Worship is a central element in the lives of God’s people. It involves expressing reverence, gratitude, and love for God through words, music, and actions. Throughout the Bible, we find several passages that teach us about the importance of worship and how it can be a transforming experience. In this Bible study, we are going to explore chapter 6 of the book of 2 Samuel, specifically verses 3, 7-12, which present us with a remarkable episode in the worship of King David. We will see how the presence of God’s glory in worship can impact our lives and lead us to a deeper experience with the Lord.
The Historical Context
Before we dive into the selected passage, it is important that we understand the historical context in which it occurs. The book of 2 Samuel tells the story of the reign of King David, a man after God’s own heart. David had been anointed king of Israel and Judah, and now he wanted to bring the ark of the covenant, which represented God’s presence, to Jerusalem. The ark was in Kiriath-jearim, in the house of Abinadab, for many years. The episode in question happens when David and a large number of people go to get the ark to take it to the City of David.
Worship with Joy
In verse 3, we see that David and all the people of Israel went to Kiriath-jearim to get the ark. They showed great enthusiasm and joy in worshiping God. David led this time of worship with all his heart, dancing before the Lord with all his might.
Joyful worship is an expression of genuine love and gratitude to God. When we approach God with joy in our hearts, we are able to experience his presence more intimately. Psalm 100:2 teaches us: “Serve the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with joyful songs.” Worship with joy is an attitude that pleases God and allows us to experience the fullness of fellowship with Him.
Michal’s Reaction
In verse 16, we find the reaction of Michal, wife of David and daughter of King Saul, to seeing David dancing and worshiping before the ark. Michal despised David in her heart. This passage alerts us to the importance of keeping a humble and sincere heart in worship. David was willing to humble himself before God, acknowledging the greatness of the Lord. Michal’s reaction reveals a critical and proud mindset, unable to understand the true essence of worship.
True worship is not about appearances or pleasing others, but about directing our hearts and our devotion to God. David understood this and responded to Michal by stating that he was willing to humble himself even more before the Lord, regardless of what others might think or say.
This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts in worship. Are we concerned about the opinion of others? Is our worship sincere and humble before God? Psalm 138:6 reminds us, “For though the Lord is high, he regards the humble; but the proud he knows from afar.” God values genuine, humble worship, and He is pleased when we approach Him with broken hearts.
The Holiness of God
Continuing in verse 7, we are faced with an unexpected situation during the transport of the ark. Uzzah reached out to hold the ark when the oxen stumbled, and God smote him right there for his irreverent act. This caused David fear and concern, leading him to name the place “Perez-Uzzah”, which means “The Breach of Uzzah”.
This passage reminds us of the holiness of God and the importance of approaching Him with reverence. Worship is not a trivial matter; it is an encounter with Almighty God. God requires that we approach Him with reverence and obedience. Psalm 99:5 declares, “Exalt the Lord our God; prostrate yourselves before his footstool. He is holy!” When we understand God’s holiness, our worship becomes a humble and reverent response to his greatness.
The Quest for the Presence of God
After the episode with Uzzah, David decided not to take the ark directly to Jerusalem, but left it in the house of Obed-edom, where it remained for three months. During that time, God greatly blessed the house of Obed-edom, and David became aware of these blessings. This experience led David to desire even more the presence of God in his life and in his city.
When we are truly in search of God’s presence, He manifests Himself and pours out His blessings on us. Psalm 105:4 encourages us: “ Seek the Lord and his power; always seek his presence.” When we seek God’s presence wholeheartedly, He reveals Himself to us and fills us with His grace and power. True worship is fueled by continually seeking God’s presence in our lives.
The Celebration of the Arrival of the Ark
After the three months that the ark remained in the house of Obed-edom, David decided to bring it to Jerusalem. This time, he organized a big celebration to receive the ark and bring it to the City of David. The people of Israel joined David in this feast of joy and worship. There was music, dancing, and sacrifices offered to the Lord.
This celebration is described in verse 12, where David danced with all his might before the Lord, dressed in a priestly robe. His worship was a demonstration of reverence, gratitude and love for the Lord.
Celebrating the arrival of the ark teaches us about the importance of celebrating God’s presence in our lives. We should rejoice and express our gratitude to God for his presence and goodness. Psalm 95:1-2 exhorts us, “ Come! Let us sing to the Lord with joy! Let us hail the Rock of our salvation. Let us present ourselves before him with thanksgiving; let us acclaim him with songs of praise.” Celebration is part of our worship and allows us to express our gratitude to God for His faithfulness and love.
Finally, the account in 2 Samuel 6:3, 7-12 teaches us about the importance of seeking God’s presence as a priority in our lives. David was determined to bring the ark to Jerusalem because he wanted God’s presence in his city and in his own life. He was willing to face challenges, joys, and even rejection from others, all to seek God’s presence.
This quest for God’s presence should be a priority in our lives. In Jeremiah 29:13 , God says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” When we put God first and seek His presence with all our hearts, He reveals Himself to us and fills us with His grace and love.
The Importance of Preparation and the Right Heart
In addition to the aspects covered above, the account in 2 Samuel 6:3, 7-12 also teaches us about the importance of preparation and the right heart in worship. Before undertaking the journey to fetch the ark, David and the people made sure to prepare everything according to the instructions given by God in the Law. They selected the Levites to carry the ark, offered sacrifices, and dedicated themselves to following established principles.
This attitude of readiness demonstrates the seriousness and reverence we should have regarding the worship of God. This is not just a casual or superficial moment, but an encounter with Almighty God. Psalm 24:3-4 tells us, “Who can climb the mountain of the Lord? Who will be able to enter your Holy Place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not turn to idols or swear by false gods.” As we approach God in worship, we must purify our hands and hearts, striving for purity and holiness.
Another aspect highlighted in the account is that the worship of David and the people was a public testimony of their faith and devotion to God. Celebration and dancing before the ark were performed before all the people of Israel. This public act of worship served as a living testimony to the love and devotion that David and the people had for God.
Likewise, our worship should also be a public witness to our faith. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” When we worship God with sincerity and integrity, it impacts those around us and invites them to know the greatness of God.
Conclusion
The episode of David’s worship before the ark reveals profound lessons about the presence of God’s glory in worship. Through this study, we learned that worship with joy is an expression of genuine love and gratitude to God, that we should approach Him with reverence, understanding His holiness, that seeking God’s presence is a priority in our lives, and that celebration it is an essential part of our worship.
May we apply these lessons to our own worship journey, seeking God’s presence wholeheartedly, with joy, humility, and gratitude. May the glory of God be manifested in our lives and may our worship be a genuine response to his love and grace. May we live a life of authentic worship, bringing honor and glory to the name of the Lord.
