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2. Stories From The Old Testament That Build Faith & Devotion

3. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The importance of the ark of the covenant  It represented the very presence of God  On the Day of Atonement, God’s presence would be manifested between the cherubim that hovered above the Mercy Seat Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

4. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The importance of the ark of the covenant  The high priest would enter the Most Holy Place with blood to atone for sin  He would commune with God, seek His mercy Ex 25:17-22 Lev 16:2-14 Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

5. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The contents of the ark of the covenant  Inside were 3 “artifacts” re: important moments in Israelite history Heb 9:4  The stone tablets Ù Law Ex 34  Golden pot of manna Ù Provision Ex 16 Deut 8:3 Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

6. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The contents of the ark of the covenant  Inside were 3 “artifacts” re: important moments in Israelite history Heb 9:4  Aaron’s rod that budded Ù Divine testimony to the danger of murmuring Num 16-17 Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

7. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The use of the ark of the covenant  It served as a “standard” for Israel  It preceded Israel when crossing the Jordan River into Canaan Josh 3:14 – 4:18  It led Israel in marching around Jericho’s walls Josh 6:3-20 Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

8. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The history of the ark of the covenant  It served as a “motivator” for Israel  Israel was again battling the Philistines and losing 1 Sam 4:2  They decided to bring the ark into the camp to “rally” their forces 1 Sam 4:3-5  This emboldened Philistia 1 Sam 4:6-9 Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

9. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The history of the ark of the covenant  It brought nothing but trouble for Philistia  The Philistines captured the ark…they put it in their god’s house 1 Sam 4:11 5:1-2  While in Dagon’s house, he suffered some “personal injuries” and those in Ashdod, Gath, & Ekron suffered 1 Sam 5:3-11 Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

10. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The history of the ark of the covenant  The Philistines decided to send the ark back to Israel 1 Sam 5:11  They put it on a new cart pulled by 2 dairy cows who had never before been yoked 1 Sam 6:1-9 Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

11. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The ark of the covenant comes home!!  Since its capture, and all during the days of Saul’s reign as king, the ark of the covenant had never been sought 1 Chron 13:3  Everyone agreed it was time for this important artifact to be brought back home 1 Chron 13:4 Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

12. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The ark of the covenant comes home!!  David gathered 30,000 Israelites v. 1  They went to where the ark was, placed it on a “new cart” and proceeded home vv. 3-4  Uzzah & Ahio (sons of Abinadab – the man who been housing the ark) led the cart Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

13. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The ark of the covenant comes home!!  No doubt…it was a grand occasion!! v. 5  Musical instruments were playing  Most likely, ceremonial dancing & leaping proceeded the ark in route  It amounted to a “parade” of celebration Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

14. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The ark of the covenant comes home!!  The “parade route” at Nacon’s threshing floor vv. 6-7  Something happened with the oxen or the cart…or both  The ark apparently teetered and almost fell off the cart Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

15. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The ark of the covenant comes home!!  The “parade route” at Nacon’s threshing floor vv. 6-7  Uzzah took hold of the ark to steady it  The “anger of the Lord” burned against him  The Lord smote him dead on the spot for his “irreverence” Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

16. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The ark of the covenant comes home!!  David’s reaction to God’s actions vv. 8-10  He became angry (apparently at God) v. 8  He became afraid of the Lord v. 9  He became “defensive”…he was now unwilling to proceed any farther because his way had failed v. 10 Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

17. A Failed Homecoming Story 2 Sam 6  The ark of the covenant comes home!!  David’s later reflections 1 Chron 15  He admitted they had failed to transport it properly…the priests carrying it vv. 2, 13a  He admitted their actions re: the new cart were not in harmony with the “due order” (the ordinance of God) v. 13b Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

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