Return of The Ark

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Return of The Ark"
The Chosen People with Yael Eckstein
Episode Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host/Author: Pray.com

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Return of The Ark," Yael Eckstein delves into a pivotal moment in the Old Testament—the triumphant yet tumultuous return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem under King David's leadership. This episode masterfully intertwines dramatic storytelling with profound theological insights, offering listeners both an engaging narrative and deep reflections on faith, obedience, and reverence.

Narrative Overview

The episode opens with a recounting of King David's exuberant plan to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. Fueled by victory over the Philistines and a desire to cement Israel as a God-centered kingdom, David's enthusiasm leads to a grand procession intended to honor God. However, this well-intentioned celebration swiftly turns tragic when Uzzah, one of Abinadab's sons tasked with guarding the Ark, intervenes to steady the Ark's cart as it slips, resulting in his untimely death.

Key Narrative Points:

1. David's Vision and Enthusiasm:

   • David (00:50): Describes the Ark being carried to Ciriad Jaharim and the dedication of Abinadab's son, Eleazar, to its guardianship.

2. Michal's Disapproval:

   • Michal (00:35 & 08:09): Expresses skepticism and anger towards the Ark's capture and the ensuing losses, highlighting personal and national stakes.

3. The Grand Procession:

   • David (07:16): Advocates for the Ark's central place in Jerusalem, emphasizing its divine significance.

4. Tragedy Strikes:

   • Uzzah (13:25): Attempts to save the Ark, leading to his fatal encounter with the divine.
   • David's Reaction (14:57): Grapples with anger, confusion, and fear following Uzzah's death.

5. Divine Repercussions:

   • Nathan (17:43): Delivers news of blessings upon Obed Edom's household, contrasting with the tragedy experienced by David's entourage.

6. David's Transformation:

   • David (21:35 & 26:35): Moves from joyful celebration to humble servitude, symbolizing a shift from pride to reverence.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• David on Heart Wandering (00:12):
  "God's presence hadn't left Israel. It was their hearts that had drifted far from the Lord as a fleet of ships lost to the raging seas."

• Michal's Anguish (08:16):
  "I'll be in my chambers."

• Uzzah's Plea (14:43):
  "Is the God I serve, not who I thought he was?"

• Nathan's Wisdom (19:40):
  "Obey is better than sacrifice."

• Yael Eckstein's Insight (33:59):
  "God is not manageable, but he has made himself knowable. He is not safe, but he is very, very good."

Key Moments and Discussions

1. The Joyous Procession and Its Pitfall

David's initial attempt to honor God with grandeur leads to Uzzah's death, underscoring the delicate balance between celebration and reverence. The narrative captures the tension between human enthusiasm and divine holiness, illustrating how good intentions can falter without proper obedience.

2. Michal's Critique and Personal Struggles

Michal, David's wife, represents skepticism and the personal cost of national ambitions. Her disdain for David's exuberant worship reflects the internal conflicts that arise when personal and national identities clash. Her lines, such as "You should be ashamed of yourself" (28:58), highlight the strains within David's household.

3. Divine Discipline and Reflection

Uzzah's tragic death serves as a stark reminder of God's holiness and the consequences of mishandling sacred matters. David's subsequent fear and retreat into humility mark a turning point, emphasizing the need for reverence over spectacle.

4. Nathan's Counsel and David's Transformation

Nathan emerges as a voice of wisdom, advising David to adopt humility and obedience over pomp. His counsel, "Obey is better than sacrifice" (19:40), encapsulates the episode's central theme. David's eventual embrace of servant leadership, seen in his actions like baking bread alongside his servants (26:35), signifies a profound personal and spiritual transformation.

5. Yael Eckstein's Theological Reflections

Yael intertwines the narrative with theological insights, highlighting the balance between love and fear in one's relationship with God. She draws parallels between David's experience and contemporary faith journeys, urging listeners to seek a harmonious relationship with the divine that encompasses both reverence and love.

Insights and Conclusions

Yael Eckstein uses the story of David and the Ark to explore broader themes of worship, obedience, and the nature of God's holiness. She emphasizes that true worship is not merely about outward expressions but about maintaining a posture of reverence and obedience. The episode challenges listeners to examine their own faith practices, ensuring that their desire to honor God is grounded in obedience and respect rather than mere spectacle.

Key Takeaways:

• Balance in Worship: Authentic worship requires a balance between joy and reverence, passion and obedience.

• God's Holiness: Understanding God's holiness involves recognizing both His mercy and the seriousness with which He regards His commandments.

• Personal Transformation: David's journey from exuberant celebration to humble servitude serves as a model for personal spiritual growth and the importance of humility in leadership.

• Lessons for Today: The narrative encourages modern believers to approach their faith with both love and respect, ensuring that their actions align with divine expectations.

Final Reflections

"Return of The Ark" serves as a profound reminder of the complexities inherent in faith leadership and the importance of aligning one's actions with divine will. Through rich storytelling and insightful analysis, Yael Eckstein invites listeners to reflect deeply on their own spiritual journeys, encouraging a faith that honors God with both heart and obedience.

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Transcript

[David]

Previously on the Chosen People.

[Uzzah]

I say we bring back the Ark.

[David]

Of the Covenant here. If the Lord is with us in.

[Uzzah]

Battle, the Philistines will undoubtedly fall like grass before the scythe.

[David]

But in their fervor, they had failed to reflect on the true nature of their defeat. God's presence hadn't left Israel. It was their hearts that had drifted far from the Lord as a fleet of ships lost to the raging seas. As the Philistines neared the Ark, panic ripped through the Israelite ranks like wildfire.

[Michal]

The Ark of God has been captured and all glory has departed.

[Uzzah]

We cannot keep the Ark. Both Ashdod and Gath nearly perished because of it.

[David]

The Ark was dutifully carried to Ciriad Jaharim. It was brought to the house of Abinadab, a reverend man who had devoted himself to caring for the Ark. He consecrated his son Eleazar to guard the Ark and did so faithfully for 20 years.

[Uzzah]

He won't see my face till he brings me Michael. She will be my peace offering. This again, David, Please, for the love of God, let it rest.

[David]

Michal is with another man.

[Uzzah]

She's my wife by right. I paid for her in Philistine blood. Saul gave her away like a trinket. I want her return.

[David]

Mishal was torn from the arms of the man she had come to love. Her place was beside David. Now, by rights of first marriage and by the slow, cruel arithmetic of kingship.

[Michal]

This is an iHeart podcast.

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[Yael Eckstein]

The road to God's presence is paved with reverence, not spectacle. Shalom, my friends. From here in the Holy land of Israel, I'm Yael Eckstein with International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. And welcome to the chosen people. What happens when we mistake celebration for obedience? What happens when we seek to honor God but forget how he's asked to be honored? Today we find ourselves standing alongside David, who is bursting with joy, eager to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. A good desire, no doubt. But what follows is no triumphal march. It's something far more human, far more costly. The chosen people have always longed to walk with God. But to walk with God is to walk on holy ground. And holy ground demands more than good intentions.

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[David]

The skies above Jerusalem were clear and the sun poured like molten gold over the city's stones. David basked in the light, arms outstretched, feeling the euphoria of victory. Having just vanquished the Philistines in battle and secured the borders around Gibeah, David knew it was time to establish Israel as a thriving kingdom under the rule and reign of God Most High. He turned back to Mishaal and Abigail, who were tending to the palace halls in preparation for a meeting of the elders.

[Uzzah]

It's time to bring the presence of the Lord here to Jerusalem. This can't be Israel's capital unless the Ark of the Covenant is here in our midst.

[David]

Abigail smiled at the thought.

[Michal]

The Ark resides in the house of Abinadab, does it not? The hope of Israel shouldn't be hidden.

[Yael Eckstein]

And tucked away like that.

[Uzzah]

My thoughts exactly, Michael. What say you?

[David]

Michel shrugged, refusing to give David a passing glance. She had been torn away from her life, her husband, and brought to David like a piece of property. It was a failure of character, David refused to admit.

[Michal]

Do what you want, David. You do little else. It seems.

[Uzzah]

You'll be so cold by cold, no. We're talking about the Ark of the Covenant, the presence of God himself.

[Michal]

The same God that turned on my father. Forgive me if I'm not Bringing out my tambourines.

[N/A]

Have your celebration.

[Michal]

I'll be in my chambers.

[David]

Misha left without looking back. Abigail watched her leave, then turned to David.

[Michal]

She's not going to stop being angry with you. She was brought here against her will. It was the same with me and Nabal.

[Uzzah]

Are you really comparing me to Nabal?

[Michal]

Of course not. But look at her situation.

[Uzzah]

Michael and I had something once. I have to believe she'll turn around.

[Michal]

David, as your wife, I can accept that. As a king, you need marriages to hold alliances. But Michael was brought for a different reason.

[Uzzah]

And what reason is that?

[Michal]

She's also your last tie to Jonathan. But having her won't bring him back.

[David]

David winced at that. Abigail had always had a gift for prodding him in a way that turned his heart. She wasn't jealous or petty. She was a clear and sober thinker. David needed her. Abigail left, leaving David alone with his thoughts. Jonathan. David longed to have him by his side again. For counsel, for laughter. David sighed.

[Uzzah]

Jonathan would agree. The Ark of the Covenant needs to be here.

[David]

He smiled, forgetting his marital struggles, and turned to his attendants with a clap of joy.

[Uzzah]

Gather all the young men of Israel. Gather the assembly of God and the musicians. It's time to bring the Ark into the heart of our nation.

[David]

A tide of joy swept the land, sharp and bright. Trumpets rang through the streets, and drums pounded with a cadence that stirred the blood. In the midst of this celebration stood King David, arms thrown wide, his voice lifted with the people's songs. A sea of 30,000 men marched behind him, their faces lit with the fire of hope. He took them to Bailey Judah to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was hidden in Abinadab's home, where his sons, Uzzah and Ahio, stood reverently as the king approached, David approached with a beaming smile and booming voice.

[Uzzah]

Abinadab, may the Lord bless you and your sons for your faithful stewardship over the Ark of God. We've come to bring it into the heart of Jerusalem where it belongs.

[David]

Abinadab looked over David's shoulders, brows up in confusion. My king, where are the Levites to carry the. Where are the poles to carry it?

[Uzzah]

I've done better. I brought a cart adorned with jewels and a procession of dancers and musicians. Only the best for our God.

[David]

Abinadab's face bent in reluctance, but he had not the confidence to question the king. He and his sons led David through a narrow corridor to a chamber dimly lit by oil lamps. There, cloaked in age and reverence, stood The Ark. David's throat tightened. He gazed at it, entranced.

[Uzzah]

O Lord, it's time. Let the Ark return. Let Israel be near to her God once more.

[David]

The procession began. The ark was placed upon the cart, Uzzah and Ahio guiding the oxen forward, their hands trembling. Abinadab trailed behind, eyes shifting in worry. He knew that this wasn't the way. Around them, the music swelled. Lyres strummed, tambourines danced in eager hands, and cymbals crashed like waves on the shore. David led it all, heart brimming with joy, feet stamping to the rhythm of worship. They had forgotten that the ark was not merely golden wood. It was fire, cloaked in water. Mercy and fire, when mishandled, consumes. David was so caught up in his euphoria that he failed to notice the jagged surface of the path descending into Jerusalem. The oxen pulling the cart stumbled and the cart groaned under the sudden shift. A wheel lifted, the axle bent, and the ark began to slip. The golden cherubim tilted, and the sacred vessel teetered dangerously near the edge. Azza, son of Abinadab, saw it falling. His breath caught in his throat. He leaped to the cart's edge to catch the Ark. Abinadab saw it all happen slowly.

[Uzzah]

Uzzah, no.

[David]

But it was too late. Uzzah reached out. David turned, and all time stood still. The moment his hand touched the ark, the sky broke open without a sound. It was like a single drumbeat. Uzzer gasped, clutched at his chest as if his heart had caught flame and crumbled to the earth. His body hit the ground with a sound like the end of a song. A terrible silence followed. The oxen was still. The musicians lowered their instruments. 30,000 men held their breath, and not one dared move. David ran forward. He dropped to his knees beside the fallen man, gathering Uzzah into his arms. The young man's face, moments ago lit with joy, was now pale, cold void. David's lips trembled. His voice, when it came, was small and broken.

[Uzzah]

He only meant to protect it.

[David]

David looked up at the ark, brow furrowed in anger and confusion.

[Uzzah]

Is this your justice, Lord? Is this your mercy? We sang of your greatness, your gentleness. We danced in your name, and you strike down the faithful.

[David]

No answer came. The Ark remained silent. Holy, untouchable. David rose to his feet. Slowly, anger flared beneath his sorrow. He turned back to his men, to the priests, to the thousands who looked to him for strength. But there was no speech, no comfort. The king turned from the Ark.

[Uzzah]

Take U.S.A. return him home.

[David]

With his father, they obeyed, lifting Uzzah's lifeless form and carrying him away with solemn steps. Behind them, the great host stood like statues awash in disbelief. David lingered, his eyes on the Ark. He did not approach, could not? His heart, once so full, now thudded hollow in his chest. A single question gnawed at him like a worm in wood.

[Uzzah]

Is the God I serve, not who I. I thought he was?

[David]

He turned away. Across the fields nestled between twin hills stood the home of Obed Edom, the gittite. The ark was brought to him. No songs this time. No liars. Only silence. David returned to Jerusalem with his men, but he did not ride tall in the saddle. David was terrified of the God he once called Good Shepherd. The fire crackled and danced before David. He sat with his elbows on his knees, hands folded over his mouth, eyes lost in the slow spiraling drift of smoke toward the open rafters above. He had not spoken to anyone of substance in hours, perhaps days. The king was not often silent, but when he brooded, even the bravest of his men gave him space. Three moons had passed since Uzzah's death, and still the question lingered like smoke in David's soul.

[Uzzah]

Why? Why death? Our hearts were joyful. We were. We were doing a good thing.

[David]

He could not forget Uzzah's face, how life had fled it. In a breath, David rubbed his temples and leaned forward, gazing into the coals. He was still staring into the hearth when the knock came. Nathan stepped through the door.

[Uzzah]

Ah, Nathan. To what do I owe this visit?

[David]

Nathan took a seat beside David and stared into the hearth.

[Nathan]

There's news from the house of Obed Edom.

[David]

David stiffened. He feared the worst.

[Uzzah]

What's happened? Was he struck down?

[Nathan]

Quite the opposite. The Lord has blessed him.

[David]

David turned slowly.

[Uzzah]

In what? In what way?

[Nathan]

In every way, it would seem. His cattle have doubled, his sons are prospering, and his daughters have taken godly men as husbands. I'm told his eldest is to have another child, his sixth grandchild. They say peace rests on the house like morning dew, and none can speak ill of them.

[David]

David's mouth parted slightly, but no words came.

[Uzzah]

How could this be? The Ark slays an innocent man on the road to glory, but but blesses another collecting dust in some farmer's home.

[Nathan]

Road to glory? Is that what you call that little parade of yours? What was so glorious about it?

[Uzzah]

There were jewels, music, dancers, yet no.

[Nathan]

Levites, no wooden poles, no ephods, no bowl offering. No obedience.

[Uzzah]

No obedience?

[Nathan]

Obed Edom has not been stricken he's been embraced not for his station or for pomp or parade, but for reverence, for quiet, for obedience. The Ark had found a home in a place of humility, not spectacle.

[Uzzah]

David, you're saying I should have somberly marched the Ark to Jerusalem like a. Like a funeral procession?

[Nathan]

I'm saying that the Lord does not see as a man. Man sees young David. If he wanted pomp and glitter, he would have kept Saul on the throne, the dashing warrior with broad shoulders, flashing banners and trumpets blaring behind him. But he chose the lowly shepherd instead, the one after God's own heart.

[Uzzah]

I tried to usher God's glory into Jerusalem on. On wheels of silver and songs of grandeur, using gold and music to shout God's holiness. But the Lord has not asked for tambourines or silver laced wheels on a wagon of gold. He's asked for reverence, for obedience.

[Nathan]

And to obey is better than sacrifice.

[David]

There was a silence between them, caught by a grunt from Nathan as he stood up from his seat.

[Nathan]

I learned that one from our old friend Samuel, of blessed memory. Now I will leave you with those pearls of wisdom. Ponder well, my king. Pray, repent. But no more sulking. It's unbecoming of you.

[David]

David watched Nathan leave, then reached for his lyre, the one he had not touched since the day the Ark slipped and Uzzah died. His fingers danced once again on the strings with care. The melody came slow, like a memory returning through the mist. Then the words came too, soft and aching.

[Uzzah]

Lord, I have given up my pride and arrogance. I shall not set my heart on things too great for me. Instead, I am calm and quiet, like a child in its mother's arms. My soul is still within me. O Israel, trust in the Lord now and forevermore.

[David]

He played it again, then again. The tunes stitched something back together inside him. David paused his strumming and looked out the window toward the night, toward the hill country where the Ark now sat in quiet glory. He still had questions, but pride would no longer be his counsellor. He would finish what he started, but this time, not on his terms. This time the king would approach the holy with fear, trembling song and obedience. The morning air was crisp. A thin mist curled above the hills like incense. No war horns rang, no banners flew, no golden cart gleamed in the sun. There wasn't even a crown on David's head. He came barefoot, clothed in a linen ephod, simple, common, the garment of a servant priest. His hair was unbound, curls bouncing off his shoulders. The Ark of the Covenant. Was coming home, and David would not meet it as a king. King, but as a worshipper, a servant. David had gathered Levites, not soldiers, not nobles, to bear the ark. Not on wheels of silver, not by oxen. Their shoulders bore its sacred weight on poles of acacia, just as Moses had commanded. And every six paces they walked. The procession halted. Blood stained the earth with every stop. Lambs and bulls were laid on carefully built altars, their smoke rising in solemn curls to the heavens. The air filled with the mingled perfume of praise and sacrifice, blood, incense, and the songs of men. David danced to it all. He did not walk with the measured steps of a ruler or the stiff march of a soldier. He danced with the wild, unrelenting joy of a man whose heart had been unshackled. He leaped and twirled, clapping his hands. His voice lifted in raw, unpolished worship. Dust flew beneath his feet and tears streaked the sweat of his cheeks. Cheeks. He was king, yet he danced as a child. He was a warrior, yet he sang as a worshipper. The ark passed through the gates, and with it came the winds of change. This was no parade of conquest. This was consecration. They were not merely a nation of tribes. Now they were the people of the living God, again, united beneath the Lord's presence. And David, dust covered and radiant, was the shepherd who had led them there. Yet not all were enthralled by the event. Michal stood still behind the lattice of her window, looking down at it all. Her arms were crossed, lips curled in disdain. She watched David the king, barefoot in the dust smeared with sweat and soot, dancing like some drunk fool. She narrowed her eyes.

[Michal]

That is the king of Israel, writhing around in rags like a lowborn zealot, half naked and hollering in the streets.

[David]

Her servants glanced at each other, unsure whether to nod or keep still.

[Michal]

My father would have never stooped so low.

[David]

David finished pitching the tent for the ark, stood, and wiped sweat from his brow. He breathed deep, as though the very air was sacred. Behind him, Levites moved with solemn hands, preparing offerings. Then he turned and called for his steward.

[Uzzah]

See that every mouth is fed today. Meat, bread, raisin cakes. No one shall go hungry on a day like this, my lord.

[Michal]

All of them.

[Uzzah]

The sons of Israel shall remember this day with full bellies and glad hearts. Take care that the poor are served first. And send word to the kitchens. I'll lend my hands.

[David]

David made his way to the kitchens. He rolled up his sleeves, brushed flour from his palms, and stepped into the heat of the ovens. There, shoulder to shoulder with his servants, the King of Israel, baked bread. He sang low and warm. The servants began to sing with him. Tension drained from the room. Laughter returned. Pans sizzled. Raisin cakes rose. In every gesture, every loaf, every song, David gave glory to God not from a throne, but from the hands of a servant. And in the high tower above, Michal watched and fumed. David returned to his household. The laughter of children greeted him at the door like a choir of angels. His arms were full with the last of the raisin cakes which he handed out to eager little hands. The scent of fresh bread and spiced meat filled the home. Little Absalom climbed into his lap and David held him close. His heart light. The room glowed with candlelight and joy, a rare stillness in a king's life. For a fleeting moment, it felt like peace. He sat among his family, surrounded by faces softened by food and firelight. They drank and ate and told stories. And David, holding his son close, began to recount the tale of the Ark and the journey it had taken to reach their city. His voice danced with awe. But warmth in the room chilled when Michal entered. She stood above him, arms crossed. David looked up and smiled, but her eyes were not kind.

[Uzzah]

What troubles you, my love? This is a joyous occasion. And yet you carry yourself as though. As though warning.

[David]

Michal dismissed his warmth with a flick of her hand.

[Michal]

I was merely pondering how the King of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself like a common street performer. You should be ashamed of yourself.

[David]

David's brow furrowed, and he sent Absalom to play with the other children. He looked across the table. Abigail gave David a knowing look. Rising from his seat, David looked into the eyes of Saul's daughter.

[Uzzah]

Ashamed. Ashamed to worship the Lord among his people.

[Michal]

They are your servants, David, not your equals. And you danced before them as though you were no better than they, frolicking like a child in the dust.

[Uzzah]

I danced before the Lord. The Lord who chose me above your father and his house, who appointed me ruler over Israel, his people. And I will worship him gladly. If I must look a fool in the eyes of men to please the Lord, then a fool I'll be.

[Michal]

You made a spectacle of yourself.

[Uzzah]

No. A spectacle was made when I paraded the Ark on a cart of silver and a man died for it. Today was not a spectacle. Today was repentance. Today I danced not as a king, but as a servant.

[Michal]

And your maidservants? What of them? Did they not enjoy your little display? Seeing you half naked in that epod, it was undignified.

[David]

David paused for a moment, feeling anger mounting. But then he looked closer at Michal. He could see the hurt underneath the anger. He thought about Abigail's words and realized that Michal's disdain was bleeding from wounds he had created. David's tone softened.

[Uzzah]

If it is embarrassment you feel for their eyes upon me, then I shall be more careful. I will honor you in that. But know this, Michael, I serve the Lord first. I'll become even more undignified than this. I'll be humiliated in my own eyes.

[David]

Nishal did not reply. She pulled from his touch and swept from the room like a cold wind. David watched her go but did not follow. He pitied her. She had not chosen this life, not truly. She had been a daughter of Saul and swept away in games of jealousy and ego. David didn't.

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[Michal]

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[David]

It against her Still, a shadow passed over their marriage. No children were born to them, for no love was made between them.

[Yael Eckstein]

Today's Bible story begins with the David we've come to know David the musician, David the psalmist, David the godly. The Bible records the scene for us. David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord with castanets, harps, liars, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals. David wasn't content to sit on the sidelines and politely clap his hands. No, he was leading the songs. He was leading the dancing. He was leaping before God with all of his might. But then, right in the middle of his joyous procession, tragedy strikes. One of the oxen carrying the ark stumbles, and a man named Uza reaches out and touches the Ark in order to stabilize it. And as a result, Uzzah was killed. Remember that scary scene from the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark when the Nazis open the Ark of the Covenant and melt away, all while Indiana Jones doesn't look at the Ark and he survives? Well, David hadn't seen that movie. Of course. He'd seen something real. He watched Uzzah die. So understandably, David was alarmed and no longer wanted the Ark so close to him. So he sent the Ark somewhere else instead, to the home of Obed Edom. And there it stayed for three months. During those three months, the house of Obed Edom prospered and flourished so much that was obvious that the Ark had brought the blessings. And after that, David relented and joyously brought the Ark back to his city. And in the meantime, David learned a very important lesson. He learned that there needs to be a balance between closeness to God and reverent separation. To only fear God limits the blessings that come from having loving relationship with Him. But to only love God without any kind of fear or respect diminishes that relationship. Yes, God is our loving Father, but He is also our king. As our Father, he loves unconditionally. As our king, we must respect and obey Him. It's our job as his chosen people to relate to God in both ways and to keep a healthy balance between the two. After the Ark of the Covenant finally did arrive in the holy city of Jerusalem, 1st Chronicles 16 tells us that David wrote a special poem for the very occasion. David's poem begins like this. Give thanks to the Lord, Hodu Lashem. Call upon his name. Make his deeds known among the peoples. But the beginning of David's poem also makes me ask a question. Why does it direct us to call on his name after already telling us to give thanks to the Lord? If we've just thanked God, haven't we already called on his name? Now, the first person in the Bible who called on the name of the Lord was Abraham. Right after God sent him on his journey to the promised land and called on Abraham to be a blessing to the earth. Genesis 12:8 tells us that Abraham built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord. Abraham's mission was to spread knowledge of the one true God to all people. So when the Bible tells us that he called on the name of the Lord, the meaning is clear. Abraham went around teaching people about God. And so when you read this verse, we can understand that this is exactly what David was doing Here too. We repay God for his kindness to us by giving him the one thing he asks of all people of faith. It's the same thing he asked of Abraham. God wants us to spread knowledge of him to everyone on earth. The gift of gratitude that we can give God is to spread his name and our faith to others. David was overjoyed by the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem. It was a great accomplishment for him as king. But David didn't just celebrate. He spread his faith and knowledge of God to others. My friends, let's let our own feelings of gratitude to God be the foundation for teaching others about him. But there was at least one person who didn't appreciate David's joyful worship, and that was his wife Michal, who criticizes what she sees as her husband's antics as he wildly danced before the ark. But most Jewish sages see David's worship as essential to the service of joy. Having joy before the Lord. The Hasidim, the Hasidic Jews, really emphasize this in their worship. They pray with singing and dancing. But even the mainstream Jewish practice singing. But even in the mainstream Jewish practice, singing and dancing, as long as they reflect true and honest joy, are an essential aspect of God's service. And we see this in Christian churches as well. Yes, we still need a level of restraint and respect like we see in David's second procession with the Ark. But joyfully worshiping God, well, it's an essential part of the chosen people's faith. Let's Be honest. It's a hard story to sit with. We want the presence of God to be beautiful, comforting, maybe even predictable. We want our worship to work, to lead, to blessing, not to a body on the ground. But here's the uncomfortable truth. The presence of God is not safe. And the Bible doesn't try to smooth that over. It presses the question, how close can we come to the Holy One without being undone? The Jewish sages teach us that God is kadosh, so holy that he cannot be approached lightly. But they also teach that he is rakum, that he's tender and merciful, full of compassion. And if that sounds like a contradiction, well, maybe that's because we've forgotten what true holiness really is. What if it's not about wrath versus mercy? What if it's about a God who is so holy, so utterly good, that even his discipline is part of his love? You see, the same God who let Uzzah die is the same God who walked with Abraham, who wrestled with Jacob, and who called out to Moses from the bush. And that same God who still comes closer again and again and again, is the God that we get to know. God is not manageable, but he has made himself knowable. He is not safe, but he is very, very good. So what does this story mean for us? It means that worship isn't just a song. It's a posture. It means that good intentions matter, but obedience matters more and means that when we fail, we don't need to run from God. We return to him in reverence, like David did. We try again, this time with humility. I know life doesn't always feel holy. Maybe today you feel like David after Uzzah's death. Confused, hurt, wondering if you've misunderstood everything. And that's okay. Don't turn away. Turn deeper in. Ask your questions. Approach slowly. Listen. And when it's time, take that first step again. Lift your voice and carry what he's asked you to carry. Because this isn't just David's story. It's ours.

[David]

You can listen to the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein ad free by downloading and subscribing to the pray.com app today. This pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Schellewaga and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People with Jael Eckstein. Edited by Alberto Avila Narrated by Paul Coltofianu Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and the opening prayer is voiced by John Moore. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosley and Chris Baig. Special thanks to Bishop Paul Lanier, Robin Van Etten, Caleb Burrows, Jocelyn Fuller and the team at International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. You can hear more Pray.com productions on the Pray.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People with Yael Eckstein, please rate and leave a review.

[Michal]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway now through July 15th. Stock up on all your favorite personal care brands and earn four times points to use on later purchases. For discounts on groceries or gas. Shop in store or online for items like Pantene Shampoo, Old Spice, Total Body Deodorant, Tampax Pearl, Venus Razors, Head and Shoulder Shampoo, Olay Body Wash and Pantene conditioner and earn 4 times points. Hurry before these deals are gone. Offer ends July 15th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[N/A]

You're great at protecting your own personal information. You probably even use things like two factor authentication, strong passwords and a vpn. But as much as you try to be in control of how your information is protected, there are lots of places that also have it and they might not be as careful as you are. That's why LifeLock monitors millions of data points every second for identity threats. If your identity is stolen, a LifeLock US based restoration specialist will help solve identity theft issues on your behalf, guaranteed or your money back. Plus, all LifeLock plans are backed by the million dollar protection package, meaning LifeLock will reimburse you up to the limits of your plan. If you lose money due to identity theft, you might not be able to control how others handle your personal information, but you can help protect it with LifeLock. Save up to 40% your first year. Call 1-800-LIFELock and use promo code iHEART or go to lifelock.com iheart for 40% off terms apply.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's me, your heart.

[Uzzah]

Mind if I pick the next song?

[David]

Listen, even though we're eating better, people.

[Uzzah]

Who'Ve had one heart attack are at higher risk of an But Repatha Evolocumab plus a statin lowers LDL C, our bad cholesterol and our heart attack risk. So let's talk to our doctor about Repatha.

[N/A]

Do not take Repatha if you're allergic to it.

[Michal]

Serious allergic reactions can occur.

[N/A]

Get medical help right away if you.

[Michal]

Have trouble breathing or swallowing Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or arms. Common side effects include runny nose, sore.

[N/A]

Throat, common cold symptoms, flu or flu like symptoms back pain, high blood sugar.

[Michal]

And redness pain or bruising at the injection site. View the important safety information in our banner. Listen to your heart. Ask your doctor about Repatha.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Nourishes like a smoothie and sizzles like a smash burger. Easy to pick up and hard to put down. Made from plants and grills like beef. See, it's not. Or it's and and that's what I love about impossible. Just this weekend, a couple impossible burgers. Put them on the grill.

[David]

Boom.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Felt like I was having a cheat meal without the feeling of the guilt of a cheat meal. It's not just burgers. They got hot dogs, chicken. Everything you need for your summer menu. Look for the impossible red packaging at your local grocery store today.

[Michal]

This is an I Heart podcast.