1 Samuel Chapter 7
When the men of Beth Shemesh received the ark of the Lord, disaster befell them to the tune of 50,700 of them struck dead by the Lord. However, when the men of Kirjath Jearim received the ark of the Lord, we see a great difference. Not only was the reception incident-free, the ark remained with them for a long time; twenty years to be exact.
Wherein lies the difference?
One group was God-fearing while the other was not.
God gave very specific instructions on the handling of the ark.
The priests can minister in the tabernacle and altar only after consecration (Ex 19:22, 29:44). No one else, not even the Levites who are tasked to move the ark can touch the ark. (Num 4:15 and 2 Sam 6:1-7). They should only carry the ark on their shoulders using the poles (1 Chron 15:15). The act of looking into the ark, or even trying to look into the ark, will mean utter disregard for the commandment of the Lord. (Deut 8:6)
This chapter also offered valuable insight into the work of Samuel. In just a few sentences, we see the dedication of a worker of God, one that all of us who love the Lord, should aspire towards.
15 “And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 16 He went from year to year on a circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and judged Israel in all those places. 17 But he always returned to Ramah, for his home was there. There he judged Israel, and there he built an altar to the Lord.” (Verses 15 to 17)
Samuel did not cease to do the work of an intercessor between men and God, he is deeply concern with the building of the faith and knowledge of the people in the ways of God.
Let us in like manner, be concern with the matters of God as well and may we also proudly proclaim “Ebenezer”.