Before we get back to our story of the Ark being restored in Jerusalem, there’s one question we need to answer:
“Why didn’t David bring the Tabernacle to Jerusalem first?”
Shouldn’t it have been a priority that the Ark be first re-established at its God-ordained dwelling spot?
I don’t have a perfect answer, but here are some points to consider.
Remember, the original Tabernacle was a big tent constructed out of cloth and animal skins.
So, no doubt, it had worn out a long time ago.
Back in Eli’s time, when it was in Shiloh, it had been fixed up and added onto.
But when Shiloh was burned down, the Tabernacle was likely destroyed too.
So who knows if the Tabernacle, in whatever shape it was in, could’ve been transported anymore?
Ya feel me?
On top of that, there’s something else we have to take into consideration.
There were two High Priests and two sets of priesthoods in operation at this time!
Yep, two!
That meant two separate groups of priests, each with their own supporters, split up by tribal loyalties.
Talk about a thorny political situation!
In the process of trying to unite all 12 tribes, David also had to decide which priesthood would be in charge.
Both groups had their own sanctuaries and furniture—some real, some probably just imitations.
So, what did David do?
He chose not to use either group’s stuff, at least for now.
Smart move, right?
So here’s your takeaway for today.
David’s kingdom and the Tabernacle were built with things that could—and did—wear out.
They were temporary, fragile, and subject to the politics and egos of men.
That’s the reality of human kingdoms—they’re imperfect.
But there’s good news!
The coming kingdom the Messiah will bring won’t have these weaknesses.
It’ll be made of things that never decay, and there won’t be power struggles or tribal divisions.
Instead, men will live together in harmony…
Just as the Bible says, “The lamb will lie down with the lion.”
David’s struggles remind us of the limitations of this world…
But they also point us to the hope of a future kingdom that will be perfect in every way…
Without sickness and decay!
I can’t wait!
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom
that cannot be shaken,
let us be thankful, and so worship
God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
-Hebrews 12:28
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning
or crying or pain, for the old order
of things has passed away.”
-Revelation 21:4
“…and into an inheritance
that can never perish, spoil or fade.
This inheritance is kept
in heaven for you.”
-1 Peter 1:4
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