Lyrics · 1 Chronicles
Touch Not the Ark
1 Chronicles 13:1-14:17
[Verse 1]
David consults captains and leaders concerning a national gathering.
The purpose is to bring back the ark neglected in Saul's days.
Israel gathers from Shihor of Egypt to the entrance of Hamath.
A new cart carries the ark from Abinadab's house.
[Pre-Chorus]
The people drew near, but not by careless way,
Holiness ordered every word and day.
[Chorus]
Touch Not the Ark, keep the covenant in view,
Every word and ordered service true.
From altar, ark, and house the witness rose,
The holy God alone the ending knows.
[Verse 2]
Uzza reaches out and takes hold of the ark.
Divine anger strikes Uzza dead beside the ark.
David is displeased and names the place Perez-uzza.
The ark remains three months with Obed-edom, whose household is blessed.
[Bridge]
David perceives that God has confirmed and exalted his kingdom for Israel's sake.
The royal household grows in Jerusalem.
David inquires and defeats Philistines at Baal-perazim, burning their abandoned gods.
A second victory follows the sound in the mulberry trees.
[Final Chorus]
Touch Not the Ark, keep the covenant in view,
Every word and ordered service true.
From altar, ark, and house the witness rose,
The holy God alone the witness shows.
[Outro]
The lamps burned low, the ordered service stayed.
The covenant remembered every vow that had been made.

