The Path to Power (Lesson Three)

2 Samuel 6:1-11 NASB

(1)  Now David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand.

(2)  And David arose and went with all the people who were with him to Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the Name, the very name of the LORD of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim.

(3)  They placed the ark of God on a new cart that they might bring it from the house of Abinadab which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were leading the new cart.

(4)  So they brought it with the ark of God from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Ahio was walking ahead of the ark.

(5)  Meanwhile, David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, and with lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets and cymbals.

(6)  But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it.

(7)  And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God.

(8)  David became angry because of the LORD'S outburst against Uzzah, and that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day.

(9)  So David was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, "How can the ark of the LORD come to me?"

(10)  And David was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD into the city of David with him; but David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.

(11)  Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.

Those in power should honor God.  Desire and effort without obedience brings judgment.  David did not do as God required.  God had given specific instructions as to moving the ark. 

Do we ever get careless when it comes to God? 

When we pray do we say the same old things to God without putting any real thought into it?

Do you expect God to be there regardless of your attitude?

Many times, we attempt to place God into our box instead of getting into God’s box.  God is simple He demands obedience.

When we do things God’s way he is pleased.  On down in the chapter you can read that David went to get the ark and worshiped God.  He was obedient to God and was allowed to bring the ark home.