Bible Study To Touch A Holy Thing.

[Chopper]

In my study of the history of Israel in the "Old Covenant" I came upon 1 Chronicles 13:9-12.

1 Chronicles 13:9 and when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. 13:11 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day. 13:12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

A study of the entire Chapter 13, tells the whole story. My point today is to glean from this incident adequate warning for all of us as we handle Holy things of God. More precisely, does this incident with Uzza cast a shadow of a reverential fear and caution as we handle the Word of God....In what ways?

 

[tim-from-pa]

In reply to your question, yes it does. We can't imagine what power there is in the Word. Even more frightening is the context of that story. The ark was handled with good intentions but not scripturally as it was supposed to be carried, not placed in a new cart. I guess that confirms the adage "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

 

[Chopper]

Thank you Tim, I was hoping someone would mention the mode of travel as it refers to moving the Ark of the Covenant. In Numbers 4:15 the Word of God says: Numbers 4:15 "And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation."

I guess that they forgot that the Philistines had captured the Ark and transported it on a cart. So the Israelites were treating the Ark as a common object rather than the Holy Ark of Almighty God.

 

[Malachi]

A study of the entire Chapter 13, tells the whole story. My point today is to glean from this incident adequate warning for all of us as we handle Holy things of God. More precisely, does this incident with Uzza cast a shadow of a reverential fear and caution as we handle the Word of God....In what ways?

There is indeed a close connection between the Ark of the Covenant and the Word of God. The tables of stone (on which were written the Ten Commandments) were placed in the Ark at God's command (Exod 25:16,21,22). Thus it became "the Ark of the Testimony", God testifying to His own holiness and man's sinfulness, and that He had made a Covenant with Israel. Thus it also became "the Mercy Seat", since the blood of animals would be sprinkled on it (in anticipation of the blood the Lamb). All of this speaks of the written Word of God which now presents us with the New Testament and the blood of Christ. How then should we handle the Word of God? Paul tells us exactly how it must be done:

1. The Word must not be corrupted (2 Cor 2:17). Modern Bible versions have a seriously corrupted form of the Word of God, and Christians should be fully aware of that.

2. The Word must not be handled deceitfully (2 Cor 4:2). We have no right or authority to try and make the Word fit our humanistic thinking, or interpret it fancifully to mislead others. Unless there are obvious metaphors, the Word must be taken in its plain, literal sense, whether it fits human logic or not.

3. We must use "great plainness of speech" (2 Cor 3:12), emulating the Lord Jesus Christ and Paul. There are too many who put their scholarship on display rather than simply expound the Word. Therefore "the simplicity of Christ" must be evident.

4. We must shun fleshly wisdom and accept Divine mysteries for what they are (2 Cor 1:12). Evolutionists and false religionists don't understand this.

5. We must be willing to hear what the Holy Spirit has to say to the churches (Heb 3:7-9). Too many Christians resist the truth even after it is presented from Scripture. We see this all the time, and it appears that the hardest thing for some is to bow to the authority of the Word.

 

[tim-from-pa]

Thank you Tim, I was hoping someone would mention the mode of travel as it refers to moving the Ark of the Covenant. In Numbers 4:15 the Word of God says: Numbers 4:15 "And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation."

I guess that they forgot that the Philistines had captured the Ark and transported it on a cart. So the Israelites were treating the Ark as a common object rather than the Holy Ark of Almighty God.

Yes, Chopper, they were treating it as a common object, but I still believe they were sincere about it, but in error. And, the Ark represents the throne of God and Christ. How dare anyone uphold God when the oxen stumbled! He remembers our frame, and knows we are dust. And like a flower we fade. So how can that uphold the Lord or Glory?

 

[tim-from-pa]

One other thought. God would expect the Philistines to transport the Ark on a cart, as they are Gentiles and know no better, but were smart enough to know its power. Me thinks when the Israelites copied the way of the Philistines (of the world) God deliberately made it to tip so that would happen as a lesson. They were to be a separate people, a holy nature before Him.

 

[Chopper]

There is indeed a close connection between the Ark of the Covenant and the Word of God. The tables of stone (on which were written the Ten Commandments) were placed in the Ark at God's command (Exod 25:16,21,22). Thus it became "the Ark of the Testimony", God testifying to His own holiness and man's sinfulness, and that He had made a Covenant with Israel. Thus it also became "the Mercy Seat", since the blood of animals would be sprinkled on it (in anticipation of the blood the Lamb). All of this speaks of the written Word of God which now presents us with the New Testament and the blood of Christ. How then should we handle the Word of God? Paul tells us exactly how it must be done:

1. The Word must not be corrupted (2 Cor 2:17). Modern Bible versions have a seriously corrupted form of the Word of God, and Christians should be fully aware of that.

2. The Word must not be handled deceitfully (2 Cor 4:2). We have no right or authority to try and make the Word fit our humanistic thinking, or interpret it fancifully to mislead others. Unless there are obvious metaphors, the Word must be taken in its plain, literal sense, whether it fits human logic or not.

3. We must use "great plainness of speech" (2 Cor 3:12), emulating the Lord Jesus Christ and Paul. There are too many who put their scholarship on display rather than simply expound the Word. Therefore "the simplicity of Christ" must be evident.

4. We must shun fleshly wisdom and accept Divine mysteries for what they are (2 Cor 1:12). Evolutionists and false religionists don't understand this.

5. We must be willing to hear what the Holy Spirit has to say to the churches (Heb 3:7-9). Too many Christians resist the truth even after it is presented from Scripture. We see this all the time, and it appears that the hardest thing for some is to bow to the authority of the Word.

Your post Malachi is more than I expected. Thank you so very much for tying the Tables of Stone and the Word of God together. You have added precious truths to this thread.

 

[Chopper]

One other thought. God would expect the Philistines to transport the Ark on a cart, as they are Gentiles and know no better, but were smart enough to know its power. Me thinks when the Israelites copied the way of the Philistines (of the world) God deliberately made it to tip so that would happen as a lesson. They were to be a separate people, a holy nature before Him.

The thought struck me when I was reading about the "stumble", and your reply above, God does not need a man to aid Him. Did Uzza think God needed a crutch?

 

[th1b.taylor]

Good morning Chopper and Tim.
Your notice is so important to God's people, today. I have noticed the growing lack of reverence for the scriptures and so many are stating it doesn't matter, that it's just a culture thing. Nothing can, ever, be further from the truth.

in the Pentatuch God has given us instruction for handling all things Holy and we have this out cropping of the New Testament and New Covenat Christians that refuse to read the Bible Jesus used to teach from. I, as a matter of personal reverence for God have chosen to use a capitol letter when refering to God using a pronoun such as He or Him.

I also never search the web without using caps. when I need a reference from the Bible or about God. Not long ago a Preacher friend was over and we were discussing the Bible and God and we needed a verse reference, quickly. When I put a cap. in Bible he told me, "You know Google doesn't care if you use caps or not.

This is such a good example of the growing problem, this gentleman is three years older than I and yet the young people's lose of respect and reverent behaviour has infected him. This, particular issue has nothing to do with google, Yahoo or whoever, it is a God issue, just as was touching the Ark of the Covenet and the manor in which it was carried or transported.

We have become an irreverent people and that does not please our Father in Heaven.

 

[Chopper]

Good morning Chopper and Tim.
Your notice is so important to God's people, today. I have noticed the growing lack of reverence for the scriptures and so many are stating it doesn't matter, that it's just a culture thing. Nothing can, ever, be further from the truth.

in the Pentatuch God has given us instruction for handling all things Holy and we have this out cropping of the New Testament and New Covenat Christians that refuse to read the Bible Jesus used to teach from. I, as a matter of personal reverence for God have chosen to use a capitol letter when refering to God using a pronoun such as He or Him.

I also never search the web without using caps. when I need a reference from the Bible or about God. Not long ago a Preacher friend was over and we were discussing the Bible and God and we needed a verse reference, quickly. When I put a cap. in Bible he told me, "You know Google doesn't care if you use caps or not.

This is such a good example of the growing problem, this gentleman is three years older than I and yet the young people's lose of respect and reverent behaviour has infected him. This, particular issue has nothing to do with google, Yahoo or whoever, it is a God issue, just as was touching the Ark of the Covenet and the manor in which it was carried or transported.

We have become an irreverent people and that does not please our Father in Heaven.

Hey old timer, you hit the nail right on the head on that one. I can't believe the people on this forum who don't capitalize God. In fact, back a while ago, someone from Admin. asked a person to please use a capitol G for God. For me, it's a lack of respect.

 

[th1b.taylor]

Hey old timer, you hit the nail right on the head on that one. I can't believe the people on this forum who don't capitalize God. In fact, back a while ago, someone from Admin. asked a person to please use a capitol G for God. For me, it's a lack of respect.

I would force no one to use caps on pronouns but o nthe two forums I moderated if God was spelled god, the post was removed. God andd god are as much different as my LORD and Satan and the world is filled to over flowing with gods but the is One God. I do not know how our LORD will handle this issue but i do believe that it is not a smart thing to temp the Lord, my God. It would scare the snot out of me to disrespect God that way.

 

[Chopper]

I would force no one to use caps on pronouns but o nthe two forums I moderated if God was spelled god, the post was removed. God andd god are as much different as my LORD and Satan and the world is filled to over flowing with gods but the is One God. I do not know how our LORD will handle this issue but i do believe that it is not a smart thing to temp the Lord, my God. It would scare the snot out of me to disrespect God that way.

Right on, Buddy! The capitol G for God separates Him from all false gods. Those who refuse to use the G and instead use g, they are placing YHWH on an equal plane with all heathen gods. NOT GOOD! There will be some sort of accounting for this display of irreverence.
IMO....Love you!

 

[th1b.taylor]

Right on, Buddy! The capitol G for God separates Him from all false gods. Those who refuse to use the G and instead use g, they are placing YHWH on an equal plane with all heathen gods. NOT GOOD! There will be some sort of accounting for this display of irreverence.
IMO....Love you!

Shhh! People will hear us.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

...does this incident with Uzza cast a shadow of a reverential fear and caution as we handle the Word of God....In what ways?

You just reminded me of something that happened to me that taught me a very good lesson.

Years ago I used to do a lot of witnessing in the office I worked in. There was a young woman who worked there with a very colored past who was very resistant to all things 'God'. One day she was in my section and I responded to something she said with the word of God in a humorous, flippant, but convicting way.

Now, I'm not some weird wacko that thinks there's a demon behind every door, but I aroused a demon out of her that scared the livin' daylights out of me (I'm almost 6'2", 205 lbs at the time. She was prolly 110 lbs soaking wet). It was just before quitting time and as I was driving home I was angry and I said to God 'I'm done with this stuff, I'm not doing it anymore'. God told me.....'My Word is powerful, stop carelessly tossing it around.'

Message received. I now remember that if you're going to be sharing the Word of God you better be prepared to deal with what it does, good and bad, and therefore, don't use it flippantly or carelessly. God's words aren't just words, they are alive, Holy, powerful, and effective.

Oh, by the way. Before she quit some months later she shared how she had an epiphany (her words) about the vitriolic hatred she had. Don't know if she did officially become a Christian but I would not be surprised if someone led her to the Lord at a later date.

 

[JLB]

There is indeed a close connection between the Ark of the Covenant and the Word of God. The tables of stone (on which were written the Ten Commandments) were placed in the Ark at God's command (Exod 25:16,21,22). Thus it became "the Ark of the Testimony", God testifying to His own holiness and man's sinfulness, and that He had made a Covenant with Israel. Thus it also became "the Mercy Seat", since the blood of animals would be sprinkled on it (in anticipation of the blood the Lamb). All of this speaks of the written Word of God which now presents us with the New Testament and the blood of Christ. How then should we handle the Word of God? Paul tells us exactly how it must be done:

1. The Word must not be corrupted (2 Cor 2:17). Modern Bible versions have a seriously corrupted form of the Word of God, and Christians should be fully aware of that.

2. The Word must not be handled deceitfully (2 Cor 4:2). We have no right or authority to try and make the Word fit our humanistic thinking, or interpret it fancifully to mislead others. Unless there are obvious metaphors, the Word must be taken in its plain, literal sense, whether it fits human logic or not.

3. We must use "great plainness of speech" (2 Cor 3:12), emulating the Lord Jesus Christ and Paul. There are too many who put their scholarship on display rather than simply expound the Word. Therefore "the simplicity of Christ" must be evident.

4. We must shun fleshly wisdom and accept Divine mysteries for what they are (2 Cor 1:12). Evolutionists and false religionists don't understand this.

5. We must be willing to hear what the Holy Spirit has to say to the churches (Heb 3:7-9). Too many Christians resist the truth even after it is presented from Scripture. We see this all the time, and it appears that the hardest thing for some is to bow to the authority of the Word.

The Ark itself, as well as the contents, are a type of Christ, Who is called The Word of God.

JLB

 

[Jethro Bodine]

In my study of the history of Israel in the "Old Covenant" I came upon 1 Chronicles 13:9-12.

1 Chronicles 13:9 and when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. 13:10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. 13:11 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day. 13:12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

The story of Uzza and the Ark reminds me of the pastor who got electrocuted by a live microphone he was using in the church baptistery. He died.

Sad, sad story that leaves one wondering about these kinds of things.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

The Ark itself, as well as the contents, are a type of Christ, Who is called The Word of God.

JLB

Yes, and our bodies are the temporary tabernacle moving from place to place in this desert place in which that Ark resides.

 

[JLB]

The story of Uzza and the Ark reminds me of the pastor who got electrocuted by a live microphone he was using in the church baptistery. He died.

Sad, sad story that leaves one wondering about these kinds of things.

Not to mention Ananias & Sapphira, who lied to the Holy Spirit, which means they broke their word to the Holy Spirit, about money.

Money from the sales of their property that they pledged to give, but afterward, held some back.


JLB

 

[JLB]

Yes, and our bodies are the temporary tabernacle moving from place to place in this desert place in which that Ark resides.

Yes, and remember Aaron's sons who just decided they would use a "different incense" that produced what is called "strange fire", which I believe is a type for worshiping under the influence of a "different spirit".

The Lakeland Revival being a modern day example.

The Kundalini spirit as a counterfeit of the Holy Spirit...

JLB

 

[JLB]

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that turns one away from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27


JLB