2 Samuel 6 - 10: David’s Joy and Righteousness
INTRODUCTION.
A. In our previous study (2 Samuel 1-5), we saw David as he mourned the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, as well as David becoming king over all of Israel.
B. With this study, . . .
1. We will see a lesson in obedience when the ark of the covenant nearly falls.
2. We will learn of David’s desire to build the Lord a house.
3. We will see God giving David victory over his enemies.
C. Let us begin with David going to retrieve the ark from the house of Abinadab.
I. DAVID MOVES THE ARK OF THE COVENANT. (6:1 - 6:23)
A. Chapter 6
1. David took 30,000 men to Baale Judah to retrieve the Ark of God from the house of Abinadab. David and his men set the ark on a new cart, driven by Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab. David and all the house of Israel played music to the Lord. (6:1-5)
2. When David and the procession came to Nachon’s threshing floor, the oxen stumbled. Uzzah reached out to take hold of the Ark, God struck Uzzah dead. David, being afraid of the Lord, took the Ark of God into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. The Ark remained three months in the house of Obed-Edom. (6:6-11)
3. When David heard that God had blessed the house of Obed-Edom, David brought the Ark to the City of David. (6:12-15)
4. When Michal, Saul’s daughter, saw David rejoicing before the Lord, she despised David. Michal bore no children till the day of her death. (6:16-23)
II. DAVID DESIRES TO BUILD GOD A HOUSE. (7:1 - 7:29)
A. Chapter 7
1. David questioned himself living in a house of cedar when the Lord dwelt inside tent curtains. (7:1-3)
2. The Lord spoke to Nathan regarding David’s desire to build the Lord a house. (7:4-17)
a. The Lord had not dwelt in a house since His brought the children of Israel out Egypt. During this time, the Lord had never asked, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” (v 6-7)
b. The Lord explained His history with David and all that He had done for David and the Israelites. (v 8-11)
c. The Lord told David that David’s offspring would build a house for the Lord. The Lord would be with David’s offspring and David’s throne would be established forever. (v 12-17)
3. David offered thanks to the Lord. (7:18-24)
a. While David questioned the worth of his house, he acknowledged that the Lord can do such great things. (v 18-22)
b. David also acknowledged that there were no other nations like Israel. The Lord had redeemed Israel from Egypt, the nations, and their gods. (v 23-24)
4. David praised the Lord. (7:25-29)
a. David prayed for the Lord to do all that He had promised. (v 26)
b. David praised the great name of the Lord and His promises. David prayed for blessings. (v 27-29)
III. DAVID’S CONQUESTS AND RIGHTEOUSNESS. (8:1 - 10:19)
A. Chapter 8
1. David defeated the Philistines and the Moabites. (8:1-2)
2. David defeated Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah. He also defeated the Syrians of Damascus when they attempted to help Hadadezer. (8:3-8)
3. Toi, king of Hamath had been at war with Hadadezer. When King Toi learned that David had defeated Hadadezer, he sent a tribute of silver, gold, and bronze to King David. King David dedicated these gifts, along with the spoils from his conquest, to the Lord. (8:9-12)
4. The Lord was with David as he destroyed the Syrians in the Valley of Salt. David also put garrison throughout all Edom. (8:13-14)
5. David reigned over Israel and administered judgment and justice to all his people. (8:15-18)
B. Chapter 9
1. David sought to show kindness to the household of Saul for Jonathan’s sake. David learned of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan. (Mephibosheth was lame in his feet.) David promised to restore to Mephibosheth all the land of Saul. Mephibosheth would also eat at David’s table. (9:1-8)
2. David told Ziba, King Saul’s servant, that Ziba and his sons and servants would work the land for Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth had a son named Micha. (9:9-13)
C. Chapter 10
1. After the death of the king of Ammon, Hanun, the king’s son, reigned as king of Ammon. David decided to show kindness to Hanun as his father had showed to David. David sent servants to Ammon. (10:1-2)
2. The princes of Ammon accused David of sending his servants to spy out the city. The people of Ammon humiliated the servants of David. (10:3-5)
3. The people of Ammon hired the Syrians to help defend them against Israel. Israel defeated the Syrians and the people of Ammon. (10:6-19)
IV. LESSONS LEARNED:
A. Obedience takes priority over all else.
1. When the oxen stumbled, the ark began to fall. Uzzah put out his hand to steady the ark. The Lord struck Uzzah dead because of his disobedience. (2 Samuel 6:6-8; cf. Numbers 4:15)
2. While our motives, excuses, or explanations may sound good to us, sin is still sin. Sin is a transgression of God’s law. Consider 1 John 3:4-10.
3. Let us set aside any excuses for our past sins and decide today to repent and turn away from sin. (1 John 1:8 - 2:2)
B. Let us rejoice and express our joy in the Lord.
1. When the ark was returned to the city of David, David rejoiced, leaping and dancing before the Lord. (2 Samuel 6:16-19)
2. Paul told the brethren in Philippi to rejoice in the Lord. (Philippians 3:1; 4:4)
3. This joy should be accompanied with our offering of thanks to the Lord. (Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:1)
C. Despising another person can hinder our future.
1. Michal despised her husband, King David. (2 Samuel 6:16-23)
a. King Saul promised Michal to David after he killed Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:25) King Saul later told David that he could marry Michal if he brought Saul one hundred foreskins of the Philistines. This David did and Saul gave Michal to David to be his wife. (1 Samuel 18:25-27) However, at a later point in time, King Saul gave Michal to Palti, the son of Laish. (1 Samuel 25:44) After King Saul’s death, David took Michal back to himself. (2 Samuel 3:14-16)
b. Could this fact have caused Michal to have despised David? Possibly.
c. Could the fact that David was dancing unclothed in front of other women cause Michal to have despised David? Possibly.
d. However, Michal’s despising of David led her to a barren life, a life of misery and unhappiness.
2. We must never hold on to anything that would cause us to despise another person, and make our life unhappy. We must be willing to forgive.
a. Romans 12:17-21
b. Colossians 3:12-14
D. Honoring our commitments to others.
1. David honored his commitment to Jonathan in how he treated Mephibosheth. David held neither Jonathan nor Mephibosheth guilty for the sins of their father. (2 Samuel 9:1-13)
2. In our dealings with other people, we must be true to our word.
a. Colossians 3:9-10
b. Ephesians 4:25
c. See Matthew 5:37; James 5:12
CONCLUSION.
A. As we close this lesson, let us remember:
1. Obedience to the Lord takes priority over all else within our lives.
2. Let us not be afraid to express our joy in the Lord.
3. Let us not hold bitterness and resentment against another person.
4. Let us honor our commitments to others.
B. Learn from the lessons of David, and set your life right with God today.
2 Samuel 6 - 10: David's Joy and Righteousness -- December 5, 2004 -- File # 672 - 2 Samuel
by John M. Duvall – Lawton, OK