To remember how the Ark of God ended up where it is now, we need to go back to 1st Samuel.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the following verses:
“Then they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath Jearim, saying, ‘The Philistines have returned the ark of the Lord. Come down and take it up to your town.’ So the men of Kiryat-Ye’arim came and took up the ark of the Lord. They brought it to Abinadab’s house on the hill and consecrated Eleazar his son to guard the ark of the Lord.“-1 Samuel 6:21-7:1
So here’s what’s interesting.
The place we’re talking about is called Kiryat Ye’arim.
But, it also went by Ba’al Y’hudah (the lord of Judah)…
And before that, the Canaanites called it Ba’alah.
In the Bible, place names often change as territories shift and languages evolve.
However, we can be confident, this is the same spot.
Why?
Because the Samuel scroll found in the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran says so.
Ba’al Yehudah was a small hilltop town about 8 miles northwest of Yerushalayim.
That was less than a day’s trip for David and Israel’s leaders to reach Avinadav’s house.
The town was located smack dab at the intersection of the tribal territories of Judah and Benjamin (and earlier, Dan).
However, the name of the place indicates it was considered part of Judah’s territory, despite being near these borders.
So here’s the takeaway for today.
The shifting names of Kiryat Ye’arim remind us that while human boundaries and labels change over time, God’s presence and purpose NEVER change
Just as the Ark stayed sacred no matter where it was…
And just as it found a resting place at Kiryat Ye’arim after a long journey…
We can trust that God knows where to lead us…
Even when life takes unexpected twists and turns…
In your life…
You may experience job changes…
Relationship changes…
And/or health changes…
The whole world may be going to hell in a handbasket…
Yet, despite all of this…
You shouldn’t let your faith and identity in God be defined by external circumstances…
It should be grounded in His unchanging truth.
So when times are tough or seem chaotic…
Keep your focus steadfast on the Lord.
Ya feel me?
See ya all next time.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“And we know that in all things
God works for the good
of those who love him,
who have been called
according to his purpose.”
-Romans 8:28
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