1
David talked with all the officers of his army, the commanders of a hundred men and the commanders of a thousand men.
2
Then David called the people of Israel together and said, "If you think it is a good idea, and if it is what the Lord our God wants, let's send a message. Let's tell our fellow Israelites in all the areas of Israel and the priests and Levites living with them in their towns and pastures to come and join us.
3
Let's bring the Ark of our God back to us. We did not use it to ask God for help while Saul was king."
4
All the people agreed with David, because they all thought it was the right thing to do.
5
So David gathered all the Israelites, from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo Hamath, to bring the Ark of God back from the town of Kiriath Jearim.
6
David and all the Israelites with him went to Baalah of Judah, which is Kiriath Jearim, to get the Ark of God the Lord. God's throne is between the golden, winged creatures on the Ark, and the Ark is called by his name.
7
The people carried the Ark of God from Abinadab's house on a new cart, and Uzzah and Ahio guided it.
8
David and all the Israelites were celebrating in the presence of God. With all their strength they were singing and playing lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.