BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Shortly after becoming king of Israel, David sought to restore the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. While he had united the nation politically by capturing Jerusalem from the Jebusites, bringing the Ark would achieve religious unity and further solidify his rule. However, in his zeal, David failed to consult the Lord and disregarded God’s specific instructions on how the Ark should be transported. According to Numbers 7:9, the Ark was to be carried on the shoulders of the Kohathites, not placed on a cart, and it was not to be touched (Numbers 4:15). Instead, David commenced to transport the Ark in a common fashion, just like the Philistines had once done (1 Samuel 6:7).
When Uzzah touched the Ark and was struck dead, it demonstrated God’s wrath for the lack of reverence toward His holy presence. David, dismayed by Uzzah’s death and his own misstep, rerouted the Ark to the house of Obed-edom, a Levite and Kohathite, to ensure its proper care. The blessing on Obed-edom’s household signaled to David that it was now safe to transport the Ark to Jerusalem, as long as God’s instructions were followed.
Afterward, the Lord established David’s kingdom, granting him peace. Living in a palace built by Hiram, king of Tyre, David expressed a desire to build a house for the Lord, contrasting his own “house of cedar” with the Ark’s placement in a tent. He shared this with the prophet Nathan, who initially encouraged David. However, God revealed to Nathan that David’s son, not David, was chosen to build the temple. Included in God’s message, through Nathan, was the promise that God would build a spiritual house through David. This was a prophetic reference to Jesus Christ.
In response, David “sat before the Lord” in the Tabernacle, reflecting deeply and offering heartfelt thanks. Though a gifted and powerful king, David humbly acknowledged God’s grace in choosing him and his family for this divine purpose. He prayed with humility, calling himself God’s servant (from the Hebrew word abad, meaning “to serve”), and concluded by asking God to bless his house (descendants) forever.

A TESTIMONY FROM OUR DAY

Years ago, Earl Weaver managed the Baltimore Orioles baseball team with strict rules, including that no player could steal a base without a sign from the coach. Reggie Jackson, a star player known for his skill in stealing bases, felt he could make his own decisions. One day, ignoring Weaver’s rule, Reggie successfully stole second base and smugly believed he had proven his point.
Later, Weaver explained why he hadn’t given the sign: Reggie’s move left first base open, causing the pitcher to walk the next batter, Lee May, a powerful hitter. This forced a pinch hitter later, weakening the lineup. Reggie’s disobedience ultimately hurt the team, teaching him that Weaver, as the manager, saw the bigger picture while Reggie had focused only on himself.
As Christians, we may be tempted to take shortcuts or disregard God’s commands simply because we think we have a good reason. Like Reggie Jackson, we may take matters into our own hands, reasoning that we are doing a good thing. But Reggie discovered that his “good” choice was not the “best” choice, and that his disobedience had far-reaching consequences. David likewise learned that there was danger in taking matters into his own hands, for in his zeal to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, he and the priests assisting him broke the express commandments of God regarding how the Ark was to be carried.
When Uzzah put forth his hand to steady the Ark, he was in violation of God’s law, which forbid human hands from touching it. Though it may appear that his intentions were noble, his death taught David and Israel that obedience was paramount. Let us remember their lessons and be careful always to obey the Lord implicitly. Though intentions may seem good, both stories show the importance of trusting and obeying God implicitly, who sees the whole picture.

A CLOSER LOOK

Question 1
In 2 Samuel 6:1-11, what was David’s mistake in moving the Ark as he did? (See Exodus 25:10-22) In light of Exodus 25:22, why was it important for the Ark to be moved to Jerusalem?
Question 2
Why do you think Michal was displeased with David’s exuberance? What do you think her motives might have been? II Samuel 6:16-23
Question 3
What could be some consequences of choosing our way over God’s way?
Question 4
In chapter 7, David expressed his desire to God to build a permanent dwelling for Him. What was God’s response to David’s desire?
What did David’s response show about his character?
Question 5
Reflecting on 2 Samuel 7, how has God’s mercy been revealed in your life?

TAKE HOME

In his excitement to do something “good,” David overlooked what was “best” — that is to obey the Lord fully. The commandments of the Lord are not something we can take lightly! Mercy is an important, freely given ingredient that we can easily overlook as Christians. Let us ask God to continue to extend mercy to us, our families, and those who will succeed us.