​So David would not remove the ark of the Lord unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obed–edom the Gittite.  And the ark of the Lord continued in the house of Obed–edom the Gittite three months: and the Lord blessed Obed–edom, and all his household.

2 Samuel 6:10‭-‬11 KJV

The Ark is brought aside to the house of Obed-Edom. Here we see a great contrast. We see the fear and presumption of Uzza and then we see the devotion and reverence of Obed-Edom and his family. 

The Ark arrives on the back of tragedy. We see that nor even the smoke that arises from the ashes of Uzza’s demise has fully arisen that Obed-Edom is greeted with something great and terrible. The Ark is brought aside; turned aside. This represents not only a turning point for this family but for all of us. 

I have written before that the Christian walk is replete with turning points; where tragedy marks the beginning opening us up to immense insecurities which by nature of understanding we come into the lessons afforded by the experience. No more is a turning point than a death! Death opens up to us the perspective of our finite existence and our temporary abode! Yet on the back of this death Obed-Edom receives the symbol of God’s Glory into His home. 

It is received with great joy and great respect. And from this stage of life manifestations of God’s own pleasure began to flow throughout the household! I am sure that the whole household ran their lives around devotion and prayer and harmony; receiving from its very presence the very wisdom that avoided conflicts and misunderstanding .

It is noted throughout that Obed-Edom was blessed until the news of this blessing reached the ears of the King. David knew his quest to bring the Ark was not vain but it required divine order to be followed. 

Many times in history has God “turned aside” to bless and use a family to speak to a nation from a small house so that the palaces of royalty know that they must bring God into the central place of the nation.

Could God send “His Ark” into our home? Could He not light a fire of dynamic spiritual life and revival to stir a nation to seek again? I believe so. 

And although the Ark stayed in their home 3 months they were anointed so that in the New Tabernacle David knew that they would be able to minister to the Ark where ever and please God. 

May we too be part of wherever the Ark goes as we learn how to please Him and from pleasing Him we shall go onto serving Him! 

Shalom.