2 Samuel 6
Meaning of 2 Samuel 6
2 Samuel 6 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible that tells the story of King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, a momentous event in the religious history of Israel.
At the start of the chapter, David assembled a large group of chosen men to retrieve the Ark from its place in Baale Judah. The Ark was being carried on a new cart and as they were transporting it, the oxen stumbled and a man named Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark. For this act, God struck him dead instantly, as touching the Ark was considered irreverent. David was fearful of the Lord’s wrath after this incident, leading him to leave the Ark in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
After three months, David learned that the Lord had blessed Obed-edom because of the presence of the Ark. This led David to decide to bring the Ark to his city, Jerusalem. David, being overjoyed, danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a linen ephod, while the Ark was being brought into the city. This action, however, disconcerted his wife Michal, the daughter of Saul.
Michal later confronted David about his behavior, stating that he had disgraced himself before his subjects. However, David replied that as he was chosen by God over her father and his house, he would celebrate before the Lord and would even demean himself more than this if it meant honoring God.
So, in summary, 2 Samuel 6 tells the story of David’s transport of the Ark of Covenant to Jerusalem, his energetic celebration and dancing before God, and his defense of his actions when Michal criticised him. The chapter carries themes of reverence, joy in worship, and understanding the notion of worship as per God’s instructions.
2 Samuel 6 kjv
2 Samuel Chapter 6 is in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. Here is a comprehensive summary:
The chapter begins with David gathering all the chosen men of Israel, about thirty thousand, to bring the Ark of God from Baale of Judah to the City of David. The Ark of God, also known as the Ark of the Covenant, was a chest containing the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments.
They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, who lived on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, guided the cart with the Ark while David and all Israel celebrated before the Lord with all kinds of musical instruments.
When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark of God. Because of Uzzah’s act, God’s anger was kindled against him. He struck him there for his error, and he died beside the Ark of God.
David was upset because of the Lord’s outburst against Uzzah, and that place was called Perez-uzzah, meaning “the outburst against Uzzah.” David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, “How can the Ark of the Lord come to me?” He decided not to move the Ark to the City of David but left it in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
The Ark remained with Obed-edom for three months, and the Lord blessed him and his entire household. When King David heard of these blessings, he went and brought up the Ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with gladness. As the Ark of the Lord was entering the city, David danced before the Lord with all his might; he was wearing a linen ephod (a type of garment).
His wife Michal, daughter of Saul, watched from a window. Seeing King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. The Ark of the Lord was settled in its place in the tent that David had pitched for it, after which David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.
After he finished offering these sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord and distributed food to everyone. As David returned to bless his household, Michal came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel honored himself today, exposing himself today in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”
To this, David said, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord.” David’s response signified that his allegiance lay with God who had appointed him king, and he was not concerned with human dignity or decorum but with celebrating the Lord.
The chapter ends stating that Michal, the daughter of Saul, had no children to the day of her death. This may imply divine disapproval of her criticism of David’s behavior.
2 Samuel 6 nkjv
2 Samuel 6, part of the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible, recounts two significant events related to the Ark of the Covenant, which held the Ten Commandments.
1. David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem:
In the first part of the chapter, David, now king, decides to bring the Ark back to Jerusalem. He assembles thirty thousand chosen men from Israel to transport it. The Ark is first placed on a new cart driven by Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab. As they reach the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumble, and Uzzah instinctively reaches out to stabilize the Ark. This is forbidden, as the Ark is holy and cannot be touched directly. As a result, God strikes Uzzah dead. This event shocks and angers David, and he names the place Perez Uzzah, which means “Outburst Against Uzzah”. David is then afraid to bring the Ark in city, so he leaves it in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.
2. The Ark Comes to the City of David:
After three months, David hears that the Lord has blessed Obed-Edom’s house where the Ark is being kept. This prompts him to try to transport the Ark to Jerusalem again. This time they sacrifice a bull and a fattened calf every six steps to honor God and prevent any further incident. David, dressed in a linen ephod, can be seen dancing and celebrating in front of the Ark, leading the procession toward the city. Michal, David’s wife and Saul’s daughter, looks on disapprovingly.
When the Ark is finally brought into the city, David offers burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. He then blesses the people in the name of the Lord and gives everyone a cake of bread, a piece of meat, and a cake of raisins.
When David returns to his household, Michal criticizes him for his undignified behavior. David responds that he was dancing before the Lord who chose him over her father and his house. Because of her reproach, Michal, the daughter of Saul, has no child to the day of her death.
The core themes of this chapter encompass the fear and reverence for the sanctity of God’s presence represented by the Ark, the celebration and public worship of God through the retrieval of Ark, and the disapproval from Michal, highlighting her misunderstanding of David’s actions.
2 Samuel 6 niv
2 Samuel 6, from the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, recounts the story of King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.
At the start of the chapter, David gathers 30,000 Israelites to Baalah to recover the Ark, a hugely significant religious artifact. They place the Ark on a new cart, driven by Uzzah and Ahio. During their journey towards the house of David, the oxen stumble, causing Uzzah to reach out and steady the Ark. God’s anger flares against Uzzah for his irreverence and he’s struck down, dying there beside the Ark, leading the place to be named Perez Uzzah (meaning “outbreak against Uzzah”).
David then becomes afraid of carrying the Ark to Jerusalem, so it’s taken to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite, where it stays for three months. During its stay, God blesses Obed-Edom and his entire household.
When David hears about the blessings upon Obed-Edom’s household, he decides to bring the Ark to the city of David (Jerusalem) with great celebration. He dances ecstatically in front of the Ark, which makes Michal (Saul’s daughter and David’s wife) disdain him in her heart.
The Ark was then placed inside a tent that David had pitched for it. David offers up burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord, he also blesses the people in the name of the Lord Almighty, distributing food to everyone in the crowd.
When he returns home to bless his household, Michal confronts him for what she saw as indecorous dancing. David replies that he was dancing before the Lord who chose him over her father and his lineage. The chapter ends by noting that Michal, for her disrespect, remained childless till her death.
What is 2 Samuel 6 all about?
2 Samuel 6 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. It tells the story of King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, an event filled with great joy but also marked by tragedy.
The story begins with David and all the people of Israel trying to transport the Ark from Baale Judah (also known as Kiriath-Jearim) to David’s newly established capital in Jerusalem. The Ark was being transported on a new cart, drawn by oxen. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah, one of the men guiding the Ark, reached out his hand to steady it. Because the Ark was considered most holy, and only designated priests were allowed to touch it, God struck Uzzah dead instantly as a punishment for his irreverence.
David was at first angry about Uzzah’s death, and then feared to bring the Ark into his city. So he decided to leave the Ark at the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, during which God blessed the household and everything he owned.
Seeing this, David decided to bring the Ark to Jerusalem after all. The second time, the Ark was transported correctly, with the Levites carrying it. The procession was accompanied by sacrifices and celebrations. David, out of joy, danced before the Ark, dressed in a linen ephod, a simple priestly garment. This act of enthusiastic worship was despised by David’s wife Michal, Saul’s daughter, who saw it as undignified.
Once the Ark was safely placed in the tent David had prepared for it, he offered more sacrifices, blessed the people, and distributed food to everyone present. The chapter closes with Michal expressing her disdain for David’s behavior, and it is noted that she had no children until her death, which can be seen as a form of divine judgment.
In summary, 2 Samuel 6 tells the story of David’s respect for the sacredness of the Ark, his joyous worship of God, and God’s blessing upon his reign as he established Jerusalem as his capital and the spiritual center of Israel.
What does 2 Samuel 6 teaches?
2 Samuel 6 in the Bible centers around the ark of God, which once represented God’s presence among the people of Israel, held the Ten Commandments, and was used as a symbol of communication with God.
From the narration, we can derive several teachings:
1. Respect for God’s Divinity: When Uzzah, out of reflex and perhaps good intention, reached out to steady the Ark after the oxen pulling it stumbled, God struck him down. This teaches us that God is holy and is to be approached and handled with care, awe, and reverence.
2. The Blessing of Obedience: The ark was left at the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and God blessed him and his entire household. This illustrates that the obedient observance of God’s instructions brings blessing.
3. Joy in Worship: King David, upon bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, danced before the Lord with all his might, despite risking public ridicule. This displays the importance of expressing joy and celebrating in worship, without concern for human judgment.
4. God’s Judgment is Impartial: Michal, David’s wife, despised him in her heart for dancing so undignified and God struck her barren. This teaches us that God does not show favoritism and He judges impartially. It also emphasizes the importance of having a right heart before God.
5. Everyone is Accountable for their Actions: Despite being King David’s wife, Michal was held accountable for her actions and faced consequences. This is a reminder that everyone has personal responsibility for their actions regardless of their status or position.
Through this chapter, the author shows the awe and respect God commands, the blessings that come with obedience, the promoting of genuine heartfelt worship, the understanding that we are accountable for our actions, and the role of decisions in determining our blessings or punishments. These teachings continue to influence Christian theology up to the present day.
A Sermon on 2 Samuel 6
2 Samuel 6 features the event of bringing the Ark of God back to Israelite territory and the consequences surrounding it. This chapter focuses on the glory of God, the respect for His statutes, and the joy in His presence.
The chapter begins with David gathering all the men in Israel to retrieve the Ark of God that was left in the house of Abinadab. With great celebration and excitement, the journey of bringing the Ark back to Jerusalem began.
However, as we see the Ark is being transported on a cart, contrary to God’s command in the Torah (Numbers 7:9) that the Ark should be carried on the shoulders of the Levites. This disobedience to God’s statutes lead to Uzzah’s death when he tried to steady the Ark as the oxen stumbled, contrary to God’s command that only the High Priest could touch the Ark. This represents the importance of fear, respect, and obedience to God’s commands.
An important turn of events occurs when David, terrified by the striking of Uzzah, decided to leave the Ark at the house of Obed-Edom. When the blessing of God was poured out on Obed-Edom’s household, it stirred David to bring back the Ark to Jerusalem.
The latter part of this chapter highlights the joyous return of the Ark. Despite his wife Michal’s misunderstanding and scorn, David danced and celebrated before God with all his might, displaying his humility and devotion. His open, uninhibited worship to God is inspirational.
In essence, the sermon based on 2 Samuel 6 can carry the following themes:
1) The importance of obedience to God’s specific instructions.
2) The overriding importance of respect and reverence for God’s holiness.
3) The abundance of blessings that come from God’s presence.
4) True worship involves complete surrender and joyous celebration.
5) Those who despise God’s chosen and their actions may face God’s disapproval, as did Michal.
Believers are, therefore, encouraged to seek understanding of God’s word (Bible), obey it to the letter, worship God with all their heart, and trust that in His presence, there are blessings and joy.
Remember, God’s commandments should not be altered to fit human convenience or misunderstanding. Rather, our lives should be adjusted according to God’s word.
Key people in 2 Samuel 6
1. David: David is the central character in 2 Samuel 6. He is the king of Israel who decides to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, signifying that the city is Israel’s spiritual and political capital.
2. Michal: Michal is King Saul’s daughter and David’s wife. She disapproves of David’s dancing and celebration while bringing the Ark, leading to a conflict with David.
3. Uzzah: Uzzah is one of the sons of Abinadab. As the Ark is transported, the oxen stumble, prompting Uzzah to put out his hand to steady the Ark. God’s anger burns against Uzzah because of this irreverent act, and Uzzah dies beside the Ark.
4. Ahio: Ahio is the brother of Uzzah, and he is also involved in driving the new cart that’s transporting the Ark of the Covenant.
5. Obed-edom: Obed-edom is a Levite who temporarily houses the Ark after Uzzah’s death. While the Ark was at his home, God blessed him and his entire household.
6. Abinadab: Abinadab is the father of Uzzah and Ahio, who had been taking care of the Ark until David decided to move it to Jerusalem.
Please note that this list includes the key figures directly involved in the narrative of 2 Samuel 6 but the exact interpretation may vary depending on different religious teachings and interpretations.
Real world examples on 2 Samuel 6
2 Samuel 6 in the Bible recounts the story of King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. In this chapter, we see many lessons, examples, and principles that could potentially apply to real-life situations.
1. Applying Diligence and Respect in our Actions – This is seen when Uzzah, in his negligence, touched the Ark of the Covenant. The ark was holy, and God’s commandment was clear that it should only be carried by Levites with poles on their shoulders. Uzzah, though possibly with good intentions, did not show respect and diligence when he touched the ark, and as a result, he was struck dead by God. In real life, this teaches us to be careful, respect boundaries and rules, especially those that relate to sacred or highly respected aspects of life.
2. The concept of Celebration and Joy – When the Ark finally arrived in Jerusalem, David and all of Israel celebrated with joy, music, and dance. Despite being a king, David humbled himself and danced before Lord, showing his genuine joy and gratitude. This can be a reminder in real life to celebrate important moments, express joy, and not allow status or pride to inhibit our expressions of genuine joy and thanksgiving.
3. Coping with Misunderstanding – Michal, David’s wife, misunderstood his actions and thus, despised him in her heart. David, in contrast, didn’t let Michal’s misunderstanding affect his joy and worship. In life, we may encounter people who misunderstand our actions or motives. Like David, it is essential to stay true to ourselves and not let these misunderstandings affect our joy or sense of purpose.
4. Dealing with Consequences – Michal mocked David for his worship, and subsequently, she bore no children to the day of her death. This real-world application means that negative attitudes and disrespect often have negative consequences.
These examples are not only spiritual teachings that one can apply in life, but also practical lessons on respect, joy, understanding, and dealing with consequences.
Brief Explanation of 2 Samuel 6
2 Samuel 6:1-23 tells the story of King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. The Ark is considered the physical manifestation of God’s presence to the Israelites.
In the beginning, David attempts to move the Ark on a new ox-drawn cart, but when the oxen stumble and Uzzah, one of the drivers, touches the Ark to steady it, God strikes him dead. This is because, according to the law, only the Levites were supposed to handle the Ark and it was not to be touched directly. David, struck with fear, left the Ark at the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months.
Here, the Ark greatly blessed the house of Obed-edom. Seeing this, David decided to bring the Ark to Jerusalem with great rejoicing. This time, they carried the Ark as was prescribed by the Law, with Levites carrying it with poles on their shoulders. David – in his joy – danced and celebrated in the streets which was looked down upon by his first wife, Michal, Saul’s daughter.
Finally, the Ark was set in its place, and David offered sacrifices to God. Afterwards, there was a celebration with all the people being given food. However, Michal confronts David about his undignified behavior. To this, David replied, declaring his willingness to be even more undignified in his worship to God and pointing out that it was God who had chosen him over her father, Saul. Consequently, Michal never has children, which could be regarded as divine judgment on her for despising David’s act of worship.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Samuel 6
1. Who was Uzzah and why was he struck dead by God?
Uzzah was the son of Abinadab, in whose home the Ark of God had been stored. When the Ark was being transferred on a new cart, the oxen stumbled and Uzzah out of instinct reached out his hand to steady it. In doing so, he violated God’s command that no one was to touch the Ark, and he was consequently struck dead by God.
2. What is the Ark of the Covenant and why was it so important?
The Ark of the Covenant was a wooden chest clad in gold, containing the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod, and a pot of manna. It represented God’s presence among His people, and was the most sacred of all Israelite religious objects.
3. Why did David celebrate by dancing before the Ark?
David danced before the Ark because bringing the Ark of God to Jerusalem demonstrated that he acknowledged God’s sovereignty over the nation and his own kingship. His dancing was an act of joy and worship towards God.
4. Why was Michal, David’s wife, upset with him?
Michal, the daughter of Saul and David’s wife, was upset with David for exposing himself by dancing in public, perhaps feeling it was not appropriate behavior for a king. There was also possibly resentment due to the complex politics and dynamics between Saul’s and David’s houses.
5. Why did the Ark of the Covenant stay in Obed-Edom’s house, and why were they blessed?
After Uzzah’s death, David was afraid and decided not to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, instead placing it in the home of Obed-Edom, a Levite and a Gittite. The Ark stayed there for three months and it is believed that the blessings poured over Obed-Edom and his household were a result of the presence of the Ark, indicating God’s favor.
6. Why was the city of David also called Zion?
The city of David was also called Zion because this was an alternate name for Jerusalem, particularly the southeastern hill of the city which David conquered and established as his capital. The term ‘Zion’ was hence used to refer to the city itself, the hill upon which the city was built, or the people of Israel as a whole.
Possible References for 2 Samuel 6
2 Samuel 6 primarily tells the story of the Ark of the Covenant being brought to Jerusalem. Here is a brief breakdown of some possible references:
1. 2 Samuel 6:1-2: David along with his troops goes to Baalah to bring back the Ark of God, which is referred to as the ‘Name’, the name of the Lord Almighty enthroned between the cherubim on the ark.
2. 2 Samuel 6:3-7: Reference is made to Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, who were guiding the cart carrying the Ark. God strikes Uzzah dead when he reached out to steady the Ark, a task only assigned to the Levites under the Mosaic Law.
3. 2 Samuel 6:8-10: David is afraid of having the Ark close after seeing what happened to Uzzah, so he moved the Ark to the house of Obed-Edom instead of taking it to City of David.
4. 2 Samuel 6:11-12: The Ark then brings blessings on the house of Obed-Edom, prompting David to bring it into his own city with joy.
5. 2 Samuel 6:13-15: This part outlines the celebration of the Ark’s arrival in the City of David, with sacrifices, dancing and music.
6. 2 Samuel 6:16-23: Description of Michal (one of David’s wives) despising David for dancing with all his might before the Lord, and the subsequent dialogue between David and Michal. It also refers to the punishment Michal faced for her disrespect – she had no children to the day of her death.
Please reference the actual Bible text for the full details and nuances of these events. The interpretations may differ depending on the version of the Bible you use.
Conclusion on 2 Samuel 6
2 Samuel 6 tells the story of how King David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. After initial missteps that resulted in the death of Uzzah, who touched the Ark in an attempt to prevent it from falling, David successfully transported the Ark to the city amidst great celebration and worship.
The conclusion of the chapter (verses 20-23) presents an argument between David and his wife Michal. When David returns home, Michal criticizes him for dancing and exposing himself before the servants’ maids as he celebrated the Ark’s arrival. David’s response reveals his willingness to humble himself before God. He argued that his celebratory dance was for the Lord, who had chosen him to be king over Israel, and that he would honor God even if it meant further humiliation.
Therefore, the conclusion of 2 Samuel 6 emphasizes David’s commitment to honour God regardless of personal humiliation or societal norms. It underscores that in his reign as king, utmost importance is given to worship and reverence to God. However, Michal’s scorn for David’s actions ends up in her being barren for the rest of her life, possibly indicating divine disapproval of her attitude towards David’s act of worship.