I Chronicles 15 (NIV)

Summary:

The Ark Brought to Jerusalem
Verses 1-29

When David finished constructing his buildings in the City of David, he pitched a tent for the ark of God.  He said that only the Levites could carry the ark, because the Lord had chosen them for this and to minister before Him forever.  David assembled the Israelites in Jerusalem for the ceremony.  He called up the descendants of Aaron and the Levites:

of Kohath's descendants - Uriel the leader and 120 relatives
of Merari's descendants - Asaiah the leader and 220 relatives
of Gershon's descendants - Joel the leader and 130 relatives
of Elizaphan's descendants - Shemaiah the leader and 200 relatives
of Hebron's descendants - Eliel the leader and 80 relatives
of Uzziel's descendants - Amminadab the leader and 112 relatives

David summoned Zadok and Abiathar the priests, along with the leaders of the Levites listed above, and instructed them to consecrate themselves and bring up the ark.  They hadn't inquired of God about the proper way to do this before (which is why Uzzah had died). 

The Levites did as God had instructed them through David.  They carried the ark on poles on their shoulders as Moses commanded them, according to the word of the Lord.

David told the Levite leaders to appoint their brothers as singers of joyful songs, accompanied by lyres, harps, and cymbals:

- leaders, sounded the bronze cymbals - Heman son of Joel; Asaph son of Berekiah; and Ethan son of  Kushaiah, the Merarite
- next in rank, gatekeepers, played the lyres according to the alamoth (probably a musical term) - Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, and Maaseiah
- also in the 2nd rank, gatekeepers, played the harps according to the sheminith - Mattithiah, Eliphelehu (my favorite name in this chapter), Mikneiah, Obed-Edom, Jeiel, and Azaziah
- Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of singing, because he was skillful at it
- Berekiah, Elkanah, Obed-Edom, and Jehiah - doorkeepers of the ark
- Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer the priests blew the trumpets before the ark of God

David, the elders, and commanders of units of thousands went to bring up the ark from Obed-Edom's house with rejoicing.  They sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams to the Lord for helping the Levites carry the ark of the covenant.  David, Kenaniah, the Levites, and singers were clothed in a robes of fine linen.  David also wore a linen ephod (apron).  As the ark entered the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window.  When she saw David dancing and celebrating,she despised him in her heart. (What a scrooge!)

Lori's Thoughts:

God has made each of us unique.  We're like snowflakes - no two are exactly identical.  Not even identical twins are exactly alike.  God wants us to use our individual talents for Him.  That's how we will live to our fullest potential.  This is what the Israelites were doing as they made music to God.  I bet it was amazing to see this moving choir and orchestra led by a fearsome warrior. 

The ark of the covenant was where God dwelled on Earth.  His people were to atone for their sins through sacrifices of animals.  They were to serve God and follow His instructions.  God would then bless, protect, and guide them.  When Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, a new covenant was made.  All we have to do is say yes or no.  If we say yes, the Holy Spirit resides in our hearts.  We can inquire of God without a human priest, because Christ is our High Priest.  Once you've accepted Him as your Savior, you've just entered into a covenant with God.  Acceptance for salvation from sin.  Protection.

However, God also wants to be the leader of our lives.  We should ask Him to guide our every move.  Only then will we live fully and bring others to Him by our example.  Don't stop at Savior, let Him be your Lord.  Our lack of faith keeps us holding on to the steering wheel of our lives.  We rely on our human senses and try to dodge one hazard after another.  Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we don't.  If you let go, you won't be able to use your senses.  You just have to trust.  I'm sure God would say something like - you don't even need this car; let me teach you how to fly.  All I know is, I want in!