Intro: Several weeks ago, we looked at this passage as we explored the mercy, holiness, and grace of God flowing from the cross of Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches God is holy and when we do not acknowledge his sacred sovereignty and holiness we demonstrate irreverence toward him. In the past, God had already set up and communicated the system of how his presence—the Ark—was to be carried; poles on the shoulders of the Levitical priests. However, in our passage, God’s system is not being followed. Instead, David does not consult God and decides to move the Ark consistent with the methods of the Philistines—an ox cart. As a result, God’s anger brings death to the innocent yet irreverent actions of Uzzah. What started out with great joy ended in sorrow; instead of blessing a curse. It’s a picture of the Old Testament Law and God’s response when his people are unwilling to obey.
David, upset with God’s judgment, decides to leave the Ark at Obed-edom’s home; a Levitical priest. David finds himself confused because he thinks since his intentions were good that should have been enough. Sometimes, we can be tempted to think God doesn’t care how something is accomplished; just git ‘er dun! However, that is not the truth. God cares that we honor his holy words of wisdom and instruction. Uzzah’s death was unnecessary and came because of disobedience to God’s Word. This is a great lesson all by itself as to why we need the work of the New Testament message of repentance and grace. But, there’s more…
Today, as we look at the same passage, our focus will be on the blessing that flows from the presence of God—the Ark—that is being stored at Obed-edom’s home for three months. When God’s presence moves into Obed-edom’s home, goodness rolls in with him. God abundantly blesses the whole household; because God’s presence is honored. So much so that David hears about this blessing in Jerusalem and decides he wants that blessing for the whole nation of Israel. So, David humbly returns to where the Ark is being stored at Obed-edom’s home and moves it back to Jerusalem; but, this time in the proper manner following the commands of God. Lesson learned.
Blessings come in a grace bathed relationship with God through the sinless Son, but we need to understand the love and honor that God deserves and requires. Christ makes grace abundant and our place is to follow the Word, worship and glorify the Lord with our lives. Now, the Lord is present in his people and grace is available for our every need. Blessings upon blessings are found in God presence.
2 Samuel 6:1-15 (NLT) Moving the Ark to Jerusalem
1 Then David again gathered all the elite troops in Israel, 30,000 in all. 2 He led them to Baalah of Judah to bring back the Ark of God, which bears the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. 3 They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab’s house, which was on a hill. Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab’s sons, were guiding the cart 4 that carried the Ark of God. Ahio walked in front of the Ark. 5 David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals.
6 But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God. 7 Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this [irreverence]. So Uzzah died right there beside the Ark of God.
8 David was angry because the Lord’s anger had burst out against Uzzah. He named that place Perez-uzzah (which means “to burst out against Uzzah”), as it is still called today.
9 David was now afraid of the Lord, and he asked, “How can I ever bring the Ark of the Lord back into my care?” 10 So David decided not to move the Ark of the Lord into the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-edom of Gath. 11 The Ark of the Lord remained there in Obed-edom’s house for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and his entire household.
12 Then King David was told, “The Lord has blessed Obed-edom’s household and everything he has because of the Ark of God.” So David went there and brought the Ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with a great celebration. 13 After the men who were carrying the Ark of the Lord had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. 15 So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the many lessons you always bring your children about your heart and the revelation of your ways of living in Christ. Holy Spirit, help us to obey and enjoy every blessing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.