Reverent Joy (2 Samuel 6)
Read 📖
Today’s reading is the whole of 2 Samuel 6
“Make me a sanctuary that I may dwell in your midst”
Exodus 25:8 (ESV)
Reflect ❤️
The greatest gift God gave to his people was his presence, and the Ark of God was given for this purpose.
In 1 Samuel we find account after account involving the Ark of God (1 Samuel 4–7). But while these should be stories of the blessing of God's presence, they instead demonstrate a lack of reverence and the judgement that this brings. In our passage, David has just become king of Israel, and one of his first acts is to bring the Ark into Jerusalem. However, despite David's enthusiasm, it seems that he and the people have not yet learnt their lesson.
Our first sign of trouble is that the Ark is being carried on "a new cart" (v. 3). The law stipulated that it was to be carried only on the shoulders of Levites (Numbers 4:15). Because of this, when the cart wobbles and Uzzah tries to steady the Ark, he shockingly dies. The law is clear: "...they must not touch the holy things or they will die" (Numbers 4:15).
While, on the surface, Uzzah, David and the people seemed to be showing reverence to God, they were cutting corners and subtly adjusting what God had said. They made their own judgements about what was acceptable to God, and that had disastrous consequences.
But David tries again. After witnessing Uzzah's death, he learns true reverence. His journey begins with anger (v. 8), followed by fear (v. 9), and then hesitation (v. 10), deciding that it was safer to keep God at a distance than bring him close. But eventually, when he sees the blessing that the Lord gives to Obed-Edom (v. 12), David learns that God's presence is not merely to be feared but delighted in when approached with worship and respect.
Perhaps surprisingly, David's expression of this newfound reverence for God is not solemn or restrained, but filled with exuberant rejoicing. David noisily leads the people in music and dancing as they celebrate God's presence being brought into their city. Yes, God is to be feared, but distance from him is not the answer. The answer is reverent, joy-filled worship.
Pray 🙏
As those who know God's presence through the indwelling Holy Spirit, how much more should we have deep reverence for and joy in our God.
When we come to worship, do we soberly consider the privilege of his presence, or have we become over-familiar? Are there areas of our lives where we pay more attention to what we think is right and makes sense to us than to what God has said? Would you love to grow in your appreciation of and joy in God's presence?
Lord, thank you that you have always sought to dwell with your people. Thank you that you have given us your Holy Spirit. Help us to stand in awe of your presence and to delight in you, today and every day. Amen.