2. The Ark of the Covenant King David Brings It To Jerusalem

3. Why did the LORD let us lose? Let’s go get Him so we will win. (1 Sam 4:3) Picture a rainy night, miserable weather chaos. - dead all around. Philistines winning the war... Where is God???

4. The Ark of the Covenant - God’s Promise that He would never leave the Israelites and drive out their enemies. With strict instructions this Box with lampstands, permanent offerings, holy manna, and other symbols also included God’s Ten Commandments. The Covenant of God, physically represented by the Ark, included the promise that the Israelites were God’s chosen people and worth saving from Egypt. The promise “I will go with you and give you victory.” Exodus 34:11 Exodus 37 Deut 10:1-22 Exodus 34:14

5. But the Covenant Box had the opposite effect... The Philistines won the battle and “God’s Box” was captured. The priesthood was disgraced and despatched. God brought his Ark back to high ground, and settled at Abinadab’s house. For twenty years, the Ark of the Covenant remained in Kiriath Jearim while King Saul and King David secured the land of Israel by human means... 1 Sam 4:9 1 Sam 4:18 1 Sam 6:2 1 Chr 13: 3 1 Sam 7:2