God's Blessing

2 Samuel 6 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

1 David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.
2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim.
3 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill.
4 And they brought it with the ark of God from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. And Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart,
5 And David and all the house of Israel were making merry before the Lord, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.
6 And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled.
7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God.
8 And David was angry because the Lord had burst forth against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah, to this day.
9 And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and he said, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?”
10 So David was not willing to take the ark of the Lord into the city of David. But David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
11 And the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household.
12 And it was told King David, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing.
13 And when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal.
14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing 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 horn.
16 As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart.
17 And they brought in the ark of the Lord and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.
18 And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts.
19 And distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed, each to his house.
20 And David returned to bless his household. But Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants’ female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”
21 And David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord—and I will make merry before the Lord.
22 I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes.
23 And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.

David-in-royal-attire-leads-a-jubilant-procession-with-colorful-swirling-garments-dancing-and-singi_stcq

The True Meaning of 2 Samuel 6

The book of 2 Samuel was written by the prophet Nathan, who was a close advisor to King David. This chapter describes a pivotal moment in David’s reign, as he brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, marking a significant step in the unification of Israel under his leadership. David and the people of Israel transport the Ark, a sacred symbol of God’s presence, to its rightful place in the capital city, in this passage we witness a joyous procession. However, this celebration is not without its challenges, as the chapter also recounts a tragic incident that serves as a sobering reminder of the reverence due to the Lord.

The events in 2 Samuel 6 echo the importance of obedience and reverence towards God, as seen in the earlier account of the Ark’s capture by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4-6. The chapter also foreshadows the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political center of the kingdom, a pivotal development in the history of God’s chosen people.

2 Samuel 6:1-5

David assembled 30,000 chosen men from Israel to bring the Ark of the Covenant, representing the presence of God among His people, from Baale-judah to Jerusalem, as the passage begins in 2 Samuel 6:1-5. This event marked a crucial moment in David’s reign as king, as he sought to establish Jerusalem as the religious center of Israel by bringing the Ark, which had been neglected during the previous reigns, to the capital city. The number 30,000 is significant as it demonstrates the great importance David placed on honoring God and seeking Him with a large and dedicated assembly. They placed the Ark on a new cart as they set out to transport it, deviating from the specific instructions outlined in the Law of Moses for the proper transportation of the Ark by using poles carried by Levites (Numbers 4:15). This decision to use a cart, though seemingly practical, proved to be disastrous, as we will see later in the passage.

The men with the Ark journeyed with great joy and celebration, with music and dancing before the Lord, exemplifying the exuberant worship and praise that David personally led. David’s deep love for God and his desire to honor Him with passion and celebration serves as an example for believers in every generation to worship with all their hearts, even in the midst of challenges and failures.

However, in verse 5, tragedy strikes when the oxen pulling the cart stumble, and Uzzah, one of the men walking alongside the cart, reaches out his hand to steady the Ark. Uzzah, despite his good intentions, touches the Ark, which God’s commandments forbid (Numbers 4:15). This act resulted in God’s anger burning against Uzzah, and he was struck dead instantly.

This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of following His instructions. It also highlights the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness of approaching God with reverence and obedience. David and his men were reminded that they must respect and obey God’s holiness above all else, despite their desire to honor God and celebrate His presence. This event would go on to shape David’s understanding of God’s holiness and the need for utmost reverence in worship and service.

2 Samuel 6:6-11

Verse 6 of 2 Samuel chapter 6 describes a crucial moment when Uzzah reached out to steady the ark of God as the oxen stumbled, and was struck dead by God as a result. This incident is a somber reminder of the holiness and reverence due to God’s presence. The ark of the covenant was the physical representation of God’s presence among His people, and specific instructions were given by God regarding its handling and transportation. Uzzah, though well-intentioned in wanting to prevent the ark from falling, overstepped the boundaries set by God, which ultimately led to his tragic death. This event serves as a cautionary tale about the significance of obedience to God’s commands and the consequences of disregarding His instructions. It underscores the importance of approaching God with respect and humility, recognizing His supremacy and authority over all aspects of our lives. David’s reaction to the death of Uzzah is seen in verses 7-8. David, who had intended to bring the ark to Jerusalem to signify the central role of God in the nation’s life, became afraid of the Lord in that moment. The fear and reverence David experienced at that time showcase his understanding of the holiness of God and his recognition of the need to approach Him with proper reverence and obedience. This incident highlights David’s growth in his relationship with God, as he realizes the gravity of mishandling God’s presence. It also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting the holiness of God in our worship and daily lives.

Following this event, in verses 9-10, David’s perspective shifts, and he decides not to bring the ark into the City of David. Instead, he diverts it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. Obed-Edom was a Levite and a keeper of the ark who, in contrast to Uzzah, experienced blessings and favor from the presence of the ark in his house. This demonstrates that obedience and reverence towards God lead to blessings, while disobedience results in dire consequences. The ark’s stay in Obed-Edom’s house brought him prosperity and divine favor, highlighting the concept of God’s faithfulness and provision to those who honor Him. This shift in David’s approach signifies his growing awareness of the need for obedience and respect in his relationship with God. Blessings were poured out upon Obed-Edom and his household during the three months that the ark stayed in his house, as specified in verse 11. This period underscores the transformative power of God’s presence and the blessings that follow obedience to Him. Obed-Edom’s experience serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in rewarding those who honor Him. It also serves as a reminder of the contrast between the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Uzzah’s death, and the blessings that accompany obedience and reverence towards God. We are reminded of the importance of obedience, reverence, and humility in our relationship with God when reflecting on this passage within the larger context of the Bible. The story of Uzzah and David’s response serves as a poignant lesson on the significance of honoring God’s holiness and following His commands. It also adds depth to the theme of God’s faithfulness and blessings towards those who faithfully serve Him, as seen in Obed-Edom’s story. 2 Samuel 6:6-11 challenges us to approach God with reverence, obedience, and a heart willing to honor Him in all aspects of our lives.

2 Samuel 6:12-15

King David brought the Ark of the Covenant into the City of David with great rejoicing in 2 Samuel 6:12-15. Let’s break down this passage:

First, in verse 12, we see that it was reported to King David that the Lord had blessed the household of Obed-Edom because of the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in his house for three months. This news was crucial for David as he had previously experienced the consequences of mishandling the Ark when Uzzah died while trying to steady it (2 Samuel 6:6-7). The blessing upon Obed-Edom’s house signaled to David that the time was right to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem.

Secondly, in verse 13, we witness David making preparations to bring the Ark of the Covenant to the City of David. It’s worth noting the reverence and meticulous planning David implemented this time. The Ark of the Covenant was a physical representation of God’s presence among His people, holding the Ten Commandments given to Moses. David understood the sanctity of the Ark and the importance of following God’s commands regarding its transportation (Numbers 4:15). David and all the house of Israel brought up the Ark of the Covenant with shouting and the sound of the trumpet in a exuberant display of worship and celebration in verse 14. The presence of the Ark signified a restoration of God’s favor and blessings upon the people of Israel. It was a moment of great joy and rejoicing for the entire nation.

Verse 15 further intensifies the scene with David not only leading the procession but also dancing before the Lord with all his might, wearing a linen ephod. David’s uninhibited worship before God, despite his royal status, demonstrates his humility and sincerity in honoring the Lord. It also serves as a stark contrast to his wife Michal’s disdain for his public display of worship in the following verses.

This passage conveys timeless messages about the reverence for God’s presence, obedience to His commands, and the joy of worshiping Him with wholehearted devotion. It illustrates the importance of seeking God’s guidance and timing in our actions, as David did before bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. Additionally, David’s worshipful attitude challenges us to approach God with authenticity and humility, not hindered by societal expectations or personal pride.

2 Samuel 6:16-19

King David dances before the Lord with all his might as the Ark of the Covenant is brought into the city of David in 2 Samuel 6:16-19. This moment is filled with symbolism and profound meaning. Let’s uncover the significance of this verse by delving into its breakdown.

Firstly, in verse 16, we see Michal, the daughter of Saul and wife of David, looking out of a window and despising David in her heart for his exuberant display of worship before the Lord. Michal’s reaction highlights a contrast in attitudes – David, full of joy and gratitude, expresses his reverence and thankfulness to God through dance, while Michal, perhaps embarrassed by his lack of royal decorum, criticizes him. This moment underscores the importance of sincerity and wholehearted worship. It serves as a reminder that our worship should be directed towards God alone, without concern for the opinions of others.

Moving on to verse 17, we witness the procession of the Ark of the Covenant into the city of David amidst shouts of joy and the sound of the trumpet. The Ark of the Covenant was the symbol of God’s presence among His people, and its entry into Jerusalem signified God’s reign over the nation of Israel. The people’s jubilant celebration reflects their recognition of God’s faithfulness and deliverance. This event echoes the significance of acknowledging God’s presence in our lives and rejoicing in His faithfulness throughout history. David blesses the people in the name of the Lord and distributes gifts to all the assembly in verses 18-19. This act of generosity and gratitude emphasizes David’s heart of humility and thanksgiving towards God. David exemplifies a leader who recognizes that his position is ordained by God and that his blessings are meant to be shared with others by blessing the people. This episode reinforces the biblical principle of stewardship – acknowledging that all we have comes from God and should be used to bless others. Themes of worship, reverence, humility, and gratitude are encapsulated in this passage from 2 Samuel 6. It challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards worship and calls us to worship God sincerely, regardless of the opinions of others. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing God’s presence in our lives and celebrating His faithfulness. And it encourages us to be generous and share our blessings with those around us, reflecting God’s love and kindness to others.

This story of David’s exuberant worship and Michal’s critical response also points to the broader biblical narrative of the struggle between true worship and empty formalism. Throughout the Bible, we see God calling His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), with genuine hearts of devotion. Michal’s judgment of David serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to check our own hearts in worship and to prioritize authenticity and reverence in our relationship with God.

2 Samuel 6:20-23

King David and his wife Michal have an interaction after he brings the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6:20-23. Let’s break down this passage into key sections for a more in-depth analysis:

  1. “Then David returned to bless his household.” – After successfully bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, David returns home to bless his household. This act reflects David’s desire to impart the blessings of God upon his family and loved ones, highlighting his role as a leader responsible for the spiritual well-being of his household.

  2. “And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, ‘How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants’ female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!’” – Michal, who was Saul’s daughter and David’s wife, confronts him for what she perceived as improper behavior during the procession with the Ark. Her words reveal her disdain and contempt for David’s actions, suggesting a breach in their relationship. Michal’s mention of David “uncovering himself” likely refers to his dancing and celebrating fervently before the Lord, which she viewed as beneath the dignity of a king.

  3. “And David said to Michal, ‘It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord—and I will celebrate before the Lord. I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honor. David defends his actions in response to Michal’s criticism by emphasizing that his exuberant display was a form of worship and praise directed towards the Lord. He asserts that his primary concern is to honor God, even at the expense of his own dignity in the eyes of others. David’s assertion of God’s choice and his commitment to celebrate before the Lord regardless of others’ opinions underline his profound faith and humility.

  4. “And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.” – The passage concludes with a poignant note about Michal’s barrenness, highlighting the consequences of her opposition to David’s worship. This detail serves as a sobering reminder of how resistance to God’s chosen path can have lasting repercussions. Michal’s infertility signifies a deeper spiritual barrenness, reflecting the relational rift between her and David as well as symbolizing the absence of God’s blessing in her life.

The narrative of David and Michal in 2 Samuel 6 offers profound insights into themes such as worship, obedience, humility, and the consequences of opposing God’s will. David’s unwavering devotion to God in his public worship demonstrates the importance of prioritizing God’s approval above human standards. Michal’s critical attitude serves as a cautionary tale against pride and resistance to God’s chosen ways, leading to spiritual emptiness and estrangement. This account resonates with broader biblical themes of faithfulness, the consequences of disobedience, and the transformative power of true worship, urging readers to examine their attitudes towards God and His will in their lives.

After 2 Samuel 6

The people rejoiced as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. But their celebration turned to sorrow when Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark and was struck down by God. David was afraid and left the Ark at the house of Obed-edom.

After three months, David saw that God had blessed Obed-edom’s household. Emboldened, David again set out to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. This time, the procession was marked by sacrifice and worship. David danced before the Lord with all his might as the Ark entered the city.

The chapter ends with David’s wife Michal looking on with contempt. But as we will see in the next chapter, her disdain for David’s devotion would have grave consequences. For the heart that is truly surrendered to the Lord cannot be shaken, no matter the opposition it faces.