Back to all lyrics
Artwork for Touch Not the Ark

1 Chronicles 13:1-14:17

Touch Not the Ark

Lyrics · 1 Chronicles

Touch Not the Ark

1 Chronicles 13:1-14:17

Lyrics

About this song

About this song

This song belongs to the 1 Chronicles collection. One recording is available to play here, with the complete lyrics below.

Bible book
1 Chronicles
Collection
1 Chronicles
Musical styles
Uncategorized
[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.

Named in this songDavidEgyptJerusalem

About the passage

1 Chronicles 13: A joyful procession stops at a breach

David proposes bringing the ark back into national attention after the neglect associated with Saul's days, and the plan receives broad approval. All Israel gathers, music fills the procession, and the ark is placed on a new cart. Yet good intention, consensus, new equipment, and vigorous celebration do not make the method correct. When the oxen stumble, Uzza touches the ark and dies. David's anger turns to fear, the journey stops, and the ark is taken to Obed-edom's house. The chapter would be easy to reduce to danger if it ended there, but it does not. The same ark remains with Obed-edom for three months, and the Lord blesses his household. The failed procession therefore becomes an unresolved interruption that chapter 15 will answer through corrected order rather than abandoned joy.

Study 1 Chronicles 13 in depth

1 Chronicles 14: The king asks again

David's establishment in Jerusalem becomes visible through Hiram's materials, skilled builders, and the growth of the royal household, yet David understands the elevation of his kingdom as something done for Israel's sake. The chapter then turns to two Philistine attacks in the same valley. The repetition exposes an important discipline: David asks God both times. The first answer sends him directly against the enemy and produces the name Baal-perazim through the image of God breaking forth. The second answer gives a different route and a signal in the trees. Similar circumstances do not justify reusing the first instruction without fresh inquiry. David's growing fame follows obedience to specific direction, while the Lord remains the one who goes before him and spreads fear among the nations.

Study 1 Chronicles 14 in depth