Daily Devotional | Dangers of a New Cart

Most of us are attracted to anything new: a new house or car, the latest smartphone, perhaps even a modern thought or practice. And while there can be value in a new idea or method, there can also be a danger if it is in opposition to the Word of God.

Upon recovering the ark of God from the Philistines, David and some young, able men (v. 1) set the ark on a new cart to transport it back to Jerusalem (v. 3). But while worshiping the Lord with music (v. 5), the people forgot something: the Law of God. In generations past, God had instructed His people through Moses to transport the ark on their shoulders (Num. 7:9; 1 Chron. 15:15). And even before the oxen stumbled and Uzzah made the fatal decision to put his hand in the ark (v. 6), David and his young men used a new idea and method instead of honoring God and His Word.

It took Uzzah’s death and the blessing of God on the household of Obed-Edom for three months (v. 11) for David to come to his senses. This time, we are told that they carried the ark, and with rejoicing (v. 12). Joyful obedience caused David to worship in spirit and truth through sacrificial offerings and dancing before the Lord with all his might, with sounds of trumpets and praise (vv. 12–14).

For “who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god” (Ps. 24:3–4). As we sing to the Lord, pray the Psalmist’s words: “Create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10).