Children Bible Overview 54 04/05/08

WHEN DAVID BECAME KING, THE FIRST THING HE DID WAS TO BRING THE
ARK OF THE LORD BACK

Teachers to read bible scripture: <2 Sam 6>

Children to memorize bible scripture: <2 Sam 6:22>

Recap
Last week, we saw that after Saul died, the whole Israel requested David to become their king.
Introduction
After David became the king of the whole Israel, the first thing he did was to bring the ark of God back
to the Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. (The ark of God was what the enemies, the Philistine soldiers
took away previously. However, it later brought many disasters to the Philistines and therefore, the
Philistines brought the ark of God to the house of Baalah). David brought 30,000 men with him to set
the ark of God on a cart, to bring the ark of God back to Jerusalem. On the way back, the ark of God
almost overturned when the oxen tumbled. An Israelite named Uzzah reached out and took hold of the
ark of God. The Lord was angry and therefore struck him down and he died beside the ark of God. That
was when David discovered that because of the importance of the Lord’s ark, it could not be brought in
any fashion. Thereafter, he asked God and understood:
(1) The Lord’s ark could only be carried by the Levites, because it was set by God. (In today’s context,
one must hear and submit to the Lord’s instructions, hear and submit to the God’s words as taught by
the Pastor and Sunday school teacher).
(2) Moreover, when the ark of covenant was brought in, blood sacrifice had to be presented. Thereafter,
to share a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins with the Israelites. (In today’s context, we
must remember that Jesus Christ died on the cross for us and resurrected and he gave this blessing to
people
In that manner, David hence brought the ark of God into Jerusalem. He was so overjoyed that he
leaped and danced because the ark of God represented that God’s presence. When David saw the ark
of God, he knew that God was with him and the whole Israel. Therefore, none of the enemies could
triumph over them. David’s heart was greatly moved because he knew that he could be king today
because the Lord, His God had chosen him.

1. What is the ark of God?

1) The ark of God represents God’s purpose with us: individual, family, regional and
world Gospelization. God has chosen us (just as He had chosen David), to save and
bless our family members, our region (school friends) and the people of this world.
2) The ark of God represents God’s power with us: when we centre on living a life that
is blessed (we individually know more about Jesus Christ daily), a life that blesses
our family, region and the world, God’s power will be with us and no enemy/
problems can overcome us.
3) The ark of God represents God’s guidance with us: when we centre on a living a life
that is blessed (we individually know more about Jesus Christ daily), a life that
blesses our family, region and the world, we will receive the intelligence and wisdom
to see how God guides us in all things, so that we can bless others.

2. The process of returning the ark of God must be according to God’s words and
through Jesus Christ as fixed by God
1) The ark of God represents God’s purpose, power and guidance. Therefore, it cannot
be returned in any fashion. Just like how when everyone attends Sunday school to
praise and worship God and listen to God’s words, should we sing and listen in any
fashion (or be frequently late)? If this is so, God does not like it. God wants us to
praise Him with a truthful heart, listen to His words and follow Him.
 2) What is a truthful heart? Ans: It is when we attend Sunday school and church
because we enjoy listening to and learning God’s words (and not because we like to
play, do handicraft, activities etc).
3) What is a truthful heart? Ans: Truly know and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ
died for us on the cross and He also resurrected. Therefore, it is only through Jesus
Christ that we are able to receive God’s entire blessings. (Therefore, God does not
accept the worship of those who do not know and believe Jesus Christ). [Children, do
we all know and believe in Jesus Christ?]

3. David led Israel by centering on the ark of God, therefore none of the enemies
could triumph over him
1) When David became king, the first thing he did was to bring the ark of God back.
That proved that David’s heart desired to hear God’s words and instructions in
leading Israel and not rely on his own intelligence.
2) When David brought the ark of God into Jerusalem, he was so overjoyed that he
danced before the Israelites (disregarding his own image). That proved that David
used his whole heart to love God and not love his own image nor love his kingly
status. Therefore, he was a king who was the most humble in submitting to God and
loving God.
3) The Lord, God was with David in his lifetime, when David led Israel by centering on
the ark of God. Therefore, none of the enemies could triumph over him. When David
became a king, the land of Israel greatly expanded its territory.
*Confirm with the children the content and importance of the ark of God. Thereafter, use
examples to explain to them (e.g. How we can centre on the ark of God in the family, in
school while studying, in relationship with friends, in time management).