Article: Insights Gathered from David’s Zeal and Saul’s Neglect | Pr V. L Mathew, Canada
Amos 9:11 declares, “On that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old.”
To understand this, let’s transport ourselves back to the time of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt when God established a covenant with His people. He directed Moses to build a Tabernacle, a sacred place for worship where His presence could guide and bless them. This portable Tabernacle journeyed with them as they moved towards the Promised Land, eventually finding a permanent home at Shiloh. Later on, we see the Ark, and possibly the Tabernacle, being moved to Bethel (Judges 20:26). During Eli’s priesthood, Hannah prayed for a child at Shiloh’s Tabernacle (1 Samuel 1:24).
However, Saul, for his convenience, relocated the Tabernacle to Nob, near his hometown of Gibeah, and later to Gibeon. Unfortunately, during Eli’s priesthood, his sons moved the Ark of God from the Tabernacle at Shiloh, leading to its capture by the Philistines. The Ark caused plagues in various Philistine regions, and it was eventually returned with golden mice and tumors as an offering. It stayed among the Philistine temples for seven months before being sent to Beth Shemesh. Kirjath-Jearim’s people were then tasked with its custody, where it remained for two decades.
During these twenty years, neither Samuel nor King Saul made any effort to return the Ark to the Tabernacle. Only after Saul’s death did David, upon becoming king, consult with his advisors and the congregation about bringing back the Ark of God, acknowledging that they hadn’t sought it during Saul’s reign (1 Chronicles 13:3).
David made two attempts to bring back the Ark of God. The first attempt failed, but the second succeeded, and David placed it in a tent he had prepared (1 Chronicles 16:1). Notably, the Tabernacle of God was still in Gibeon at that time, but David chose to move the Ark to Jerusalem, into the tent he had prepared.
In this narrative, we are presented with contrasting examples that encourage us to reflect on the significance of diligence and neglect in life. On one hand, David’s unwavering love for God and his determination to worship even in exile stand in stark contrast to Saul’s indifference towards the Ark of God, which ultimately led to his downfall.
The story also highlights moments in our lives where we may unintentionally overlook essential aspects. Saul’s disregard for the Ark of God and David’s initial oversight of the Levites serve as cautionary tales with serious consequences. Job’s unwavering commitment to his faith, his charitable acts, and his prayers for friends in need provide an inspiring counterpoint that underscores the value of diligence in one’s faith and relationships.
In summary, this story underscores the importance of diligence and devotion in our lives while cautioning against neglect. It reminds us to learn from the examples of individuals like David, Saul, Esau, Michal, and, particularly, Job. As we reflect, let us consider whether we prioritize what matters to God and exhibit unwavering diligence in fulfilling our responsibilities and duties.
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