instruments of God. Jeduthun’s sons were at the gate. Then all the people left for their homes, and David returned home to bless his household. (1 Chr 16:37-43 HCSB)
Is there a new covenant, not written on stone, but spiritual?
… God, who has also qualified us to be ministers of a new covenant, which is not written but spiritual, because the written text brings death, but the Spirit gives life. … (2 Cor 3:5-8 ISV)
Is there a priesthood preceding Aaron that recognizes Jesus as our high priest?
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 6:20 KJV)
How did Jesus replace the manna, the bread from heaven?
I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and also the bread which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh. (John 6:51 LSB)
The ark of the covenant contained three things: the covenant on stone, a reminder of God’s choice as high priest, and the bread of heaven. Are these symbols of important Christian essentials? You decide!
