1Sa 7:1 | MHM | STEP | The Ark at Kirjath-jearim This section describes how the ark of God was moved to Kirjath-jearim after the troubles in Beth-shemesh. The people of this new city treated the ark with respect and care, unlike the last city. The ark stayed there for many years—mostly forgotten—until King David would later bring it to Jerusalem. During this time, Israel slowly realized how much they needed God’s presence among them. v. 1 : The men of Kirjath-jearim quickly came to take the ark of the Lord after being asked . Unlike the people of Beth-shemesh, they were not afraid of the ark but welcomed it gladly. They understood that the troubles at Beth-shemesh happened because people had disrespected the ark, not because the ark itself was dangerous. God’s ordinances should be treated with respect, not fear. The people of Kirjath-jearim prepared a proper place for the ark. They brought it to the house of Abinadab, which was probably the best house in their city or belonged to a faithful man. They also chose Eleazar, Abinadab’s son, to care for the ark. They set him apart, or “sanctified” him, for this special job. He was to guard the ark and make sure no one treated it carelessly. This was not the usual way to handle the ark, but under the circumstances, it was the best they could do. Sometimes regular people, not priests, have to step up when there is a need.

‏ 1 Samuel 7:1

The Ark at Kirjath-jearim

This section describes how the ark of God was moved to Kirjath-jearim after the troubles in Beth-shemesh. The people of this new city treated the ark with respect and care, unlike the last city. The ark stayed there for many years—mostly forgotten—until King David would later bring it to Jerusalem. During this time, Israel slowly realized how much they needed God’s presence among them.

v. 1: The men of Kirjath-jearim quickly came to take the ark of the Lord after being asked . Unlike the people of Beth-shemesh, they were not afraid of the ark but welcomed it gladly. They understood that the troubles at Beth-shemesh happened because people had disrespected the ark, not because the ark itself was dangerous. God’s ordinances should be treated with respect, not fear.

The people of Kirjath-jearim prepared a proper place for the ark. They brought it to the house of Abinadab, which was probably the best house in their city or belonged to a faithful man. They also chose Eleazar, Abinadab’s son, to care for the ark. They set him apart, or “sanctified” him, for this special job. He was to guard the ark and make sure no one treated it carelessly. This was not the usual way to handle the ark, but under the circumstances, it was the best they could do. Sometimes regular people, not priests, have to step up when there is a need.