2 Samuel - Chapter 6

2 Samuel 6.1 Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 Samuel 6.2 And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. 2 Samuel 6.3 And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. 2 Samuel 6.4 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark. 2 Samuel 6.5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals. 2 Samuel 6.6 And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. 2 Samuel 6.7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. 2 Samuel 6.8 And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day. 2 Samuel 6.9 And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me? 2 Samuel 6.10 So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite. 2 Samuel 6.11 And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household. 2 Samuel 6.12 And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness. 2 Samuel 6.13 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. 2 Samuel 6.14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 2 Samuel 6.15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. 2 Samuel 6.16 And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. 2 Samuel 6.17 And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. 2 Samuel 6.18 And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts. 2 Samuel 6.19 And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house. 2 Samuel 6.20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! 2 Samuel 6.21 And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. 2 Samuel 6.22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour. 2 Samuel 6.23 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.

2 Samuel : Chapter 6

The Transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem

Chapter 6 of the book of 2 Samuel recounts a momentous event: the transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This instructive episode invites us to reflect on the themes of worship and respect for the sacred. Through David's attempts to bring the Ark into the city, we discover lessons about holiness, joy in worship, and the consequences of neglecting divine instructions.

Key Events

This dramatic account evokes the death of Uzzah who, while attempting to support the Ark when the oxen stumble, experiences God's wrath. This tragic moment underscores the need for unwavering respect for holy things. In contrast, the blessing of Obed-Edom's house after the arrival of the Ark testifies to the divine presence and the joy that results when worship is performed righteously. Themes of Holiness and Joy Themes of holiness and joy in worship are central to this event. David's joyful dance illustrates the human response to God's greatness. However, this moment of joy is also overshadowed by the conflict with Michal, who does not share her husband's enthusiasm. This contrast reminds us that authentic worship can be perceived differently in different hearts and minds.

Biblical Reflections

To deepen our understanding of the principles of authentic worship, we invite you to meditate on five illuminating biblical passages:

1. 1 Chronicles 13:9-10

"When they came to the threshing floor of Kidom, Uzzah stretched out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen were stumbling. The anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah, and he struck him because he touched the ark; and he died right there before God."

This verse highlights the holiness of the Ark and the serious consequences of treating it carelessly.

2. Psalm 24:3-4

"Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may enter your holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not turn to idols or swear by false gods."

This psalm evokes the holiness required to approach God, a central theme in the story of the transport of the Ark.

3. 1 Chronicles 15:13

"Because you Levites did not bring it at the first time, the Lord our God was angry with us. We did not consult the Lord about how to bring it properly."

This verse emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions in our actions, especially in matters of worship.

4. Acts 13:22

"After rejecting Saul, he made David their king. He testified, 'I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want.'"

This excerpt from the New Testament highlights the character of David, who sought to bring the Ark to Jerusalem with a devoted heart.

5. Psalm 30:11

"You have turned my mourning into dancing, my garment of mourning into joy."

This verse, from David's psalm, evokes the transition from lamentation to joy, a feeling David felt intensely after bringing the Ark to Jerusalem.

Conclusion

The transfer of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, as described in 2 Samuel 6, teaches us valuable lessons about authentic worship. Through respecting divine instructions, understanding holiness, and expressing our joy, we are called to draw closer to God with a pure heart and sincere intentions.