Try, Try Again: A Lesson in Failure
Sometimes even well-intentioned plans fall apart. That seems to be what happens to David in 1 Chronicles 13-15. These chapters describe his efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The Ark symbolized the presence of God among the people of Israel and had been kept outside the center of Israelite worship for years. David decides it’s time to move it back.
The plan starts with agreement and celebration. David consults with his leaders, gathers a large crowd, and organizes a joyful procession. There are musicians with lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets. It seems like everything is in order.
But then, the procession takes a turn. The oxen pulling the cart carrying the Ark stumble, and Uzzah, one of the men guiding the cart, reaches out to steady it. When he touches the Ark, he dies instantly.
The celebration halts. David is shaken—angry and afraid. His plan to bring the Ark to Jerusalem stops. The Ark is left at the house of Obed-Edom, where it remains for three months.
Plan B: David Reads the Instructions This Time
What stands out here is David’s response to failure. He doesn’t abandon the plan forever. Instead, he pauses. He takes time to reconsider what went wrong. Later, in chapter 15, David gathers the people again for a second attempt. This time, he acknowledges that the failure came from not following the proper instructions:
"Because you Levites did not carry the Ark the first time, the anger of the Lord our God burst out against us. We failed to ask God how to move it properly." (1 Chronicles 15:13, NLT)
The Ark wasn’t meant to be transported on a cart; it was supposed to be carried by the Levites using poles. These details were part of earlier instructions recorded in other texts. David adjusts his approach, ensuring that the Levites are prepared and that the Ark is carried as specified. The procession continues successfully.
When Good Intentions Aren't Enough
This story raises questions about the relationship between intention and outcome. David’s desire to move the Ark was sincere, but the plan overlooked important details. How often does this happen in life—where the goal is sound, but the process misses something essential?
It also prompts reflection on how failure is handled. David could have blamed others, or walked away from the project altogether. Instead, he learns, makes adjustments, and tries again. There’s no indication that this process was easy for him. His emotions are clear—anger, fear, hesitation. Yet, the second attempt brings the Ark to Jerusalem with celebration.
The story suggests that failure doesn’t have to be final. Taking time to understand what went wrong and making thoughtful adjustments can lead to a different outcome. It raises the question: when things fall apart, how do we respond? Do we retreat, or do we reconsider and begin again?