2 Samuel 6: God's Wrath & Blessing
IN THE CHRONICLES of Narnia we are introduced to Aslan,the son of the great Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea, in this way:
"Don't you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion—the Lion, the great Lion."
"Ooh!" said Susan, "I'd thought he was a man. Is he—quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."
"That you will, dearie, and no mistake," said Mrs. Beaver. "If there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."
"Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy.
"Safe!" said Mr. Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good."
In this chapter David learns in a terrible way that the Lord, the God of Israel, isn't safe. But he also gains a greater appreciation of God's goodness.
Warming Up to God
When you think of God's holiness, what ideas or images come to mind?
Read 2 Samuel 6. »
Discovering the Word
- What words would you use to describe the mood of those bringing the ark to Jerusalem (vv. 1-5)?
- Uzzah's act of taking hold of the ark seems well intentioned (v. 6). Why then did the Lord's anger burn against him (v. 17; see also 1Ch 15:11-15)?
- After Uzzah died, David become both angry and afraid of the Lord (vv. 8-9). How would you evaluate his emotional response?
- Although the Lord had struck down Uzzah, he blessed the house of Obed-Edom (vv. 10-11). What was the Lord saying about himself through these events?
- What new precautions does David take as he moves the ark to Jerusalem (vv. 12-15)?
- In what other ways was this event marked by celebration?
Applying the Word
- Do your times of worship tend to be somber or joyous? Explain.
- In what ways might we make our times of worship more of a joyous celebration?
- How does this chapter help you to understand God's holiness?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to teach you about his holiness, that you might respond in reverence to the one who is good—but not safe.
For Further Study
Portraits of God: A Biblical Theology of Holiness by Allan Coppedge