II Samuel 6 Commentary: Bringing God's Presence into Focus
Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and said, How shall the ark of the Lord come to me?
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.
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.
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.
And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.
II Samuel 6 tells the story of David's attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence, to Jerusalem. This chapter is a powerful reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence, obedience, and a heart of genuine worship. It highlights the consequences of neglecting God's instructions and the blessings that come from honoring Him in the right way. This chapter also explores the tension between genuine, heartfelt worship and outward appearances, challenging us to examine our own attitudes toward God.
David's Initial Zeal and Oversight (II Samuel 6:1-5)
David, now established as king, recognized the significance of the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's throne and presence among His people. The Ark had been neglected during Saul’s reign, but David, zealous for the Lord, sought to restore it to its rightful place. He understood that God, the heavenly King, stood behind his own earthly kingship. Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem would be a momentous occasion, a time of great celebration and spiritual renewal. As David himself wrote, “Lift up your heads, you gates! Rise up, ancient doors! Then the King of glory will come in” (Psalms 24:7).
However, despite his good intentions, David made a critical error. Instead of following God's explicit instructions for transporting the Ark, which required the Levites to carry it on their shoulders using poles (Exodus 25:12-15, Deuteronomy 10:8), David and his men placed it on a new cart. This method resembled how the Philistines had once transported the Ark (I Samuel 6:7). While their intentions may have been sincere, their actions demonstrated a disregard for God's specific commands. All their sincere worship (II Samuel 6:5) could not make up for neglecting God’s will.
Uzzah's Mistake and God's Holiness (II Samuel 6:6-7)
The consequences of this disobedience became tragically clear when the oxen pulling the cart stumbled. Uzzah, who was guiding the cart, reached out to steady the Ark, touching it in the process. Immediately, the LORD’s anger burned against Uzzah, and God struck him dead for his irreverence (II Samuel 6:7).
This incident underscores the holiness of God and the importance of approaching Him according to His revealed will. The Israelites had failed to treat God as holy, as "set apart" from His creation. As the seraphim declare to Isaiah, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Armies; his glory fills the whole earth" (Isaiah 6:3). Forgetting this profound truth can lead to disastrous consequences. God's holiness demands respect and obedience, and we cannot presume to approach Him on our own terms.
David's Reaction and Growing Understanding (II Samuel 6:8-11)
David was deeply affected by this event. He was angry because of the LORD’s outburst against Uzzah (II Samuel 6:8). Was David angry with God, with Uzzah, or with himself for not following God's instructions? Whatever the reason, David feared the LORD that day (II Samuel 6:9). Even though he sincerely loved God, he had not taken Him seriously enough. He realized the awesome holiness of the Lord in a new way.
Afraid to proceed, David diverted the Ark to the house of Obed-edom of Gath. Remarkably, Obed-edom and his household were mightily blessed during the three months the Ark remained there (II Samuel 6:10-11). This blessing served as a sign that God's presence, when approached with reverence and obedience, brings prosperity and favor.
Bringing the Ark the Right Way (II Samuel 6:12-14)
The report of Obed-edom’s blessing convinced David that it was time to finish his task of bringing the Ark to Jerusalem – this time, in the right way. The author specifically mentions those carrying the ark of the LORD, a clear reference to the Levites transporting the Ark properly, in accordance with God’s Word.
David also offered sacrifices (II Samuel 6:13). This act of worship demonstrated his renewed commitment to following God's will and seeking His forgiveness for past mistakes. Now fully aligned with his King’s agenda, David expressed his joy and devotion through exuberant praise, dancing with all his might before the Lord (II Samuel 6:14).
Michal's Disdain and Differing Perspectives on Worship (II Samuel 6:15-23)
As David was leaping and dancing before the LORD, his wife Michal saw him. From her perspective, these actions were undignified for a king, and she despised him in her heart (II Samuel 6:16). After the Ark was placed in its new home and the celebrations concluded (II Samuel 6:17-19), David returned home to face an angry and embarrassed wife.
The author emphasizes Michal's lineage, referring to her three times in this chapter as Saul’s daughter (II Samuel 6:16, 20, 23). By highlighting this connection, the author suggests that Michal shared her father's lack of understanding and appreciation for true worship.
David defended his actions, explaining that worshiping the Lord from the heart was more important than his appearance before others. He recognized that the God who had appointed him as ruler over Israel deserved his praise (II Samuel 6:21). David was willing to dishonor and humble himself if God were exalted in the process (II Samuel 6:22).
The contrasting reactions of David and Michal highlight the importance of having a heavenly perspective on worship. Michal viewed David's extravagant worship as vulgar and embarrassing (II Samuel 6:20), focusing on earthly appearances and social status. As a result, God closed her womb (II Samuel 6:23). David, on the other hand, viewed worship from a heavenly perspective, prioritizing God's glory above all else. This brought him tremendous joy, and he was honored for it (II Samuel 6:22).
This chapter poses a crucial question: Will you live life from God’s perspective or from your own? II Samuel 6 teaches us that genuine worship requires obedience, reverence, and a heart that seeks to honor God above all else. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward worship and to ensure that our actions are motivated by a desire to please God, not to impress others.
Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and said, How shall the ark of the Lord come to me?
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.
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.
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.
And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.
II Samuel 6 tells the story of David's attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence, to Jerusalem. This chapter is a powerful reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence, obedience, and a heart of genuine worship. It highlights the consequences of neglecting God's instructions and the blessings that come from honoring Him in the right way. This chapter also explores the tension between genuine, heartfelt worship and outward appearances, challenging us to examine our own attitudes toward God.
David's Initial Zeal and Oversight (II Samuel 6:1-5)
David, now established as king, recognized the significance of the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's throne and presence among His people. The Ark had been neglected during Saul’s reign, but David, zealous for the Lord, sought to restore it to its rightful place. He understood that God, the heavenly King, stood behind his own earthly kingship. Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem would be a momentous occasion, a time of great celebration and spiritual renewal. As David himself wrote, “Lift up your heads, you gates! Rise up, ancient doors! Then the King of glory will come in” (Psalms 24:7).
However, despite his good intentions, David made a critical error. Instead of following God's explicit instructions for transporting the Ark, which required the Levites to carry it on their shoulders using poles (Exodus 25:12-15, Deuteronomy 10:8), David and his men placed it on a new cart. This method resembled how the Philistines had once transported the Ark (I Samuel 6:7). While their intentions may have been sincere, their actions demonstrated a disregard for God's specific commands. All their sincere worship (II Samuel 6:5) could not make up for neglecting God’s will.
Uzzah's Mistake and God's Holiness (II Samuel 6:6-7)
The consequences of this disobedience became tragically clear when the oxen pulling the cart stumbled. Uzzah, who was guiding the cart, reached out to steady the Ark, touching it in the process. Immediately, the LORD’s anger burned against Uzzah, and God struck him dead for his irreverence (II Samuel 6:7).
This incident underscores the holiness of God and the importance of approaching Him according to His revealed will. The Israelites had failed to treat God as holy, as "set apart" from His creation. As the seraphim declare to Isaiah, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Armies; his glory fills the whole earth" (Isaiah 6:3). Forgetting this profound truth can lead to disastrous consequences. God's holiness demands respect and obedience, and we cannot presume to approach Him on our own terms.
David's Reaction and Growing Understanding (II Samuel 6:8-11)
David was deeply affected by this event. He was angry because of the LORD’s outburst against Uzzah (II Samuel 6:8). Was David angry with God, with Uzzah, or with himself for not following God's instructions? Whatever the reason, David feared the LORD that day (II Samuel 6:9). Even though he sincerely loved God, he had not taken Him seriously enough. He realized the awesome holiness of the Lord in a new way.
Afraid to proceed, David diverted the Ark to the house of Obed-edom of Gath. Remarkably, Obed-edom and his household were mightily blessed during the three months the Ark remained there (II Samuel 6:10-11). This blessing served as a sign that God's presence, when approached with reverence and obedience, brings prosperity and favor.
Bringing the Ark the Right Way (II Samuel 6:12-14)
The report of Obed-edom’s blessing convinced David that it was time to finish his task of bringing the Ark to Jerusalem – this time, in the right way. The author specifically mentions those carrying the ark of the LORD, a clear reference to the Levites transporting the Ark properly, in accordance with God’s Word.
David also offered sacrifices (II Samuel 6:13). This act of worship demonstrated his renewed commitment to following God's will and seeking His forgiveness for past mistakes. Now fully aligned with his King’s agenda, David expressed his joy and devotion through exuberant praise, dancing with all his might before the Lord (II Samuel 6:14).
Michal's Disdain and Differing Perspectives on Worship (II Samuel 6:15-23)
As David was leaping and dancing before the LORD, his wife Michal saw him. From her perspective, these actions were undignified for a king, and she despised him in her heart (II Samuel 6:16). After the Ark was placed in its new home and the celebrations concluded (II Samuel 6:17-19), David returned home to face an angry and embarrassed wife.
The author emphasizes Michal's lineage, referring to her three times in this chapter as Saul’s daughter (II Samuel 6:16, 20, 23). By highlighting this connection, the author suggests that Michal shared her father's lack of understanding and appreciation for true worship.
David defended his actions, explaining that worshiping the Lord from the heart was more important than his appearance before others. He recognized that the God who had appointed him as ruler over Israel deserved his praise (II Samuel 6:21). David was willing to dishonor and humble himself if God were exalted in the process (II Samuel 6:22).
The contrasting reactions of David and Michal highlight the importance of having a heavenly perspective on worship. Michal viewed David's extravagant worship as vulgar and embarrassing (II Samuel 6:20), focusing on earthly appearances and social status. As a result, God closed her womb (II Samuel 6:23). David, on the other hand, viewed worship from a heavenly perspective, prioritizing God's glory above all else. This brought him tremendous joy, and he was honored for it (II Samuel 6:22).
This chapter poses a crucial question: Will you live life from God’s perspective or from your own? II Samuel 6 teaches us that genuine worship requires obedience, reverence, and a heart that seeks to honor God above all else. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward worship and to ensure that our actions are motivated by a desire to please God, not to impress others.