Thursday, July 11 – 2 Samuel 5, 6 – Additional reading, Patriarchs and Prophets chapters 69, “David Called to the Throne” and 70 “The Reign of David”

1. Do you remember the feeling of conquering something that was really hard to get? (2 Samuel 5:1-5) Can you relate to David, after all he went through?

2. If you had absolute assurance that “the Lord had established” you, how would that change your next few days? What about the next week? What fears would that assurance dissipate? What new mission would you take on? What old habits would you break? (2 Samuel 5:12)

3. How did God instructed the ark to be transported? Is David’s reaction justifiable? Do you think God was too harsh? (2 Samuel 6:1-8, Exodus 25:12-15, Numbers 4:5-6,15)

4. What objects of worship or means of grace do you “hold” as sacred? How, then, do you “uphold” them? When have you slipped, like Uzzah, and acted irreverently in this regard? How does Christ, the Mediator, intercede for you when you fall?

In 2 Samuel 5, we witness a pivotal moment in King David’s journey as he is anointed king over all of Israel, uniting the tribes and establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of the nation. This chapter is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. 2 Samuel 5:10 affirms the reason of David’s success, “because the Lord God Almighty was with him”. God’s faithfulness rises David to power (vv.10, 12). I hope that this inspires you to trust in God’s timing and purpose for your life. God also sent support from Hiram, King of Tyre, in building David’s palace further underscores the importance of alliances and the strength found in unity.

As we reflect on David’s journey, we are reminded that with God’s guidance, we can overcome challenges, forge meaningful connections, and build a legacy of faith and leadership that impacts generations. But… it couldn’t be different! David is king but the fight is not over. The Jebusites and the Philistines try to get in the way. But David has embedded in his heart and mind how to get victories, he “inquired of the Lord, and He answered”. (2 Samuel 5:23)

David will now make the capital of the people of Israel the center for worship! He gives orders to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem when something very strange happened. As the Ark was being transported on a new cart, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark, touching it directly (2 Samuel 6:6-7). This action, though seemingly well-intentioned, violated God’s explicit commands. God had given precise instructions on how the Ark should be transported (Exodus 25:12-15, Numbers 4:5-6, 15). It was to be carried on poles by the Levites, specifically the Kohathites, and no one was to touch it directly. David is angry and fearful (2 Samuel 6:8-9) but soon those feelings turned into a deeper understanding of God’s holiness. Later, the king ensures that the Ark is transported correctly, according to God’s instructions (1 Chronicles 15:2, 13-15).

The story of Uzzah challenges us to reflect on our approach to God’s holiness and commands. It reminds us that while God is loving and merciful, He is also holy and just. Our relationship with Him should be marked not only by true and good intentions but also by reverence and obedience. This incident encourages us to seek a deeper understanding of God’s ways, approach Him with a sincere heart, and honor His instructions in every aspect of our lives.

“Upon Uzzah rested the greater guilt of presumption. Transgression of God’s law had lessened his sense of its sacredness, and with unconfessed sins upon him he had, in face of the divine prohibition, presumed to touch the symbol of God’s presence. God can accept no partial obedience, no lax way of treating His commandments. By the judgment upon Uzzah He designed to impress upon all Israel the importance of giving strict heed to His requirements. Thus the death of that one man, by leading the people to repentance, might prevent the necessity of inflicting judgments upon thousands.” (Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p.705)

May the Lord help us to balance our good intentions and perspective with a profound respect for His divine nature and commandments. Blessings.