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2 Samuel 6
Bible study
by Ann Boyd
Background:
. David is made king over Judah, Ish-Bosheth king over other tribes
. they went to war, lasted a long time
. Abner murders Asahel (Joab’s brother)
. Abner goes to David’s side
. Joab murders Abner for revenge
. Ish-Bosheth murdered
. David made king over all Israel
. David defeats Philistines
Looking at David’s actions. What are some factors that motivated him? What
can we learn about his character from this?
. motivated by fear of the Lord – was it always righteous fear? his
offering of the ox and fatling every six paces feels rather pagan
. motivated by his new reign as king, and wanting to bring God into it – however, he doesn’t ask God if he can bring the ark there.
. motivated by wanting to look good as a king – wanting the ark transfer
to go successfully, handing out food to people. When Obed-edom gets
blessed, he is ready to take the ark.
Why is David angry? at whom?
. possibly at Uzzah
. possibly at the Lord
. possibly at himself for not following the rules about transporting the
ark – they aren’t supposed to use a cart, and Uzzah doesn’t seem to be
a Kohathite Levite (cf. Num 4.15)
. possibly just angry because his plan of bringing the ark in and
looking like a good king wasn’t going as planned
What do you notice about Michal? Why is she mad?
. she might be still bitter about having to be pulled away from her
husband
. she doesn’t like what David is doing for some reason
Can we learn anything about worship from this passage? any principles, or
not?
. Although many of us have learned in Sunday school about David dancing
before the Lord, David isn’t portrayed very positively in this
passage. He isn’t really understanding that he can’t control God – and
it doesn’t seem that he does until the Lord says that he can’t build
him a temple (in subsequent chapters). He is taking charge a lot and
not asking God first. At this point, he isn’t really an example of
worship to be followed.
What do we learn about the Lord?
. The Lord doesn’t have a lot of action in this story, other than
striking down Uzzah and blessing Obed-edom.
. We do see, when looking at the bigger picture of David’s life, that
the Lord is patient and doesn’t give up on us. Even at this point,
when David is enamored with his own kingliness, the Lord has a plan
for how to draw him back into a better relationship with him. That is
definitely reassuring to me in my life.
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