Father Mike Schmitz hosts day 125 of the Bible in a Year podcast, reading from The Great Adventure Bible published by Ascension Press. He uses the Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition for all Scripture readings, following the Great Adventure Bible timeline from Genesis to Revelation.

Today's readings include 2 Samuel chapters 6-7, 1 Chronicles chapter 9, and Psalm 89. The passages cover David bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, God's covenant promise to David, genealogical records after the Babylonian exile, and David's honest prayer of both praise and lament.

Father Mike provides detailed commentary on the theological significance of the Ark of the Covenant, drawing parallels between Old Testament events and New Testament fulfillment, particularly regarding Mary as the new Ark of the Covenant.

The Fatal Error of Transporting God's Ark

Uzzah died when he touched the Ark because it was being transported on an ox cart instead of being carried by priests with gold-plated poles through rings, as commanded in Leviticus.

Father Mike explains that everyone involved knew God's commandments for transporting the Ark, making this an act of deliberate disobedience rather than ignorance.

"Sin is when I say to God, God, I know what you want, but I'm going to do what I want" - Father Mike, defining sin as conscious disobedience to God's will.

Physical death serves as a metaphor for spiritual death - when we choose sin, we choose spiritual death over eternal life with God.

Mary as the New Ark of the Covenant

The original Ark contained the Ten Commandments (Word of God), Aaron's staff (priesthood), and manna (bread from heaven).

Mary's womb contained Jesus, who is the Word made flesh, the great high priest, and the true bread that came down from heaven.

David asked "How can the Ark of the Lord come to me?" while Elizabeth asked "Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" - both in the hill country of Judea.

David danced before the Ark with joy, while John the Baptist leaped for joy in Elizabeth's womb when Mary's voice reached her ears.

God's Promise to Build David's House

David wanted to build God a temple since he lived in a cedar palace while the Ark remained in a tent.

God told David through Nathan that his descendant would build the temple because David had "shed too much blood" in warfare.

"I will build a house, David. I will make of you a kingdom, David" - God's promise to establish David's lineage forever, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

This promise will define David's remaining life as he gathers materials for the future temple construction.

Chronicles Written After Exile for Future Faithfulness

1 Chronicles was written by Ezra the scribe after the Babylonian exile, providing a different perspective than the contemporary accounts in Samuel and Kings.

"Judah was carried away to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness" - 1 Chronicles 9:1, revealing the key theme Ezra wants to emphasize.

Chronicles serves as a post-exile history designed to prevent future unfaithfulness by showing the consequences of disobedience.

The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles 9 document the restoration of priestly families, Levites, and gatekeepers after the return from exile.

Honest Prayer in Victory and Defeat

Psalm 89 demonstrates David's honest prayer life - first half praising God's faithfulness and victories, second half lamenting defeat and shame.

"David models for us this honesty in prayer. He comes before God in victory and he comes before God in defeat" - Father Mike on authentic prayer.

Despite expressing grief and confusion, David ends with "Blessed be the Lord forever. Amen and amen" - maintaining faith through difficulty.

The Ark brought blessing and fruitfulness to Obed-Edom's household for three months - "wherever God is present, there's a lot of life."