“And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and said, How shall the ark of the Lord come to me?”
Context:This verse is part of the account of King David’s attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. David desired to bring the Ark, which represented the presence and glory of God, to a central location in order to honor and worship God.
Reverence and Fear of the Lord:In this verse, we see David’s reaction to the death of Uzzah, who had reached out to steady the Ark when the oxen stumbled, resulting in God’s anger and Uzzah’s immediate death (2 Samuel 6:6-7). David’s fear was not a terror but a deep reverence and recognition of God’s holiness. This event reminded David that God is to be approached with awe and respect, and His commands are not to be taken lightly.
Holiness and Obedience:The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred symbol of God’s presence and power among the Israelites. The incident with Uzzah highlights the importance of treating holy things with reverence and following God’s instructions. Uzzah’s error was that he touched the Ark, an act that was strictly prohibited in the Law of Moses (Numbers 4:15). It serves as a reminder that God’s holiness requires obedience and adherence to His commands.
David’s Question:David’s fear and concern in this verse reflect his recognition of his own unworthiness before God. He realizes that he had not followed the prescribed manner of transporting the Ark, which involved using poles and designated Levites (Numbers 4:5-6). David’s question, “How shall the ark of the Lord come to me?” expresses his humility and the need to seek God’s guidance and mercy in order to bring the Ark to Jerusalem.
God’s Faithfulness and Guidance:Although David was initially afraid, he did not abandon his desire to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. In the following verses, we see that David consults the Scriptures and follows God’s instructions, successfully bringing the Ark to its destination (2 Samuel 6:12-19). This shows that when we approach God with reverence, seek His guidance, and obey His commands, He will guide and bless our endeavors.
Application:
- Reverence for God:Like David, we should approach God with reverence, recognising His holiness and power. This reverence should affect the way we worship, pray, and live our lives, honouring Him in all that we do.
- Obedience:Uzzah’s mistake serves as a reminder that we should obey God’s commands and not take His holiness lightly. We should diligently study and apply His Word, seeking to align our lives with His will.
- Seeking God’s Guidance:David’s question reflects his recognition of the need for God’s guidance and direction. We too should seek God’s wisdom and guidance in all our endeavours, acknowledging our dependence on Him.
- Trusting in God’s Faithfulness:Despite his initial fear, David trusted in God’s faithfulness and followed His instructions. We can have confidence that when we align ourselves with God’s will and obey His commands, He will guide us and bless our efforts.
Remember, this Bible study provides an overview and key insights into 2 Samuel 6:9. It is always beneficial to study the passage in its broader context and consult other commentaries and resources to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
