2 Samuel 6:12-19
12 Now it was reported to King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, on account of the ark of God.” So David went and brought the ark of God up from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with joy.
13 And so it was, that when those carrying the ark of the Lord marched six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened steer.
14 And David was dancing before the Lord with all his strength, and David was wearing a linen ephod.
15 So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with joyful shouting and the sound of the trumpet.
16 Then it happened, as the ark of the Lord was coming into the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked down through the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she was contemptuous of him in her heart.
17 Now they brought in the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent which David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.
18 When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of armies.
19 Further, he distributed to all the people, to all the multitude of Israel, both to men and women, a cake of bread, one of dates, and one of raisins to each one. Then all the people left, each to his house.
The Ark of God Brought to Jerusalem
According to the Law
After the incident with Uzzah, David spent three months in self-reflection and meditation. He carefully studied the Law of Moses and sought the Lord’s guidance for what to do next (ref. 1 Chron. 15:12-15). During that time, news came that the house of Obed-edom was being blessed. Encouraged by this report, David resolved once again to bring the Ark of God into the City of David. (1) This time, the Levites carried the Ark of the Lord, just as the Law of Moses had commanded. They had learned a lesson from their previous failure. (2) The first steps were crucial. Those carrying the Ark must have moved with great care. When they had taken six steps and no judgment from the Lord came upon them, David offered a sacrifice and worshiped the Lord in gratitude. (3) At this time, David had taken off his royal robes and was wearing a linen ephod, which was the garment of a priest. As the king of a priestly nation, Israel, it was not inappropriate for him to wear it. However, this does not mean that David was acting in the role of a priest. It says that David “sacrificed an ox and a fattened steer,” but this does not mean that he personally performed the sacrifice. Rather, it was done through the priests. If David had offered the sacrifice with his own hands, it would have been the same sin that Saul committed. (4) At that time, David danced with all his might before the Lord. This was a dance of worship, offered in honor of God.
Michal’s contempt
(1) When Michal, David’s wife, saw him worshiping the Lord with all his heart and soul, she despised him. Michal was completely unable to understand David’s heart. (2) Meanwhile, after David placed the Ark of God in the center of the tent he had prepared, he offered sacrifices, blessed the people, and gave them gifts. Each person received a round loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Through this, all the people were able to recognize that this day was a special day of joy. If having the Ark of God in one’s home was a blessing, then welcoming Jesus Christ into one’s heart is an even greater blessing. Let us, like David, rejoice in and worship our Savior Jesus with all our heart and soul.
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, my soul rejoices in You and worships You. No matter how I may appear in the eyes of others, I will exalt You and serve You. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.