We started talking about 2nd Samuel 6:1-9 which is a shocking passage of Scripture on Monday. Monday we specifically looked at the first two verse and saw that David assumed that he should bring the Ark of God back but never sought God on it. We talked about how we always need to seek out what God wants. Tuesday we looked verses 3-5 and saw the whole idea of total obedience and not having selective obedience. Yesterday we looked at verses 6-7 and the stumble and touch which was about intentions and obedience.
Today we look at the last of the posts on 2nd Samuel 6:1-9 by looking at verses 8-9. 8 David was angry because the LORD’s anger had blazed out against Uzzah. He named that place Perez-uzzah (which means “outbreak against Uzzah”). It is still called that today. 9 David was now afraid of the LORD and asked, “How can I ever bring the Ark of the LORD back into my care?”
What does David get angry about? We aren’t told why he was angry on this day but there are some ideas: It could be that David was angry with himself because he should have known better than to carry the Ark on a cart, and his careless actions had brought about the death of a man. He could have been angry with the Lord for slaying Uzzah instead of honoring the Israelite’s hearts’ desire to serve and worship the Lord, regardless of the fact that they weren’t following God’s commands concerning the carrying of the Ark. It could be that David was angry just because the Lord did not allow him to have his way in this situation; after all he was worshipping the Lord with great passion. It could have been he couldn’t understand why his good intentions were not enough and understand why God would kill Uzzah. How many times have you had similar thoughts and had similar talks with God as some of these?
Here is what we need to get; God is concerned with both our intentions and our actions. The intentions of David and the people of Israel were good ones but the actions taken were poor, sloppy, full of assumptions, and disobedience. Just because you have good intentions does not mean everything is going to turn out right and the way you want too, especially when you factor in you did not go to God and you made assumptions.
Just be reminded that David wanted to bring the Ark back which was good. David did not seek God, did not check the Law to see what needed to be done, acted in ways that went against God, and was flat out disobedient to the who, what, and how to move the Ark. This a picture of a good intentions and actions that were less than stellar. We need to learn from this and not only have good intentions but have actions that match.
What do you think David was angry about?
I pray you were encouraged by looking at these verse this week and I got something special for you tomorrow.
One of two things: David was either angry at himself because he should have known what was the right thing to do and didn’t do it. OR he was angry at God for being so “unfair.” Or a third: he was angry at the Levites who should have known the law for carting the Ark. take your pick.
I have enjoyed these lessons Jim. Thanks.
>>> “David was either angry at himself because he should have known what was the right thing to do and didn’t do it.”
That’s my guess.
Good guess Dustin
I am uncertain about exactly what it is – could be a mixture. Thanks Bill and glad you enjoyed these posts.
I believe he was angry at himself.
I am pretty sure it was at the very least a part of it. Thanks Michael.
Pingback: Today is not a good day; I’m being tested and I feel like I’m failing! « BABE IN CHRIST
The Levites probably were to bear the Ark of the Covenant and not to be hauled around in a way not prescribed by God. It was being conveyed by a means not of ordained to the sanctity of the Ark. From the story of how many died of the philistines from opening it gives one a perspective God demanded of it’s handling and by whom. David and all of them knew these well. I would have to read much more to determine for sure If David was having it handled in the right manner. If not he should have been angry with himself and then especially for the death of Uzzah. Here is one verse on handling and transporting it.
Jos 3:8 And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan.
I think the question is, was David responsibe for Uzzah’s death. I think the Levites knew well how the Ark.was to be carried. Did David override them?
E. Gibbs.
E. That is a good thought in this whole story of disobedience. Thanks again for adding to the conversation today.
I was thinking that God was no doubt angry not at the person of Uzzah, but at the sin and disobedience of Uzzah. And since David was known for having a heart after God, I would say he was angry at the same thing–at sin, his own sin at and uzzah’s sin of sloppyness. And I think there was probably many others who would have done the same thing as Uzzah did. I may have done the same thing.
Stephen – solid thoughts. I agree that we all might have done the same thing. Thanks for adding in!
Pingback: Three Months Away « On the Brink of Something Large
Pingback: The Freshness of Celebration « On the Brink of Something Large
Pingback: Wednesday With Jim Foreman | Serving Strong