In First Chronicles, chapter fifteen, verse one, the ark of God contained the two tables of the law, a jar of manna, and Aaron’s rod. The ark represents the instruction, provision, power, and mercy found in faithful obedience to God and His covenant. David’s placing of the ark in Jerusalem signifies his desire to return the nation to its original and fundamental purpose for existence. He had the passion to keep God and His Word central.
David prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched for it a tent: an entirely new one upon the model of the former. The old tabernacle, which Moses had constructed in the wilderness and which had served the purpose of a sacred covering, was to be left at Gibeon, either because of the unwillingness of the inhabitants to part with such a venerable relic or because there was no use for it in Jerusalem, where a more solid and sumptuous edifice was the proposal. If it appears surprising that David “made him houses” before he prepared this new tabernacle, that he had received no divine intimation respecting such a work. David prepared a place for the ark, ordereth the priests and Levites to bring it from Obed-edom.
The history of the preparations made for the reception of the ark and its safe and religious escort into the city is now proceeded with. These preparations occupied the three months or part of it, spoken of in First Chronicles thirteen, verse fourteen. David, building his house in Jerusalem, prepared a place for the ark of God and erected a tent for it, transitioning from the account of his palace-building as in First Chronicles fourteen, verse one, to the bringing in of the ark. The words, “he made unto himself houses,” refer to the palace’s completion as a dwelling place for the king and his wives and children.