2 Samuel 6: David Moves Ark of Covenant

I. Introduction: 2 Samuel 6 reveals the divine nature of God as it uncovers David’s attempt to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. This chapter is filled with rich theological implications that underscore the holiness of God, the importance of obedience, and the value of worship.

II. Examination of the Holiness of God (2 Samuel 6:1-11)

The narrative begins with David’s attempt to move the Ark of God. The Ark represented God’s holy presence among the Israelites (Exodus 25:22). However, in 2 Samuel 6:3, Uzzah’s death after touching the Ark unceremoniously reveals the dangerous consequences of failing to treat God’s holiness with reverence (Leviticus 10:1-2). This section teaches that God is holy and demands to be treated with respect. His holiness is not to be taken lightly, as it is a reflection of His divine nature (Isaiah 6:3).

III. The Significance of Obedience (2 Samuel 6:12-16)

After the incident with Uzzah, David was initially afraid to move the Ark of God further (2 Samuel 6:9). However, after seeing how the Lord blessed Obed-Edom’s house, where the Ark was temporarily hosted (2 Samuel 6:11), David decided to continue the journey. This shows that blessings follow obedience to God’s instructions (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). The obedience of Obed-Edom, contrasted with the disobedience of Uzzah, underscores the value of obeying God’s commandments and the consequences of neglect.

IV. The Value of Worship (2 Samuel 6:17-23)

Upon successfully bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, David worships God with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14), demonstrating the importance of genuine and passionate worship. This section echoes the call in Psalms 100:2 to serve the Lord with gladness, and to come before His presence with singing. However, Michal’s criticism of David’s worship (2 Samuel 6:20) serves as a reminder of how the world often misunderstands and criticizes genuine worship (John 15:18-19). Despite this, David’s response emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God’s approval over the approval of men (Galatians 1:10).

V. Conclusion: 2 Samuel 6 is a rich tapestry of theological truths about the nature of God, obedience, and worship. It unveils a God who is holy and demands our reverence. It also teaches us that obedience to God’s commandments leads to blessings, and disobedience can lead to severe consequences. Finally, it shows us the importance of genuine worship, even in the face of criticism. It reminds us that our worship should be directed towards God, and His approval is what truly matters.

The story of 2 Samuel 6 is timeless and remains relevant today. It challenges us to examine our attitudes towards God’s holiness, our obedience to His commandments, and the authenticity of our worship. It serves as a reminder that God is ever present, and His divine nature should be recognized and revered in our daily lives.