Bible Study: 1 Chronicles 14-15

Background & Recap

David established as king over all Israel after 7 years in Hebron.
Conquers Jebus (renames Jerusalem, capital).
Seeks to centralize worship by bringing Ark of the Covenant (symbol of God's presence between cherubim) to Jerusalem.
Prior failed attempt (ch. 13): Ark on ox cart (not per Mosaic law); Uzzah dies touching it; Ark stays 3 months at Obed-Edom's house (blessed); David pauses to correct method.

David knows Lord established his exalted kingdom for Israel's sake.
Takes more wives in Jerusalem; begets sons/daughters: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Eliphelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Eliada, Eliphelet.
Weakness: Violates Deut 17 (kings not to multiply wives; God designs one man, one woman).

Philistines raid Valley of Rephaim to attack David.
David inquires of God twice:
- First: "Go up"; victory at Baal-perazim ("Lord of breakthrough"); Philistines abandon idols, burned per Deut 7.
- Second: Circle, attack opposite mulberry trees when sound of marching heard (God goes before); rout from Gibeon to Gezer (~17 miles).
Principle: When enemy pursues, fight on knees (inquire of God); spiritual warfare real (Satan attacks via minions).
David's fame spreads; fear of him on nations.

David builds houses in City of David; pitches tent for Ark (acacia wood/gold overlaid, 3.75x2.25x2.25 ft; contains Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, manna; mercy seat with cherubim).
Correct transport: Levites carry on shoulder poles (not cart).
Gathers Israel; assembles Levites/priests: chiefs Uriel (120), Asaiah (220), Joel (130), Shemaiah (200), Eliel (80), Amminadab (112); Zadok, Abiathar.
Levites sanctify: ceremonial baths (mikvah), clean linen garments (no wool), abstain from sex (per Ex 19), sin/burnt offerings.
Appoints musicians: Heman, Asaph, Ethan (sons of Joel/Berechiah/Kushaiah); Cananiah (music leader); trumpeters (Berechiah, etc.); doorkeepers (Obed-Edom, Jehiah).

Joyful: shouting, horns, trumpets, cymbals, harps, stringed instruments.
David wears linen ephod/robe (not royal; blends as common worshiper; only God is King).
Offer 7 bulls/7 rams.
Michal (Saul's daughter, David's wife) despises David dancing (undignified); absent from procession (per 2 Sam 6:23, barren till death).

Worship God-centric (not me-centric; critiques modern songs like "Made for More").
Prioritize Scripture obedience, prayer in battle, reverence for holy things.