1 Chronicles 16:19-22 (ESV)
When you were few in number,
of little account, and sojourners in it,
wandering from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another people,
he allowed no one to oppress them;
he rebuked kings on their account,
saying, “Touch not my anointed ones,
do my prophets no harm!”
The above is from a prayer of David. David has just brought the Ark to Jerusalem and placed it into the tent of the Tabernacle. They have celebrated as a nation the return of the Ark to its rightful place. Previously, the Ark was used in a recent battle, almost like a good luck charm. It was in the battle where Saul lost his life.
The first time David attempted to bring it back it was placed on a cart. One of David’s soldiers died when he reached out to touch the Ark. However, this time David had the priest carry the Ark, as prescribed by the Law. Upon its safe return, David breaks out in song. The above lines reflect what David was hearing from God in his act of praise. God reminded him that it was God Himself who protected the nation. It was God who made sure that when they were in the wilderness, under Moses’ leadership, that God would protect them. It is God who protects and watches over us. Note what the famous Psalm 91 (probably written by Moses or David) says about God’s protection:
Psalms 91:1-6 (ESV)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
This is our theme and hope of life. It is not by our efforts that we survive this world. It is by God’s power and grace. He wants us to find refuge in Him.
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