29 So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back toJerusalem and stayed there. - P59
31 Now David had been told, "Ahithophel is among theconspirators with Absalom." So David prayed, "LORD, turn Ahithophel‘s counsel into foolishness." - P59
37 So Hushai, David‘s confidant, arrived at Jerusalem asAbsalom was entering the city. 37 So David‘s friend Hushai returned to Jerusalem, getting there just as Absalomarrived. - P59
As David leaves Jerusalem, he commissions Zadok and Abiathar to stay behindwith the ark of God. David continues his journey through the Mount of Olivesas he and his people mourn. - P59
He is told that Ahithophel is on Absalom‘s side. Hushai meets David as he arrives at the summit. David commissions Hushaito go to Jerusalem and become a spy for him. - P59
David‘s kingship is so connected with the worship of God that thepriests and Levites carry the ark of the Lord out of Jerusalem with Da-vid‘s fleeing household. - P60
The symbol of God‘s presence must have beena tremendous comfort to David during this time of distress. - P60
However, it is because of David‘s reverence for the Lord that he insists the ark betaken back to Jerusalem, for there is no guaranteeing its safety shouldhis party come under attack. - P60
Like David, we should prioritize and pro-tect worship, even at the cost of our own comfort. - P60
May we be willing tooffer up worship to the Lord in both times of trouble and times of cel-ebration, because no matter our circumstances, God is always worthy. - P60
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