God’s message for today comes from two texts in the Old Testament. Both passages talk about a new cart. The Philistines and the Israelites used a new cart.
The Philistine’s new cart got positive results. The Israelites’ new cart brought trouble. Why?
Let’s talk about…
New Carts.
First…
The Philistines’ new cart
The Philistines were enemies of Israel. The two peoples fought often, especially in the dawning years of the nation of Israel.
In 1 Samuel Chapter 5, the Philistines crushed Israel on the battlefield. Israel lost 4,000 soldiers.
As the Israelites reviewed their defeat, they thought they needed God on the battlefield. To do this, they brought the Ark of the Covenant with them into the next battle.
Unfortunately, the Philistines won the next battle and captured the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred element of Israel’s religion and heritage. Also, the Philistines killed 30,000 Israelites that day.
While the Ark of the Covenant was in their possession, the Philistines experienced much trouble from God’s hand, so they returned the Ark to Israel, along with a trespass offering.
Here’s what the wise Philistines told their people to do:
Make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart…
1 Samuel 6:7
Pronounciation:
- Milch – “Mil Ch”
Because of the hostilities between the two peoples, they sent the Ark back to the Israelites on a new cart. Two milch kine pulled the cart, fresh from giving birth.
The Philistine’s New Cart:
In this context, we can render the Hebrew word used for “new” (חדשׁ) (chadash), as “fresh” or “recent.” Likely the cart is not only new but also unused or unpolluted.
Significance:
- Purity and cleanliness: People could perceive using a new cart to uphold purity and cleanliness while transporting the Ark. The Philistines, who had handled the Ark before, might have wanted to avoid any potential contamination or desecration of the sacred object.
- Respect and reverence: The new cart could be a symbol of respect and reverence for the Ark and God’s presence. By using a new cart, the Philistines might have been showing their awareness of the Ark’s sacred nature and their desire to handle it with care.
Theological Implications:
Using a new cart in 1 Samuel 6:7 highlights the importance of reverence and respect in handling sacred objects. This passage reminds us that a sense of awe, respect, and cleanliness should characterize a universal approach to God.
Additional Insights:
- That the Philistines, who were not Israelites, took such care in transporting the Ark suggests they had a sense of reverence for the God of Israel.
- The Philistines might also see using a new cart to avoid any potential idolatry or syncretism while returning the Ark to its rightful owners.
So, we could classify the Philistines new cart as a good thing.
David may have gotten the idea from the Philistines to use a new cart to transport the Ark of the Covenant. After all, the method succeeded for the Philistines and could expedite the process of relocating the Ark of God to Jerusalem.
If so, we will soon discover that “Christians” should not use the world’s methods to serve God.
Now, let’s dive deeper into…
David’s new cart
They set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that [was] in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
2 Samuel 6:3
Pronounciations:
- Abinidab – “ah BEAN-ah-Daub”
- Gibeah – “gib bee yah”
- Uzzah – “uh zah”
- Ahio – “aaa high oh”
Context: This verse is part of the narrative describing King David’s attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The Ark, which represented God’s presence among the Israelites, had been in the house of Abinadab in Gibeah for many years (1 Samuel 7:1-2). David, now established as king, wants to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, the city he has chosen as his capital.
Exegetical Insights:
- The new cart: The use of a new cart is significant. In Exodus 25:10-22, God had specified that the Ark was to be carried by poles, not carts. The Israelites were to treat the Ark with reverence and care, not using it as a mere object to be transported. David’s decision to use a new cart may indicate a lack of understanding or respect for the sacred nature of the Ark.
- Abinadab assigned driving the cart to his sons, Uzzah and Ahio. This may suggest that Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, grew up in the house where the Israelites stored the ark, which made them familiar with its care. However, their involvement will later prove to be a mistake (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
- The house of Abinadab: The mention of the house of Abinadab serves as a reminder of the Ark’s history. Abinadab’s house had been a temporary resting place for the Ark, but it was not its intended destination. David’s efforts to bring the Ark to Jerusalem reflect his desire to restore the proper order of worship and reestablish the Ark as a central symbol of God’s presence.
Theological Themes:
- The importance of proper worship: This passage highlights the significance of following God’s instructions for worship and reverence. David’s mistake serves as a reminder that even the best intentions can go awry if we cannot respect God’s sovereignty and follow His commands.
- The danger of familiarity: Uzzah and Ahio’s involvement with the Ark, despite their familiarity with it, ultimately leads to tragedy.
2 Samuel 6:6-7 “When they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth [his hand] to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook [it]. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for [his] error; and there he died by the ark of God.
Pronunciation: Nachon = naw-kone’
This serves as a warning against taking sacred things for granted and assuming that our familiarity with them gives us license to treat them recklessly.
Interpretations and Applications:
- Throughout history, people have seen this passage as a cautionary tale about the importance of reverence and obedience in worship. Origen noted that David’s mistake reminded us to approach worship with humility and fear of God (Homilies on Leviticus 10.2).
- In terms of application, this passage encourages believers to approach worship with reverence and respect, recognizing that our actions have consequences. It also reminds us to be mindful of our motivations and intentions, ensuring that we are not treating sacred things lightly or taking them for granted.
Differences between the new carts
Before I go, I want you to remind you that two “new carts” carried the Ark of the Covenant at two separate times. One time worked out well. The second time, God became angry.
Why?
Let’s dive deeper into the differences between the “new cart” in 1 Samuel 6:7 and the “new cart” in 2 Samuel 6:3.
Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them:
1 Samuel 6:7
In this passage, the Philistines use the “new cart” to transport the Ark from Ekron to Bethshemesh. Here, the “new cart” is not the primary focus, but a means to an end. The Philistines are returning the Ark to its rightful owners, the Israelites.
In Israel’s case…
They set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that [was] in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart.
2 Samuel 6:3
In this passage, David attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, where it could rest and serve as a religious symbol.
Key differences:
- Context: The context of the two passages is different. In 1 Samuel 6, the Philistines are returning the Ark to the Israelites, whereas in 2 Samuel 6, David is attempting to bring the Ark to Jerusalem.
- In 1 Samuel 6, the “new cart” facilitates the Ark’s return, while in 2 Samuel 6, it symbolizes David’s desire to establish Jerusalem as the center of worship.
- Ownership: In 1 Samuel 6, the Philistines own the “new cart,” whereas in 2 Samuel 6, the Israelites, led by David, provide the “new cart.”
- Procedure: The procedure for transporting the Ark differs between the two passages. In 1 Samuel 6, the Philistines use the “new cart” with milk cows that have never had a yoke before (1 Samuel 6:7-8). In 2 Samuel 6, David uses a “new cart” with Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, driving it.
- Outcome: The outcome of the two events is also different. In 1 Samuel 6, the Philistines return the Ark, and the people of Bethshemesh rejoice. However, in 2 Samuel 6, the use of the “new cart” leads to tragedy as Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark and God strikes him down (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
Theological Significance:
The differences between the two “new carts” highlight the importance of following God’s instructions and respecting the sacred nature of the Ark. In 1 Samuel 6, the Philistines show caution in returning the Ark, while in 2 Samuel 6, David’s mistake reminds us to follow God’s commands.
Using the “new cart” in 2 Samuel 6 becomes a symbol of David’s failure to understand the Ark’s significance and the importance of following God’s instructions. This event serves as a warning to David and the Israelites, emphasizing the need for reverence, obedience, and humility in their approach to worship.
Respond
Today’s message has lessons for two groups of people.
First, unbelievers (those who have never accepted Christ as their savior) should learn to respect the things of God. When you do, God will bless you.
Second, those who have believed. So-called Christians should beware of new ways to handle the sacred things of God.
God’s Word and God’s will do not change with society. They stay the same forever. Knowing this, resist the temptation to take shortcuts with God. Avoid looking for an easier way to accomplish God’s will.
If you don’t, you may get troublesome results, despite your good intentions.
