2 Samuel Chapter 6
David Brings the Ark of God into Jerusalem
Psalm 132 is closely tied to this event, reflecting Israel’s anticipation of God’s dwelling in Zion and the fulfillment of His promises to David.
A. The Failed First Attempt
(2 Samuel 6:1–2)
“Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.”
David’s desire to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem marked a turning point in Israel’s worship. The ark symbolized God’s throne on earth, the visible representation of His dwelling among His people.
a. David gathered all the choice men of Israel:
David summoned thirty thousand of Israel’s elite warriors, demonstrating the national significance of this event. This was not merely a political or military procession; it was a sacred mission to establish the worship of the LORD at the center of Israel’s national life. The king understood that true unity and blessing for the nation could only come when God was at the center of their identity and worship.
b. To bring up from there the ark of God:
The Ark of the Covenant, first constructed under Moses’ direction (Exodus 25:10–22), was the most sacred object in Israel’s history. It was a wooden chest overlaid with pure gold, approximately three feet nine inches long, two feet three inches wide, and two feet three inches high. Inside it were the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, a golden pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded (Hebrews 9:4). Its lid, the mercy seat, was made of pure gold with two cherubim facing each other, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings. This represented the throne of God, where His presence would dwell between the cherubim.
c. The LORD of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim:
This title emphasizes God’s majesty and sovereignty as the Commander of heavenly armies. His presence rested above the mercy seat, between the cherubim, symbolizing His rule and His willingness to dwell among His people. David’s mission to bring the ark to Jerusalem was more than moving a sacred object; it was about restoring Israel’s focus on the presence and glory of God.
The ark had been neglected for decades, left in the house of Abinadab in Kirjath Jearim since the days when it was returned from Philistine captivity (1 Samuel 7:1–2). For twenty years, the people failed to seek the LORD through it. David’s intention was holy: to restore the centrality of worship and renew Israel’s consciousness of the living God who dwells in their midst.
David’s actions also fulfill the longing expressed in Psalm 132:8–9, which says, “Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.” This reflects David’s desire for God’s presence to once again rest among His people, bringing both righteousness and joy to the nation.
(2 Samuel 6:3–5)
“And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart. And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark. And David and all the house of Israel played before the LORD on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.”
David and the people of Israel began this great procession with joy, music, and enthusiasm, but their zeal lacked knowledge. Their method of transporting the ark ignored God’s revealed instructions, which required the ark to be carried by the sons of Kohath upon their shoulders using poles passed through its rings. The scene was full of worshipful energy, yet beneath the celebration was a fatal disobedience.
a. So they set the ark of God on a new cart:
In their excitement to bring the ark to Jerusalem, David and the priests chose convenience over obedience. God’s Word had clearly instructed in Exodus 25:12–15, “And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof... and thou shalt make staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold. And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.” Similarly, Numbers 4:15 warns that the sons of Kohath must carry the ark properly and not touch the holy things lest they die.
By placing the ark on a cart, David followed the method of the Philistines rather than the command of God. When the Philistines returned the ark in 1 Samuel 6:10–11, they used a new cart because they did not know God’s law, and God graciously overlooked their ignorance. But His people were not to imitate the world’s methods in matters of worship. What the Philistines did in ignorance, Israel did in disobedience.
The ark was meant to be carried by men, not by oxen. God wanted His presence represented through personal, reverent service rather than mechanical convenience. The ark symbolized the burden of the LORD, a holy responsibility to be carried on the shoulders of consecrated men. As Alan Redpath noted, the ark was “the burden of the Lord, and the burden of the Lord was to be carried on the hearts of the Levites.” The lesson is timeless: God desires obedience, not innovation, when it comes to His worship.
Many today make the same mistake. They believe that if something is done with sincerity or enthusiasm, God must approve. They think, “Look, we have a new cart for the ark of God — God will be pleased with our creativity.” But God’s presence cannot be carried by human ingenuity, entertainment, or mechanical systems. As John Wesley once said, “It is not new things we need, but new fire.” God looks for holiness and obedience more than outward display or emotional energy.
b. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart:
These two men had lived near the ark for years, but familiarity often breeds carelessness. Their very names are symbolic — Uzzah means “strength” and Ahio means “friendly.” This procession was led by strength and friendliness, yet it lacked sanctity and obedience. Many ministries today are built upon strength and friendliness, human talent and charm, but not upon submission to God’s revealed will.
David no doubt prayed for God’s blessing upon the journey, but he failed to inquire of the LORD about the method itself. Like many believers, he assumed that good intentions and worshipful emotions were sufficient. Yet obedience to Scripture must always precede spiritual zeal. A good thing done in the wrong way is still wrong.
c. Then David and all the house of Israel played music before the LORD:
It was a magnificent celebration, filled with instruments of every kind — harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals. The people sang, shouted, and rejoiced before the LORD, believing they were honoring Him. But as joyful as their praise appeared, it was not pleasing to God because it was rooted in disobedience.
This scene illustrates a vital truth about worship: it is not about how we feel, but about what pleases God. Many measure worship by its emotional effect, by how inspired or moved they feel, but true worship is determined by whether it aligns with the revealed will of God. John 4:24 teaches, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” The Spirit without truth leads to emotionalism, and truth without spirit leads to formalism. David’s procession had plenty of spirit, but it lacked truth.
Modern Christianity faces the same danger. The energy, production, and music may all seem to glorify God, but if they neglect His Word, they are hollow. Worship that pleases the flesh may stir emotion, yet worship that pleases God flows from reverent obedience. The issue is not whether the music is joyful or the people are sincere, but whether God’s holiness is honored.
(2 Samuel 6:6–7)
“And when they came to Nachon’s threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.”
As the joyous procession reached Nachon’s threshing floor, tragedy struck. The atmosphere of celebration was suddenly interrupted by divine judgment, reminding Israel that the presence of God cannot be handled casually or according to human reasoning.
a. When they came to Nachon’s threshing floor:
A threshing floor was a place of separation, where grain was divided from the chaff. Spiritually, it symbolized a place of testing and purging. The Lord used this moment to separate what was holy from what was common in David’s worship. There was much chaff in this celebration — enthusiasm without obedience, energy without reverence — and God purged it at the threshing floor. The people’s joy was sincere, but it was not sanctified. God blew away the chaff to remind His people that His holiness must never be mixed with human presumption.
b. Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it:
When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah acted on instinct, reaching out to steady the ark. Yet this act, however well-intentioned, directly violated God’s command. Numbers 4:15 states clearly, “And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die.”
God had decreed that even the Levitical bearers of the ark must not touch it. The ark represented His holiness, and sinful man could not touch it without mediation. Uzzah, in one quick decision, presumed that his hands were cleaner than the earth, but the ground was innocent — his hands were not. The problem was not his reflex, but his irreverent assumption that God needed his help. Even in a split second, disobedience to God’s revealed Word matters.
c. God struck him there for his error:
The judgment was immediate and severe, demonstrating that God will not tolerate unholy familiarity with His presence. What Uzzah did may seem minor to man, but before God, it was a direct violation of His holiness. The same God who warned “they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die,” kept His Word. God’s presence among His people must always be approached with awe and fear, not casual familiarity.
David wanted Israel to experience the nearness of God, but God showed up in judgment rather than blessing. The Lord reminded them that His presence is not a trivial matter, nor is His Word open to reinterpretation. Holiness and obedience must always precede worship.
i. Uzzah’s error was not merely a mistake of instinct, but a deep error in thinking:
He erred in thinking it did not matter who carried the ark. God had clearly appointed the sons of Kohath, not anyone else, for this duty (Numbers 4:15).
He erred in thinking it did not matter how the ark was carried. The method of transport was sacred, just as the object itself. God’s instructions in Exodus 25:14–15 specified that the ark was to be borne on poles by consecrated men.
He erred in thinking he knew all about the ark because it had been in his father’s house for years. Familiarity with sacred things can lead to dangerous irreverence. The longer something holy remains near us, the easier it is to treat it as common.
He erred in thinking that God could not take care of His own ark. Uzzah’s presumption implied that the Lord needed human protection to prevent His presence from being dishonored.
He erred in thinking that the ground was less holy than his own hand. Uzzah assumed that touching the ark would be more acceptable than letting it touch the dirt. But God had never cursed the earth for sin — He cursed man (Genesis 3:17).
Uzzah’s death was not random or cruel; it was a divine object lesson in holiness. God will not permit His glory to be handled on human terms. As Alexander Maclaren observed, “He saw no difference between the ark and any other valuable article. His intention to help was right enough; but there was a profound insensibility to the awful sacredness of the ark, on which even its Levitical bearers were forbidden to lay hands.”
This passage reminds believers that zeal and sincerity do not replace obedience. God’s holiness cannot be managed, controlled, or supported by man. His presence must be reverenced, His Word must be obeyed, and His commands must be followed precisely. Reverence for God is the foundation of all true worship.
(2 Samuel 6:8–9)
“And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perez-uzzah to this day. And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?”
The sudden death of Uzzah turned David’s great celebration into confusion, sorrow, and holy fear. What had begun as a joyful procession now became a sobering reminder that God’s holiness demands exact obedience.
a. David became angry because of the LORD’s outbreak:
David’s initial reaction was anger, not rebellion but frustration mixed with grief. His anger reflected his confusion; he could not understand why God would strike Uzzah dead when their intentions seemed so noble. David’s motives were good—he longed to honor the LORD and restore true worship in Israel—but his method was wrong. God’s response revealed that sincerity does not replace obedience. The LORD’s ways are higher than man’s ways, and He will not lower His standards to accommodate human reasoning or emotion.
David’s anger, though misguided, reveals a truth about the heart of man: when divine holiness confronts human presumption, our first response is often frustration rather than repentance. Yet the Lord’s outbreak was not a random act of wrath; it was the just expression of His holiness. David would later come to realize that his anger stemmed from ignorance of God’s Word, not injustice in God’s actions.
The name Perez-Uzzah means “outburst against Uzzah.” This memorial name stood as a lasting testimony to God’s holiness and as a warning to future generations. Just as Perez-uzzah marked the point of divine judgment, it also symbolized the moment when David’s understanding of worship began to mature.
b. David was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, How can the ark of the LORD come to me?
David’s fear was not merely emotional dread—it was the reverential awe that arises when a man realizes he has underestimated God’s holiness. The same man who had danced with joy before the ark now trembled before it. He suddenly saw how distant man is from God’s perfection. His question, “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?” was both personal and theological. It expressed his awareness that no human effort, no matter how enthusiastic, could bridge the gap between man’s imperfection and God’s holiness apart from divine grace.
David’s question carried deep spiritual significance. He desired God’s presence, yet he now feared that it could not dwell among sinful men. This tension between God’s holiness and man’s unworthiness would later find resolution only through Jesus Christ, who made access to God possible through His atoning blood.
At this point, however, David paused in bewilderment. He was unwilling to proceed until he understood what had gone wrong. His reverence was now mixed with hesitation, which was far better than his earlier presumption. The fear of the LORD, as Proverbs 9:10 declares, “is the beginning of wisdom.”
i. David’s response in the rest of the chapter shows that he found the answer to his question.
In time, David turned to the Scriptures for guidance, discovering that the ark must be carried according to the law of God. His later obedience reflects the principle found in Isaiah 8:20, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” David learned that enthusiasm for God must be governed by obedience to His Word. The lesson was painful but purifying: God is not impressed with man’s strength, creativity, or emotional display—He is pleased only when His commands are honored.
David’s journey from anger to reverence demonstrates the path every believer must walk. True worship begins when we abandon self-will, humble ourselves before the holiness of God, and seek to know Him through His revealed Word.
B. The Successful Second Attempt
(2 Samuel 6:10–12a)
“So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obed-edom, and all his household. And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God.”
After the judgment upon Uzzah, David halted the procession. His heart, still shaken by the outbreak of God’s wrath, was unwilling to proceed without understanding the proper way to carry the ark. His decision to place the ark in the care of Obed-Edom marked the beginning of a new attitude—one of humility, obedience, and reverence for God’s Word.
a. David took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom:
David’s hesitation reflected wisdom born from chastening. Rather than forcing his plans forward, he paused to seek understanding. The ark was temporarily housed in the home of Obed-Edom the Gittite. According to 1 Chronicles 26:4–8, Obed-Edom was a Levite of the family of Kohath, the same family God had commanded to bear the ark of the covenant on their shoulders using poles. Numbers 4:15 clearly states, “And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die.”
This act of obedience signaled that David was beginning to realign his actions with the Word of God. What had gone wrong before was now being set right—not through innovation or spectacle, but through submission to divine order. David’s earlier mistake had been born from zeal without knowledge, but now he was learning that reverence must precede rejoicing.
It is significant that Obed-Edom was entrusted with the ark despite the recent tragedy. His faith and willingness to receive the ark into his home demonstrated a holy courage. To house the ark after what happened to Uzzah required deep faith in God’s goodness and holiness. Obed-Edom’s obedience reflected trust, and God honored that trust with blessing.
b. And the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household:
For three months, the ark of the covenant rested in the house of Obed-Edom, and during that time the LORD’s favor poured out upon him and everything he owned. This was not a coincidence but a visible demonstration that the presence of God, when received with reverence and obedience, brings blessing, not destruction. The same presence that brought death to Uzzah brought life and abundance to Obed-Edom because it was now being treated with the holiness it deserved.
God had not changed—His holiness remained the same—but man’s response to His holiness had changed. The difference between judgment and blessing lies in whether God’s commands are honored. As the Scripture declares in Deuteronomy 28:2, “And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.”
The report of Obed-Edom’s blessing soon reached David. What fear had previously caused him to pause was now turned to renewed confidence. He saw that God’s presence was not to be dreaded but to be welcomed—when approached rightly. This moment restored David’s vision for worship and reignited his desire to bring the ark to Jerusalem, this time according to the divine order.
The blessing on Obed-Edom’s house serves as a powerful reminder that God’s holiness is not designed to destroy man, but to sanctify and bless him. The ark was never meant to be a curse upon Israel but a channel of God’s presence and favor. The curse arose only from disobedience, not from the heart of God. When man aligns himself with God’s Word, His presence brings fruitfulness, peace, and joy.
(2 Samuel 6:12b–15)
“So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness. And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.”
After months of reflection and study of God’s Word, David now acted in obedience. The second attempt to bring the ark into Jerusalem succeeded because it was done according to God’s prescribed order. What began in fear now ended in rejoicing, as Israel learned that the presence of the LORD brings blessing when His holiness is honored.
a. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness:
David’s joy was now sanctified by obedience. He had learned from the failure of the first attempt that zeal without knowledge dishonors God. In 1 Chronicles 15:13, David confessed to the priests, “For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.” The phrase “after the due order” shows that worship must always conform to divine instruction, not human invention.
David’s gladness came from knowing that God’s presence could dwell among His people without judgment when they followed His Word. This joy was not casual or emotionalism—it was the deep gladness of a heart aligned with God’s will. Many think that true worship must be somber or subdued, but Scripture shows that obedience and joy walk hand in hand. When worship is in its proper order, the heart rejoices freely and reverently before the LORD.
The procession this time was not smaller or quieter. David did not correct the previous error by minimizing celebration, but by sanctifying it. Worship was still passionate, musical, and full of rejoicing—but now it was acceptable to God because it was built on obedience rather than innovation.
b. When those bearing the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep:
This detail shows how seriously David took God’s holiness. Every six steps, he stopped the procession and offered sacrifices of atonement and thanksgiving. This “excessive” level of sacrifice was not wasteful; it reflected the nation’s awe before the LORD and their recognition that access to His presence required blood and consecration.
The priests were now carrying the ark correctly, just as 1 Chronicles 15:11–15 records: “And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests… and said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it… So the children of the Levites bare the ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.”
The “six paces” may have symbolized completeness—after a short, obedient beginning, David paused to offer thanksgiving, demonstrating humility and dependence upon God. This was the true spirit of worship: obedience expressed through sacrifice.
The principle endures today. The presence and glory of God cannot rest upon mechanical systems, organization, or human “carts.” His glory is carried on the shoulders of consecrated men and women—those who obey Him, worship Him, and serve Him with reverence and purity of heart.
c. David danced before the LORD with all his might:
David’s worship was wholehearted and unrestrained. He danced, not to draw attention to himself, but to express his overflowing gratitude and love for God. His heart could not remain still before the reality that God’s presence was returning to His people.
This expression of joy was not mere emotion, but the fruit of spiritual communion. There are two errors regarding emotions in worship: one is to make them the center of our faith, and the other is to suppress them entirely. David avoided both extremes. His emotions were governed by truth and directed toward God. True spiritual vitality produces genuine emotion, not cold formalism.
As Psalm 100:1–2 declares, “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” David’s dancing was a physical expression of what his soul felt—complete joy in God’s mercy and faithfulness.
In our own culture, people express emotion freely in sports or concerts, yet often suppress it in church. We do not find it strange when a crowd erupts in celebration at a home run or a touchdown, but some consider it improper when believers lift their hands or rejoice before God. David’s example shows that rejoicing before the LORD with sincere emotion is not only appropriate but pleasing to Him when it springs from a heart of reverence.
d. David was wearing a linen ephod:
David was not dressed immodestly or foolishly, as some have misunderstood. 1 Chronicles 15:27 clarifies that David wore the same linen ephod as the Levites and priests: “And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen.”
By setting aside his royal garments, David symbolically laid down his earthly status to stand before God as a humble worshiper among his people. The linen ephod was a simple, priestly garment that represented purity and service. David’s attire showed humility and unity with the people; he was not worshiping as a king above others but as a man before his God.
Culturally, David’s dance would have been a group procession, similar to the traditional, rhythmic dances of Hebrew men still seen in Orthodox Jewish celebrations today. His movements were in harmony with the music and joy of the parade, not wild or indecent. The setting was a national procession of praise, not a solemn assembly like the Day of Atonement. In this context, David’s joyful movement was both fitting and dignified.
David’s worship in this moment stands as a model of true devotion—joyful yet reverent, emotional yet ordered, humble yet glorious. It was a powerful declaration that the throne of Israel would be centered on the presence of God, not the pride of man.
(2 Samuel 6:16–19)
“And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart. And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts. And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.”
The long journey of the ark of the LORD ended in triumph as it was brought into the city of David. The day that began with fear now concluded in joy, worship, and national unity. Yet even in this glorious moment, the scene reveals a contrast between hearts that rejoice in God’s presence and hearts that despise true worship.
a. She despised him in her heart:
As the ark entered Jerusalem with music and celebration, Michal, the daughter of Saul and wife of David, looked out from her window and saw the king leaping and dancing before the LORD. Her reaction was not one of joy but of scorn. Scripture records that she “despised him in her heart.” Michal, raised in Saul’s royal court, valued dignity, decorum, and external appearance. She measured David’s actions by the standards of human pride rather than by the heart of worship.
David was not concerned with appearances before men but with honor before God. His dance was not foolish display but sincere devotion. Michal’s contempt reflects the same pride that characterized her father Saul, who had also cared more about public image than obedience to God (1 Samuel 15:30). Her scorn reveals how spiritual pride blinds the heart to genuine worship.
Charles Spurgeon noted this tendency among the self-righteous when he said, “No doubt, there are particularly nice and dainty people who will censure God’s chosen if they live wholly to his praise, and they will call them eccentric, old-fashioned, obstinate, absurd, and I don’t know what besides. From the window of their superiority they look down upon us.” Michal’s window became a symbol of detached religiosity—a cold, critical spirit that observes worship without entering into it.
True worshipers, however, are not spectators. They humble themselves before God, caring more for His glory than for human opinion. John 4:23 declares, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”
b. They brought the ark of the LORD, and set it in its place in the midst of the tabernacle:
After years of neglect and displacement, the ark of the covenant was finally set in its rightful place—at the center of Israel’s worship. David had prepared a tent, or tabernacle, in Jerusalem to house the ark until the temple would later be built by Solomon. The ark represented the throne of God, His covenant presence among His people.
This moment marked a spiritual renewal for the nation. For decades, since the ark was captured by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4, it had remained outside of public worship, first in the house of Abinadab, then in the house of Obed-Edom. Now, restored to the tabernacle, it symbolized the restoration of God’s glory and presence to Israel. The center of the nation’s life was no longer the palace or the army but the worship of the LORD.
Psalm 132:8–9 prophetically reflects this moment: “Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.” The return of the ark was not merely the return of an object but the recognition of divine authority over the kingdom of Israel.
c. Then David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD:
Once the ark was placed in the tabernacle, David immediately offered sacrifices to consecrate the nation anew. The burnt offerings symbolized total surrender and consecration to God. Everything about them was consumed on the altar, representing the complete devotion of the worshiper to the LORD. The peace offerings, on the other hand, symbolized fellowship with God and communion among His people. They were shared by priests and participants, forming a sacred meal of thanksgiving and unity.
These offerings demonstrated that Israel’s relationship with God rested upon both atonement and communion. There could be no peace without sacrifice, and no fellowship without obedience. Worship that is both sacrificial and celebratory reflects a complete picture of the believer’s walk with God—reverence for His holiness and joy in His presence.
This was also a day of celebration and generosity. David not only offered sacrifices on behalf of the nation but also shared the joy with all the people. The text says he distributed “a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine” to everyone present. This was more than a political gesture; it was a spiritual fellowship meal. It represented unity under the covenant and foreshadowed the ultimate fellowship believers have through Christ, who said in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
David’s leadership here stands in sharp contrast to Saul’s. Saul had once offered sacrifice unlawfully out of impatience and pride (1 Samuel 13:8–14). David, by contrast, offered sacrifices out of obedience and gratitude. His worship led to blessing and fellowship rather than judgment and loss.
The result was that “all the people departed every one to his house,” satisfied and joyful, having shared in the blessing of the LORD’s presence. The day of national worship concluded not in solemnity but in rejoicing, with hearts renewed toward God.
(2 Samuel 6:20–23)
“Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, How glorious was the king of Israel to day, who uncovered himself to day in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself! And David said unto Michal, It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour. Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.”
The day that marked one of the greatest triumphs in Israel’s history closed with a personal trial for David. The same king who had led a nation in joyful worship returned home intending to bless his household, only to be met by ridicule and contempt from his own wife. The contrast between David’s humility before God and Michal’s pride before man brings this chapter to a sobering conclusion.
a. David returned to bless his household:
After offering sacrifices and leading the people in worship, David came home not merely as a king but as a spiritual leader desiring to extend the blessing of God to his family. His heart was overflowing with joy and gratitude, and naturally he wanted that same blessing to rest upon his household. But often, as in this case, great spiritual victories are followed by unexpected opposition, even from those closest to us.
Charles Spurgeon once remarked, “Pirates look out for loaded vessels.” When God fills a man’s life with blessing, the enemy often seeks to rob him of joy through criticism, discouragement, or conflict. David’s joy was genuine and spiritual, but Michal’s sarcasm threatened to poison it.
b. “How glorious was the king of Israel today”:
Michal’s tone dripped with scorn and bitterness. She ridiculed David’s worship, not because she misunderstood it, but because she despised the humility it represented. Her words, “uncovering himself in the eyes of the handmaids of his servants,” mocked David for laying aside his royal robes and behaving as “one of the base fellows.”
To Michal, the king’s dignity was more important than his devotion. She viewed David through the lens of worldly royalty, not godly humility. She valued appearance over substance and reputation over worship. The issue was not modesty but pride. David’s simple linen ephod represented equality and humility before God, while Michal preferred the splendor and distance of Saul’s royal image.
Her criticism exposes the heart of formal religion—a worship that values decorum over devotion and propriety over passion. Michal looked down from her window with disdain, just as many observe genuine worship from a distance, never entering in because pride will not allow them to bow before God.
c. David’s reply: “It was before the LORD.”
David’s response was calm yet firm. He refused to let Michal’s insult rob him of the joy of worship. His focus remained on the One he had been worshipping. “It was before the LORD,” he declared. In other words, “I did it for God, not for man, and certainly not for your approval.”
David was not justifying every possible emotional outburst under the claim of worship, but explaining that his actions were appropriate in their context. His conscience was clear because his worship was pure, reverent, and directed wholly to the LORD. The principle here is that true worship seeks the pleasure of God, not the approval of spectators.
When we stand before the Lord, we answer to Him alone. Paul expressed this same truth in Galatians 1:10, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
d. “To appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD”:
David humbly acknowledged that his kingship was not of his own making. He said, “the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house.” His words were not boastful but theological. He reminded Michal that his position came by divine appointment, not royal inheritance. In contrast to Saul’s prideful reign, David viewed himself as a servant of God over God’s people. As Spurgeon observed, “David did not say, ‘Over my people,’ he acknowledged that they were not his people, but Jehovah’s people. He was only lieutenant-governor; the Lord was still the great King of Israel.”
By emphasizing this, David placed the focus back where it belonged—on the LORD’s sovereignty, not human glory.
e. “I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight.”
David’s statement revealed his true heart of worship. He was willing to become even more “vile” or undignified in his own estimation if it meant greater humility before God. This is not pride in humility but genuine spiritual self-abasement. David’s worship was not to display emotion for its own sake, but to glorify God without concern for human opinion.
Spurgeon wrote powerfully on this verse: “David would more and more abase himself before the Lord. He felt that whatever Michal’s opinion of him might be, it could not be more humbling than his own view of himself. Brother, if any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him; for you are worse than he thinks you to be.”
In essence, David said, “Your scorn does not wound me; I already count myself nothing before the LORD.” Such humility is the mark of true worship and spiritual maturity.
f. “Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.”
The passage ends with a solemn note. Michal’s barrenness may not have been the direct result of divine punishment; it may have simply reflected the relational divide that followed this confrontation. Yet the spiritual principle remains: criticism of genuine worship often leads to barrenness—whether in the heart, the home, or the ministry.
Her barrenness symbolized the spiritual emptiness of those who mock the humility and zeal of true devotion. Just as David’s humility produced blessing and life, Michal’s pride produced isolation and fruitlessness.
David’s example teaches that worship must flow from humility, not position. True greatness in the eyes of God is found in reverent joy and obedience, not in preserving human dignity. The proud heart looks through the window and scoffs, but the humble heart joins in the procession, exalting the Lord of glory.
