Do you recall what three serious Torah violations were committed by David and his men when they tried to transport the Ark to Jerusalem?
First, they put the Ark on an oxcart instead of carrying it the way God said—on the shoulders of Levites from Kohath’s clan.
Big mistake.
Second, when the oxen stumbled and the cart tipped, a guy named Uzzah tried to steady the Ark with his hand.
Bad move since the Ark is never to be touched with human hands.
He died on the spot for disrespecting God’s holiness.
Finally, David and his 30,000 people got it wrong with their attitude.
Instead of treating the occasion with reverence, they threw a wild, party-like celebration when it should’ve been more serious and respectful.
Now, consider how some congregations commit similar violations in our day.
David and his men broke the Torah by placing the Ark in an oxcart because they didn’t know the Scriptures in the first place.
The same reason explains why Uzah got himself killed.
Now take a look at the Christian church.
They have a theology that says the Law has been done away with.
If you’re a pastor, preacher, or teacher who doesn’t believe the writings of Moses have any relevance to your faith…
Are you going to spend any time learning them and teaching them to your congregation?
Of course not, right?!
Next, consider the hedonistic party atmosphere that surrounded the Ark when it was first transported.
Isn’t that like a lot of modern-day services where worship is turned into a full-blown rock concert?
Instead of disciplining believers to have a solemn and reverent mindset, every effort is made to cater to the public’s fleshly desires.
Why?
Because they wanna fill up the offering baskets when they’re passed around.
Ya feel me?
So, what’s the big takeaway here?
David’s mistakes weren’t just about logistics—they were about the heart.
God had given clear instructions in His Word, but ignorance of those instructions led to disaster.
And when the people treated something holy as common, they lost sight of who God truly is:
Holy, righteous, and deserving of reverence.
Now, let’s bring this closer to home.
How often do we, as individuals or congregations, approach God on our terms instead of His?
How often do we let ignorance of His Word—or a desire to fit in with the world—shape our worship and attitudes?
The truth is, when we neglect God’s instructions, we set ourselves up for spiritual disaster.
The challenge for us today (and the purpose of this blog) is to return to the foundation of God’s Word.
Let’s make knowing His instructions a priority, and let’s approach Him with the reverence He deserves.
Because true worship isn’t about a flashy performance or what feels good—it’s about honoring the One who calls us to holiness.
Ya feel me?
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
shall enter the kingdom of heaven,
but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Many will say to Me on that day,
‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name,
cast out demons in Your name,
and done many wonders in Your name?’
And then I will declare to them,
‘I never knew you; depart from Me,
you who practice lawlessness!’”
–Matthew 7:21-23
Every single mistake we Jews have made with regard to worship of God over the millennia has been made by Christian tradition and teachings.
In fact, they have “amped-up” the sinfulness of rebellion by teaching that the very Son of God has taught us to ignore his father’s rules, and to follow him, instead.
Christianity has turned Yeshua from the obedient son (like Isaac), into the rebellious and dethroning son (like Absolom).
It is so dissappointing that Chritianity hasn’t learned one thing from our (my Jewish brothers and sisters) mistakes, except how to make them even worse!
Well said, Steven. I’m sure all of these errors will be rectified in due time.