2 Samuel 6 Explained – A 5 Minute Bible Study

2 Samuel 6 Short Summary

In the sixth chapter of 2 Samuel, David decides to move the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. On the way, the wagon carrying the Ark became unsteady, and Uzzah reached out his hand to keep it from falling. God killed Uzzah, because no one was allowed to touch the Ark. The delivery of the Ark was delayed 3 months due to the tragedy. When it arrived, David rejoiced and danced before the Lord.

What is 2 Samuel 6 About?

WHEN:

• Saul died in approximately 1055 B.C., after reigning over Israel for 40 years.

• David became king over Judah the same year. He reigned over Judah for 7 years and 6 months, before becoming king over all of Israel.  

CHARACTERS:

• David - He was the 2nd king over all Israel and Judah.

• Hiram – The king of Tyre, a city north of Israel along the Mediterranean coast.

• Philistines – Israel’s long-time enemies. They were a thorn in Israel’s side ever since the Israelites failed to drive them out of the land during the days of Joshua. 

WHERE:

• The Ark of the Covenant was in Baale-judah. This location was also called Kiriath-jearim (1 Sam 7:1-2; 1 Chr 13:5-6).

• David brought the Ark to Jerusalem.

OUTLINE:

• UZZAH IS KILLED TRANSPORTING THE ARK OF THE COVENANT (6:1-11):

  • David decided to move the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-jearim, from the house of Abinadab (1 Sam 7:2), to Jerusalem.

  • He gathered 30,000 men to collect the Ark.

  • They put the Ark on an ox-drawn cart, which was driven by two men, Uzzah and Ahio.

  • David and all the people celebrated with songs and instruments.

  • As they made their way to Jerusalem, the oxen stumbled and Uzzah put out his hand to steady the Ark.

  • God killed Uzzah, because it was forbidden for anyone to touch the Ark.

  • This tragedy put an end to the celebratory mood, and the Ark never made it to Jerusalem, it was stored in the house of Obed-edom.

  • It stayed with Obed-edom for 3 months, and the Lord blessed his house.

• THE ARK ARRIVES IN JERUSALEM AND MICHAL GETS MAD AT DAVID (6:12-23):

  • After 3 months, David brought the Ark from Obed-edom’s house to Jerusalem.

  • David rejoiced and danced “with all his might” while wearing a linen ephod.

  • The Ark was kept in a tent David had prepared for it.

  • David blessed the people and gave all of them: a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins.

  • When David returned home, Michal rebuked him for “uncovering himself” in front of the female servants during his celebration.

  • David told Michal his celebration was in honor of the Lord, and her rebuke was not taken to heart.

  • The final verse of the chapter states that Michal was barren and had no children to the day of her death.

APPLICATION:

• One thing to consider when evaluating the fate of Uzzah is that Uzzah’s fate resulted from a disobedience that preceded him touching the Ark.

• According to God’s law, the Ark of the Covenant was never supposed to be transported by wagon, it was to be carried on the shoulders of the priests (Num 7:6-9).

• Ignoring God’s previous instructions about how the Ark was to be transported put Uzzah into his dilemma.

• The people of Israel were excited to honor the Ark of God, that was a good thing, but their excitement wasn’t license to ignore God’s instructions.

• For application, no amount of zeal for worship grants us license to ignore God’s commands.

• Sometimes you’ll see churches that have the most “Spirit-filled” worship, but they fail to teach God’s words on culturally sensitive topics.

• You can’t worship your way out of disobedience. We need to worship zealously AND diligently adhere to God’s instruction.