2 Samuel 6: Joy, Judgment, and a King in Linen

2 Samuel 6 shows God’s holiness and man’s sin, and the blessing of coming to Him through Christ’s atonement in joyful, obedient worship.

Introduction

David brings the ark of God to Jerusalem in 2 Samuel 6, and the chapter reveals the danger of approaching God in the wrong way and the blessing of approaching Him through His revealed means. Uzzah’s death exposes the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man, while God’s blessing on Obed-edom reveals His desire to dwell with His people. David’s joy after sacrifice anticipates how believers respond to God’s grace through Christ, who makes God’s presence safe for sinners.

Doctrine

The chapter teaches that God’s holiness exposes the corruption of human nature. Uzzah died because sinful humanity cannot survive contact with God’s holy presence (2 Samuel 6:6–7). This reveals that sin is deeper and more offensive than we assume, and only a mediator can stand before God on our behalf. The brutal nature of the cross confirms the severity of sin, showing that Jesus’ death reflects exactly what sin deserves (Matthew 27:46; Romans 3:23–26). The sacrificial offerings after six steps show that access to God requires substitutionary death, pointing to Jesus as the Lamb of God who provides safe access to the Father (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:11–14). God’s blessing on Obed-edom shows that His presence brings life to those who approach Him rightly (2 Samuel 6:11).

Reproof

Uzzah exposes the error of assuming our hands are cleaner than the dirt. He reached out because he believed his sinful touch was less defiling than the ground, showing a shallow view of sin and a diminished view of God’s holiness (2 Samuel 6:6–7). David’s anger reveals the sinful attitude that questions God’s justice when His actions confront human pride (2 Samuel 6:8). Michal’s contempt displays the error of valuing personal dignity more than devotion to God (2 Samuel 6:16, 20). These attitudes contradict God’s truth, because God resists pride and draws near only to the humble (James 4:6). They expose the lie that sincerity or good intentions make worship acceptable, when God requires obedience and reverence (1 Samuel 15:22).

Correction

David corrected the error by restarting the procession according to God’s revealed pattern. The Levites carried the ark instead of an oxcart, showing that true worship submits to God’s word rather than human innovation (2 Samuel 6:13). Correction also comes through sacrifice, since David acknowledged that access to God required atonement. This directs believers away from self-confidence and toward the finished work of Christ, who alone satisfies God’s righteous judgment (Isaiah 53:4–6; 1 Peter 3:18). Michal’s error is corrected by David’s example, who gladly humbled himself for God’s honor (2 Samuel 6:21–22). Believers correct pride by seeking God’s glory above their own.

Instruction

Believers should cultivate reverence for God’s holiness by remembering the cost of access to His presence. Uzzah’s death teaches us to take God seriously, and the sacrifices in the chapter teach us to approach Him through Christ’s atonement (Hebrews 10:19–22). We should practice obedience by shaping our worship and daily conduct according to Scripture rather than personal preference. We should learn David’s example of joyful expression, responding to God with full-hearted devotion because Christ has made us accepted (Romans 12:1). Believers should willingly humble themselves, putting God’s worth above personal dignity, following David’s example of wholehearted praise (2 Samuel 6:14).

Encouragement and Hope

God does not delight in judgment. After Uzzah’s death, God blessed the house of Obed-edom to show that His desire is to dwell with His people and bless them (2 Samuel 6:11–12). David moved from fear to joy because God patiently drew him back, reminding us that God works gently with His children to restore their confidence in His grace. Christ fulfills this hope perfectly. Because He bore the wrath our sins deserved, God’s presence is no longer deadly but sweet for all who trust in Him (Romans 5:1–2). Where Michal’s pride led to barrenness, those who submit to God’s mercy through Christ bear lasting spiritual fruit (John 15:5).

Invitation

Uzzah’s death reveals the danger every sinner faces. God’s holiness demands death for sin, and no one can survive His presence without a substitute (Romans 6:23). The cross shows the true severity of sin, because Jesus endured wrath in the place of sinners, suffering the death penalty we owed to God (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Like Uzzah, we deserve judgment, but Christ died under God’s wrath so we could receive mercy instead. His resurrection proves that His atoning sacrifice satisfied God’s righteous demands and opened the way for us to draw near. God now calls every person to change his mind about sin, recognize his guilt, and trust fully in Christ’s finished work. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, receiving forgiveness and God’s presence as a blessing instead of judgment (Romans 10:9–13).

Works Cited

Greear, J. D., and Heath A. Thomas. Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Samuel. Holman Reference, 2016, pp. 182–90.