Study Desk

Some men from Manasseh defected from the Israelite army and joined David when he set out with the Philistines to fight against Saul. But as it turned out, the Philistine rulers refused to let David and his men go with them. After much discussion, they sent them back, for they said, "It will cost us our heads if David switches loyalties to Saul and turns against us."

They helped David chase down bands of raiders, for they were all brave and able warriors who became commanders in his army.

This included Jehoiada, leader of the family of Aaron, who had 3,700 under his command.

This also included Zadok, a brave young warrior, with 22 members of his family who were all officers.

From the tribe of Ephraim, there were 20,800 brave warriors, each highly respected in his own clan.

David consulted with all his officials, including the generals and captains of his army.

But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark.

Then the Lord 's anger was aroused against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark. So Uzzah died there in the presence of God.

And David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel and had greatly blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.

So David and his troops went up to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. "God did it!" David exclaimed. "He used me to burst through my enemies like a raging flood!" So they named that place Baal-perazim (which means "the Lord who bursts through").

So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel along with his fellow Levites: Asaph son of Berekiah, and Ethan son of Kushaiah from the clan of Merari.

Kenaniah, the head Levite, was chosen as the choir leader because of his skill.

When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord .

David appointed the following Levites to lead the people in worship before the Ark of the Lord —to invoke his blessings, to give thanks, and to praise the Lord , the God of Israel.

On that day David gave to Asaph and his fellow Levites this song of thanksgiving to the Lord :

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.

Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.

Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord .

Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.

Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given,