The Book of second Samuel

Chapter 6

[1] Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.
[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.

1) Initiation (Vs 1,2)

David’s first priority is an initiative to bring up the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, the new capital city

So important this was, that David gathers 30,000 of his best soldiers to celebrate this occasion

Remember, Moses, some 400 years previously, was commanded of God to build the ark of the covenant

The ark was about 3'9" high and 2' 3" wide. It was a box made of wood but covered in pure gold

It contained the Ten Commandments, the Golden Pot of Manna & Aaron’s rod that budded

It’s top, called the Mercy Seat, had Cherubims on either side and the Presence of God between

The last time we saw the ark, it was lost in battle to the Philistines but was returned to Abinadab’s house

Moving this ark (8mi) would provide Israel the Presence of God’s Glory and a place to worship

[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[8] And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perez-uzzah to this day.
[9] And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?
[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 Obed-edom the Gittite.
[11] And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obed-edom, and all his household.

2) Intention (Vs 3-11)

3-5 They set the ark upon a new cart.

Uzzah & Ahio drove the cart, transporting it out of Abinadabs house

The atmosphere was exciting and joyful. All those people, all those instruments, what a time

Most churches want Uzzah- “strong leadership”, Ahio “friendly” out front & a big production

But notice, though they had good intentions, there was no inquiry of God

They just judged this occasion by how they felt and what pleased them not what pleased God

If we want to please God then we will be driven to His Word

Considering God’s Word, the ark has staves under it that it may be carried (Ex 25:12-15)

It was to be physically carried by Kohath of the tribe of Levi (Num 4:15)

The ark was the burden of the Lord and the burden is to be carried by the men of God

They thought a fancy new cart, technology or luxury would please God. Good intentions but wrong

You can’t hitch His Presence to a new cart then drive. (The Philistines did I Sam 6:10-11 ignorantly)

6,7 They came to the threshing floor where the wheat was separated from the chaff

God will separate and blow away the chaff in this production

The cart hit a hole, a bunch of wheat or oxen tripped, it looked like the ark would topple over

Uzzah (strength) decided to act and put his hand up and stabilize the ark. (God needs no help)

Uzzah had good intentions but wrong, for his error & insensibility to sacredness, God smote him

8,9 David was very displeased. He could not understand why good intentions aren’t enough

You see, while God is concerned with good intentions it must be with obedient correct actions

10,11 David left the ark at the house of Obed-edom.

Obed-edom is of Kohath and is greatly blessed by God

[12] And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, 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 Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness.
[13] And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
[14] And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
[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.
[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.

3) Instruction (Vs 12-16)

It was told to King David how Obed-edom was blessed of God for 3 months.

During this time David learned of the scriptures how to move the ark (I Chr 15:11-15 instruction)

God wants His glory carried on the shoulders of obedience to His Word

David offered sacrifice after six paces (6-the number of man)

David rejoiced with gladness, he even danced with all his might and the people shouted

“Bigger production” than before. This time it’s obedience to God & before it was in mans power

David’s dance, his worship and rejoicing in God, embarrassed Michal, David’s wife

[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.
[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.
[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.
[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!
[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.
[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.
[23] Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.

4) Invitation (Vs 17-23)

After many years, since losing the ark in battle, the ark is returned to Israel and set in a holy place

Burnt offerings speak of Jesus death & peace offerings speak of fellowship by Jesus resurrection

David gave gifts to all the people of Israel. Jesus is the gift to the entire world

David returned to bless his own household..

His wife, Michal, sarcastically criticizes her husband the King. She didn’t like dancing, worship.

Now she doesn’t like his attire. I C 15:27She thought worship was only about dignity & customs.

Remember, he wore a linen ephod (Vs 14) meaning he took off his royal robes &became as others

David’s response was “I did it for the Lord, not you”. God chose me to lead His people. I rejoice in Him

“It was not inappropriate or out of context in worship setting” David had humbled himself.

Michal was barren over her critical nature, maybe because of judgment maybe her husband put her away

God will write Ichabod on a church OR on an individual who criticizes spiritual matters