T H E S H E P HDavid E R D K I N G O F I S R A E L

StandingonHolyGround 26;7; 1Chronicles13;15—17;22;28

hen drew near the burning this was merely prologue. He had united the W bush, God said to him, “Remove your north and the south; now he wanted to unite the sandals from your feet, for the place people and God. As good as King ’s inten- on which you are standing is holy ground” (Exo- tions were, however, he had much to learn about dus 3:5). We stand today on holy ground when worship—as all of us do. we come together to worship God, standing in Let us make our way through 2 Samuel 6; 7 His holy presence. Do we realize that, or has and —17 to see what it means to worship become so commonplace that we can “stand on holy ground.” come into God’s presence with no sense of awe? Worship, first and foremost, is a response to WORSHIP IS SERIOUS BUSINESS who and what God is. It is not merely a perfor- (2 SAM. 6:1–11; 1 CHRON. 13:1–14) mance of prescribed acts; it is an acknowledg- The writer of 1 Chronicles tells us that after ment of the person and power of the Almighty. David captured , he first determined We hear much today about the need for change to bring the to Jerusalem. His in worship, and change is needed—not so much top priority was to make Jerusalem not only “the a change in the way we conduct our services, but city of David,” but the city of God—to restore a change in our hearts! We have become a shallow God to the central position in the nation. people who must have spiritual cheerleaders to “And David said to all the assembly of Israel, rouse us to even token devotion to the Lord. We ‘If it seems good to you, and if it is from the Lord once more need to recognize that when we ap- our God, let us . . . bring back the ark of our God proach God, we are on holy ground! to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul’” In 2 Samuel 6; 7 (and related passages in (1 Chronicles 13:2, 3). Since this is the first time 1 Chronicles) are vivid reminders of what it we have read of “the ark of our God” in our means to come into God’s presence. David, a series, some background information might be man after God’s own heart, needed to be re- in order. minded, and so do we. While Moses was on receiving In David’s first days as king, he accomplished the , he received instruc- enough to satisfy most men for a lifetime. Still in tions for building a sacred place of worship called his thirties, he had united the country, estab- the . One of the articles of furniture for lished his capital in Jerusalem, and demonstrated the tabernacle was the ark of the covenant. The that he was a fair, impartial monarch. To David, ark of the covenant was a small, gold-covered

1 chest. Inside the ark were three items: the two months and brought them nothing but misery. with the Ten Commandments, a Their idols were smashed, they were plagued by golden pot of , and Aaron’s rod that bud- mice, and many were stricken with tumors.6 The ded. The lid of the ark was also made of gold and Philistine occult leaders advised the people to was called “the mercy seat.”1 On the lid were two put the ark (and gifts of gold) on a new cart cherubim2 made of gold, one at each end, with (notice the phrase “a new cart”7) and send it out their wings spread over the lid and their faces of the land (1 Samuel 6:7, 8). looking down at the mercy seat. Another detail Cows pulled the ark to Beth-shemesh, an about the ark must be mentioned: Golden rings Israelite city8 just inside the borders of Judah. were placed on the lower corners of the chest. The rejoiced to see the ark—but there Two gold-covered poles were inserted through was no sense of awe, no sense of standing on holy those rings to be used in transporting the ark.3 ground. They clustered around the ark and lifted After the tabernacle was completed, the ark the mercy seat so they could see inside. Immedi- of the covenant was placed in the Most Holy ately, they were struck dead!9 (1 Samuel 6:19). Place. Only the high priest could go into the Most Terrified, the citizens of Beth-shemesh sent the Holy Place, and then only once a year, on the Day ark to Kiriath-jearim, a city fifteen miles away. It of Atonement.4 No one else was ever to see the was placed in the house of a man named Abinadab ark. No one, not even the high priest, was to (1 Samuel 7:1). touch it. When the tabernacle was to be moved, The ark remained there through the latter the sons of Kohath (one of the clans of the tribe of part of Samuel’s ministry, the reign of Saul, and Levi) were to carry the ark by putting the poles the early part of David’s reign. It had been there on their shoulders.5 Note Numbers 4:15: for over seventy years,10 gathering dust, when David said to the people, “Let us bring back the And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all the furnish- ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the ings of the sanctuary, when the camp is to set days of Saul.” out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them, so that they may not touch the holy Now David again gathered all the chosen objects and die. . . . men of Israel, thirty thousand. And David arose and went with all the people who were with Note also verse 20 of the same chapter: “They him to Baale-judah [another name for Kiriath- 11 shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a jearim ], to bring up from there the ark of God which is called by the Name, the very name of moment, lest they die.” Underline the words the Lord of hosts who is enthroned above the “and die” and “lest they die” in your mind. The cherubim (2 Samuel 6:1, 2). sacred articles of furniture inside the tabernacle were the epitome of the concept of “holy ground.” To our surprise, however, we read in the first Holiest of all was the ark of the covenant. part of 2 Samuel 6:3, “And they placed the ark of Unfortunately, as time goes by, constant con- God on a new cart that they might bring it from tact with the holy makes it seem commonplace. It the house of Abinadab which was on the hill.” can happen to us in worship. It happened to the “On a new cart”? Why did they put the ark on a 12 Israelites regarding the ark of the covenant. new cart? Did someone report that the ark had 13 When the Israelites reached the land of arrived that way in the land of Israel? Was it Canaan, the tabernacle was set up at . One simply considered an expedient way to move day, the Israelite army came, asking for the ark something bulky? David and the others involved (1 Samuel 4:4). In a battle with the , failed to do their homework. They did not know, four thousand of their number had fallen (1 Sam- or did not acknowledge, the importance of hav- uel 4:2). They decided that if they took the ark ing the ark carried on poles by the sons of Kohath, into battle with them, “the-God-in-a-box” would and the results were disastrous. be a good luck charm. God was not pleased with As we continue the story, we read that “Uzzah their profane motive. In the next battle thirty and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were leading the 14 thousand Israelites died, and the ark fell into the new cart” (2 Samuel 6:3b). hands of the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:10, 11). So they brought [the cart] with the ark of God The ark was with the Philistines for seven from the house of Abinadab, which was on the

2 hill; and Ahio was walking ahead of the ark. which we can change the rules to suit ourselves. Meanwhile, David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord with all kinds He wanted them (and us) to know that worship of instruments made of fir wood, and with is a deadly serious business, that we do not come lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets and cym- before Him on our own terms, but on His. When bals (2 Samuel 6:4, 5). we come into His presence, it must be with rev- erence, awe, and the utmost humility.18 Get the scene in your mind. A cart is a small two- When Uzzah fell dead at his feet, conflicting wheeled wagon—a rather unstable vehicle.15 The emotions swept over David. First, “David be- ark was on a cart, being pulled downhill by oxen. came angry because of the Lord’s outburst against Ahio was walking ahead of the cart, guiding the Uzzah” (2 Samuel 6:8; emphasis mine). David’s oxen, while Uzzah was walking beside the cart to initial reaction was one of resentment and frus- assure that all was well. David and thirty thou- tration. Almost immediately, however, David sand others were dancing around the cart, was filled with fear: “So David was afraid of the singing, shouting, and playing instruments. It Lord that day” (2 Samuel 6:9a; emphasis mine). was quite a celebration! God had to be pleased, This is the first time we read of David’s being right? Wrong! afraid of the Lord. Finally, David was overcome Suddenly, the celebration came to a grinding with uncertainty: “And he said, ‘How can the ark halt. As the procession reached the threshing of the Lord [ever] come to me?’” (2 Samuel 6:9b). floor of Chidon,16 the oxen stumbled. The cart The house of Obed-edom the Gittite19 was nearby. lurched, and the ark started to tip over. Impul- David left the ark there and went back to Jerusa- sively, lem, shaking his head. . . . Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God If we are honest with ourselves, we must and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it. admit that often we build our own “new carts,” And the anger of the Lord burned against expecting God to bless our worship whether it is Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God exactly as the Lord desires or not. If time permit- (2 Samuel 6:6, 7). ted, we could talk about doctrinal “new carts” men have constructed to use in the worship of I recently told this story to a group of college God today: the burning of incense and the light- students who had not heard it before, and they ing of candles in worship, the establishment of a were shocked. “Why did God kill Uzzah?” they special priesthood or clergy class to administer wanted to know. “He was just protecting the ark, worship, the substitution of the mass for the trying to keep it from getting damaged!”17 My Lord’s Supper, the Lord’s Supper only occasion- students were not the first or the last to be ally and at times other than the Lord’s Day, shocked by God’s anger and on-the-spot justice. women taking a leading role in public worship, However, what had God said in the Book of instrumental music in worship,20 and so on.21 Numbers? The sons of Kohath were to carry the Let us, however, make this as personal and ark by golden poles, “so that they may not touch the practical22 as we can. Neither David nor Achan holy objects and die” (Numbers 4:15; emphasis took God seriously enough. The new cart repre- mine). sented a lack of respect and awe for the Master of We are shocked by the story of Uzzah be- the universe. Isn’t it true that many of us have cause we have an Uzzah-mentality. We assume built our own new carts of irreverence? Often, when it comes to serving the Lord, that good we are too casual as we approach our God. We intentions are enough, that God will accept what- pray, we sing, we read God’s Word, and we ever we offer Him as long as we are sincere. No partake of the Lord’s Supper with carelessness. one has ever accused Uzzah of insincerity or of Uzzah lost his physical life because of sacrilege. having a perverted purpose, but he still ended Do not doubt it; we can lose our spiritual lives. up stone-cold dead. At this crucial moment, as David was com- . . . whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of mitted to leading the nation back to God- the Lord [in the Lord’s Supper] in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the consciousness, the Lord chose to give a vivid blood of the Lord. . . . For he who eats and reminder of the fact that worship is not a game in drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself, if

3 he does not judge the body rightly. For this The latter part of 2 Samuel 6:12 says, “And reason many . . . are weak and sick, and a number sleep [i.e., are dead] (1 Corinthians David went and brought up the ark of God from 11:27, 29, 30). the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness.” First Chronicles 15 gives the The wonder is not that God killed Uzzah; the details: “Then David said, ‘No one is to carry the wonder is that He does not kill us all. Worship is ark of God but the ; for the Lord chose a serious business.23 them to carry the ark of God, and to minister to Him forever’” (v. 2). David assembled the lead- CONCERN FOR DETAILS DOES NOT ers of the priests and the Levites and gave them instructions: NEGATE THE JOY OF WORSHIP (2 SAM. 6:12–19; . . . consecrate yourselves both you and your relatives, that you may bring up the ark of the 1 CHRON. 15:1—16:3, 7–36, 43) Lord God of Israel, to the place that I have Some people think that concern for the par- prepared for it. Because you did not carry it at ticulars of “the law” automatically makes relig- the first, the Lord our God made an outburst on us, for we did not seek Him according to the ion sterile, that insisting on “the fine print” of the ordinance (1 Chronicles 15:12, 13). Scriptures locks an individual into a negative frame of mind, that the only way to worship Underline the words “we did not seek Him ac- joyfully is to worship “spontaneously,” with little cording to the ordinance.” In other words, “God or no regard for the details found in the Bible. did not bless our worship because we did not The conclusion of the story of moving the ark to follow His instructions to the letter.” “The ordi- Jerusalem shows this conclusion is not true. nance” David spoke of had been given by Moses After David left the ark at the home of Obed- more than five hundred years before—but it was edom, three months went by.24 These were busy as binding as the day it was given. Some think we months for David. He started construction on his have a right, even a mandate, to upgrade God’s palace; he added to his family; he fought several ordinances “to fit the times.” David learned— decisive battles against the Philistines.25 and we need to learn—that only God has the At the end of the three months, someone right to change His instructions. We do not have came to David and told him the household of that right. Obed-edom had been greatly blessed “on ac- In the New Testament Jesus said that two count of the ark of God” (2 Samuel 6:12a). As things are necessary to scriptural worship. “God David considered that news and the fact that his is spirit,” He said, “and those who worship Him own life had been blessed during the same pe- must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). We riod, he concluded that God’s anger had abated. must worship according to God’s Word (truth, He decided to try again to bring the ark to Jerusa- John 17:17), and we must have the proper atti- lem. tude as we do so (spirit). The spirit of worship is This time, however, he made the proper vital, but so are the details God has outlined. We plans and preparations. First, he prepared a spe- must do right things in the right way. cial place: a tent in Jerusalem in which to place This truth explains many details about the the ark when it reached that city.26 Second, and worship services of churches of Christ. Why do most important, he prepared a special people. we have the Lord’s Supper on the first day of David did his homework this time. He “got down every week, and only on the first day of the the old family Bible” and checked to see what week? Why do only men preach and lead prayers? Moses said about the ark, and specifically what Why do we have vocal music only, without me- Moses said about transporting the ark. He dis- chanical accompaniment? Because that is what covered Exodus 25, Numbers 4 and 7, and God has told us to do in the New Testament. Deuteronomy 10. He read that the men of the Someone may object, “But that’s being picky. Levitical clan of Kohath were to transport the ark Surely God isn’t concerned about such insignifi- by carrying it on poles placed on their shoulders. cant details.” The story of 2 Samuel 6 and David determined that this time it would be 1 Chronicles 13—15 illustrates that God is con- done exactly as God had said it was to be done. cerned about such “insignificant, minute, picky”

4 details as golden rings, carrying poles, ark cover- because God was helping the Levites who were ings, and who carried the ark. If God is con- carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that cerned, we had better be concerned! they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams” The question we are asking at the moment, (1 Chronicles 15:26). however, is “Does an emphasis on details in Everything was now right in their relation- worship automatically negate the joy of wor- ship with God. God had been glorified not only ship?” Let us finish the story to answer that in their hearts, but also in their strict adherence question. When everything was ready . . . to His will. David was delirious with the feeling of a release from guilt and remorse. . . . the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God And David was dancing27 before the Lord with of Israel. And the sons of the Levites carried the all his might, . . . (2 Samuel 6:14). ark of God on their shoulders, with the poles thereon as Moses had commanded according Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the cov- to the word of the Lord (1 Chronicles 15:14, 15). enant of the Lord with shouting, and with sound of the horn, with trumpets, with loud-sound- A fascinating detail is added in 2 Samuel 6:13: ing cymbals, with harps and lyres (1 Chronicles “And so it was, that when the bearers of the ark 15:28). of the Lord had gone six paces, [David] sacrificed an ox and a fatling.” Keep in mind that no one What excitement there must have been when knew whether this second effort would end as the ark of the Lord came into Jerusalem! David the first one did, or whether it would be success- wanted all to know who the true King of Israel ful. If I had been selected to carry the ark, I would was. David did not wear royal garments or march have considered it a dubious honor. “Who me? in royal dignity. Instead, he wore a white robe Carry that box that killed Uzzah? You have to be over a simple linen tunic,28 and he danced about kidding!” the ark, praising the Lord. No parade had met Can’t you see the sweat pouring from those David when he made Jerusalem his capital, but who approached the ark? They tentatively he wanted a triumphal entry for Jehovah! stretched out the tips of their fingers to touch When they reached the tent David had pre- the poles, then jumped back. Nothing happened, pared, the ark was reverently placed inside it. so they nervously positioned themselves, then Then David offered burnt offerings for his sins ca-a-arefully raised the ark and gingerly placed and the sins of the people, plus peace [“fellow- it on their shoul- ders. Disaster did not strike, so they The spirit of worship is vital, but cautiously lifted so are the details God has outlined. their feet and took a first step, wondering if it would be their last. ship”; NIV] offerings to celebrate the fact that They took a second step . . . then a third . . . a fellowship between God and His people had fourth . . . a fifth . . . a sixth. They were still alive! been restored. For this occasion David had com- They slowly lowered the ark, let out their breath, posed a psalm on the honor, majesty, might, and broke into smiles. This time it would be all glory, and power of God.29 This moving song right! closes, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, Not only had David prepared a place to put from everlasting even to everlasting” (1 Chroni- the ark and the people to carry the ark; he had cles 16:36a). “Then all the people said, ‘Amen,’ also prepared provision for a sacrifice. On the and praised the Lord” (v. 36b). David stretched spot he “sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf” out his arms and “blessed the people in the name (2 Samuel 6:13; NIV). In addition to David’s of- of the Lord” (2 Samuel 6:18). He then gave each fering, the Levites made a special sacrifice, for family special provisions, and all went home, they realized the significance of this event to rejoicing in the knowledge that God was again their tribe: God was showing that He was with with His people. them; they were being restored to their rightful Did strict adherence to the law destroy the place in the life of the nation. “And it came about happiness of David and the other worshipers?

5 We cannot read the latter part of 2 Samuel 6, with however, we think we can come to worship God, 1 Chronicles 15; 16, without being impressed by giving little thought to the matter, and God will the fact that attention to details did not destroy still be pleased. Perhaps we stay up late on Satur- happiness, but rather enhanced it. A celebration day night, sleep late Sunday morning, arrive late was held both times David started to bring the at the building in a turmoil, collapse into a pew ark to Jerusalem. The first celebration, however, exhausted—and still expect to “get something ended in sorrow because the people did not seek out of” the service. God “after the due order.”30 The second celebra- To have a meaningful service, we must pre- tion ended in rejoicing because they did exactly pare. The meeting place needs to be prepared. what God had told them to do. The Lord’s Supper needs to be prepared. The Concern about form can turn into formalism, song leader and prayer leaders need to prepare. but this need not happen. To those who dedicate The preacher needs to prepare. When Paul wrote themselves to worshiping God in spirit and in concerning the public worship service, he said: truth, adherence to God’s “fine print” can be a “Let all things be done properly and in an or- liberating, rather than inhibiting, experience. derly manner” (1 Corinthians 14:40). When you know in your heart that your worship Most important, however, each individual is pleasing to God, you are free to worship God worshiper needs to prepare his or her heart and with all of your heart! life in order to come before God’s throne ready to worship Him. MEANINGFUL WORSHIP REQUIRES PREPARATION IF WE GET NOTHING OUT OF (1 CHRON. 15:2–24; 16:1–7, 37–42) WORSHIP, LET US FIRST EXAMINE Before leaving 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles OUR OWN HEARTS (2 SAM. 6:16, 15; 16, let me emphasize two important truths. 20–23; 1 CHRON. 15:29; 16:43) First, meaningful worship requires preparation The second truth I want to emphasize before of heart and life—whether in private or public going on to 2 Samuel 7 is this: If we do not get worship. anything out of the worship service, we need Previously, we noted that David prepared a first to look at our own hearts. place for the ark, a people to transport the ark, In 2 Samuel 6:16 we read, “Then it happened and provision for a sacrifice. First Chronicles as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David 15:16–24 tells of the preparation. Specific people that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of were selected for specific tasks, even as we select the window and saw King David leaping and specific ones to be in charge of different parts of dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in our worship services. In addition to those who her heart.” You remember the tragic story of would carry the ark, singers and musicians would Michal. Saul gave her to David; then, when David provide music, and gatekeepers would provide became a fugitive, Saul gave her to another man. security for the ark. Worthy of special note is When Abner negotiated with David regarding verse 22: “And Chenaniah, . . . was in charge of his becoming king over all of Israel, David re- the singing; he gave instruction in singing be- quested that Michal be returned to him. When cause he was skillful.” When we plan a worship Michal was taken from her second husband, he service, let us use the best we have; worship ran behind her, weeping, until he was forced to demands our best. return home. Now we have the wrap-up of this First Chronicles 16 says that after the ark was unhappy tale. in place in Jerusalem, David continued his prepa- As the ark came through the city gates, Michal ration—this time for day-to-day worship. “And looked out a palace window “and she despised he appointed some of the Levites as ministers him in her heart.” In 1 Samuel 18:20 we read, before the ark of the Lord, even to celebrate and “Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David.” The years to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel” (v. 4).31 had passed, however, and the flame of love had Dad used to say, “Anything worth doing is been extinguished; only lifeless coals remained. worth doing right.” Most of us understand that Now “she despised him.” principle in other areas of life. Strangely enough, After the celebration was over, David “re-

6 turned to bless his household” (1 Chronicles and foremost, worship is a heart response to the 16:43). He was on an emotional and spiritual Lord. If I do not “get anything out of” the service, high; he wanted to share that with his family. the problem is probably with my heart, not with “But when David returned to bless his house- those who planned and led the service. God help hold,”32 he was met at the door by an irate Michal. us not to be Michals who stand aloof from the Sarcasm dripped from her voice: “How the king service with critics’ eyes. of Israel distinguished himself today! He uncov- ered himself today in the eyes of his servants’ IN WORSHIP, GOOD INTENTIONS maids as one of the foolish ones shamelessly ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH uncovers himself!” (2 Samuel 6:20c). “Uncov- (2 SAM. 7:1–17; 1 CHRON. 17:1–15) ered himself” does not necessarily mean David Moving on to 2 Samuel 7, we next find this exposed his nakedness (he wore a robe with a important lesson: When it comes to worship, garment under it).33 The key is the phrase “the good intentions alone are not good enough. foolish ones”; in Michal’s eyes David had made During a period of time between 2 Samuel 6 a fool of himself. She despised him for the things and 7, David finished building his palace and that made him great: his identification with the fought his wars.36 Finally, one day David was people and his enthusiasm for God. relaxing, enjoying his beautiful new home. How- David’s face fell; his excitement faded. He ever, as he looked about with satisfaction, the answered that it was God who had chosen him thought struck him: “I live in a luxurious house, and exalted him, so he would worship Him with while the ark of God is in a tent!” He called in all his heart, even if that made him appear fool- Nathan, who had become his friend, adviser, ish. Ultimately, God would vindicate him in the and confidant.37 When he told Nathan his sight of all. thoughts, the prophet responded enthusiasti- This sad little scene closes with 2 Samuel cally: “Go, do all that is in your mind, for the 6:23: “And Michal the daughter of Saul had no Lord is with you” (2 Samuel 7:3). child to the day of her death.”34 This may indicate That night, however, God appeared to Nathan that God cursed her with barrenness35; it may in a vision to tell him he had been too hasty in indicate that she and David no longer lived to- approving David’s plans. They should first have gether as husband and wife. Probably both were inquired of the Lord whether the project met true. with His approval. There are lessons for us here. We could say much about this tragic domes- The first is that well-meaning friends can lead us tic drama and how relationships can be destroyed. astray, even those with a reputation for spiritual- At the moment, however, let us stay with the ity (Nathan was a prophet of God). The second subject of worship. Bringing the ark to Jerusalem lesson (and the one we are presently stressing) is was one of the greatest events in the history of that even if our intentions are good, our plans Israel. Michal could have been with the crowd may not be God-approved. that welcomed the procession back to Jerusalem. It is not uncommon for people to reason However, because of the condition of Michal’s regarding some innovation in worship, “Since heart, this grand occasion left her cold. Her only my intention is to honor the Lord, surely He will response was to play the critic: “David, you be pleased.” The only way we can know what will looked like an idiot out there!” please the Lord, however, is to read what He has Criticizing the worship service has become a said in His Word. We may think this or that will popular indoor sport. Figuratively speaking, we please the Lord, but again I say, the only way we hold up our score cards on those who lead in can know what pleases the Lord is to read it in the worship: “I give the song leader a 6, the prayer Bible.38 leader a 3, the preacher a 5—but the overall It must have been difficult for Nathan to service a minus 2!” It is easy to fall into the trap come back to David the next day and say, “I was of having a subjective view of worship: “If I liked wrong in encouraging you in this project”! the service, it was good; if I did not like the Nathan, however, was God’s prophet—hard jobs service, it was bad.” were part of the job description of a prophet. He We need constantly to be reminded that, first came to David and faithfully delivered God’s

7 message. The message, found in verses 5 through I will build you a house (a dynasty).” Second 16, is the most important passage in 2 Samuel Samuel 7:11–16 has been called “the ideological and one of the most important texts in the Old summit” of the Old Testament. After God told Testament. David that He would establish his dynasty, He God began by saying, in effect, to David, “I continued: didn’t ask you to build Me a house. I’ve been doing fine without it.”39 He said plainly, “You When your days are complete and you lie down shall not build a house for Me to dwell in” with your fathers, I will raise up your descen- dant after you, who will come forth from you, (:4; emphasis mine). In other and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build words, “Your intentions may be good, but this is a house for My name, and I will establish the not what I desire.” throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he God said “no” to David’s dream for several commits iniquity, I will correct him with the reasons. David later gave this report: rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, but My lovingkindness shall not depart from But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I re- “You have shed much blood, and have waged moved from before you. And your house and great wars; you shall not build a house to My your kingdom shall endure before Me for- name, because you have shed so much blood on ever; your throne shall be established forever the earth before Me. Behold a son shall be born (2 Samuel 7:12–16). to you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every Two promises were given to David: (1) his side; for his name shall be [which means peaceful], and I will give peace and son would build the temple, and (2) his dynasty quiet to Israel in his days. He shall build a would continue forever. David understood the house for My name, . . .” (:8–10). first of these promises to refer to Solomon.43 The fulfillment of the second promise went far be- God had other priorities for David: David was to yond the days of Solomon, as descendants of build the empire,40 and he was to build his fam- David reigned on the throne of Judah. Even ily. Then his son Solomon would build the when these kings were not what they should temple. have been, Jehovah continued the dynasty “for Isn’t it difficult when God says “no” to our David’s sake.”44 Finally, however, God’s patience dreams? We make our plans, our intentions are ran out. The southern kingdom of Judah was the highest, we see no way God could not ap- taken into Babylonian captivity. No longer did prove, but then those plans do not come to frui- an offspring of David sit on the throne. Even tion. Maybe they have to do with finding a Chris- then, God did not forget His promise. He in- tian mate and establishing a Christian home, spired the prophets to speak of One who would with having and rearing children in the nurture come, of the seed of David, who would sit on and admonition of the Lord, or with what we David’s throne: want to do with our lives—but God does not give 41 us the nod. I have had my shattered dreams; “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the you, too, have had yours. Lord, We must understand that when God says “When I shall raise up for David a righteous Branch; “no,” it does not mean God has forsaken us. Even And He will reign as king and act wisely if God writes off our requests, He does not write And do justice and righteousness in the land. . . . us off.42 God later told David, “You did well that And this is His name by which He will be called, [the plan to build the temple] was in your heart” ‘The Lord our righteousness’” (1 Kings 8:18; emphasis mine). ( 23:5, 6). Second Samuel 7 also teaches that when God says “no,” sometimes it is because He has some- “Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1) was thing better in mind. After God told David what the fulfillment of those prophecies. The Gospel He would do for Israel, He said: “The Lord also according to Matthew begins, “The book of the declares to you that the Lord will make a house genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David” (v. 1; for you” (v. 11). We find a play on words here: emphasis mine).45 As a descendant of King David, “You shall not build Me a house (a temple), but Jesus came to establish an everlasting kingdom,

8 a spiritual kingdom that would never be de- done two things. First, I would have sulked for a stroyed.46 After Jesus’ resurrection, He ascended week or so. Note, however, David’s response: back to heaven and sat down on “David’s After Nathan delivered God’s message (2 Sam- throne.”47 King Jesus is there ruling over His uel 7:17), “Then David the king went in and sat50 kingdom, the church, even today.48 before the Lord” (v. 18a). David went into the Thus, the author of Hebrews indicated that tent he had prepared for the ark and sat down the great promises in 2 Samuel 7 were ultimately like a servant in the presence of his master. fulfilled in the Christ. The writer asked, “For to In the moving prayer that followed, David which of the angels did [God] ever say, . . . ‘I will was reverent, humble, and unselfish. Ten times be a Father to Him, and He shall be a Son to Me’?” David referred to himself as “Thy servant.” David (Hebrews 1:5). In context, the understood an- prayed that all God had promised would be swer is “God did not say this to any of His angels, fulfilled and that the greatness of the Lord would but He did say it of His Son, Jesus.” The inspired be obvious to all. Notice a few highlights from writer was indirectly affirming that Solomon— his prayer: and the other kings of Judah—were a temporary and partial fulfillment of 2 Samuel 7, while Jesus . . . “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my our Lord and Master is the ultimate and com- house [i.e., the household from which I came], that Thou hast brought me this far [to the plete fulfillment! throne]? . . .what more can David say to Thee? Stop a moment and savor what I have just For Thou knowest Thy servant, O Lord God! said. David had in mind a perishable building . . . Thou art great, O Lord God; for there is none like Thee, and there is no God besides made of wood and stone that would bless those Thee, . . . And now, O Lord God, Thou art God, who would make the trip to Jerusalem. God had and Thy words are truth [trustworthy; NIV], in mind an eternal kingdom that would bless . . . For Thou, O Lord God, hast spoken; and with Thy blessing may the house of Thy ser- millions down through the centuries! It is true vant be blessed forever” (2 Samuel 7:18, 20, 22, that when God says “no” to our dreams, some- 28, 29). times He has in mind something better—infi- nitely better than we could ever imagine. Second, if I had been in David’s shoes, I Let us, however, underline the fact that once would probably have said, “If I’m not allowed to again David made his plans without consulting build the temple, I wash my hands of the whole the Lord.49 His intentions were honorable; his affair. It’s now Solomon’s headache!” David, desire was to honor the Lord. Nevertheless, he however, spent much of the rest of his life pre- failed to check first with the Master, and God paring for the construction of the temple. said “no” to his plans. The apostle Paul later spoke of those who “have a zeal for God, but not So David . . . set stonecutters to hew out stones to build the house of God. And David in accordance with knowledge” (Romans 10:2). prepared large quantities of iron to make the Our good intentions must always be tested by nails for the doors of the gates and for the God’s revelation. Whether we are talking about clamps, and more bronze than could be worship or some other service for the Lord, good weighed; and timbers of cedar logs beyond number, . . . And David said, “My son Solomon intentions alone are not good enough. is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord shall be exceedingly REAL WORSHIP RESULTS IN A LIFE magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore I will make preparation for IN HARMONY WITH GOD it. . . .” (1 Chronicles 22:2–5). (2 SAM. 7:18–29; 1 CHRON. 17:16–27; 22; 28) God blessed David and sent His Holy Spirit One reason David was called “a man after to give him an inspired blueprint for the temple.51 God’s own heart” was the way he responded to Finally, David called Solomon to him “and the Lord’s rebukes. charged him to build a house for the Lord God of If I had been David, after Nathan told me that Israel” (1 Chronicles 22:6). He said to his son: I would not be allowed to build the temple, it Now behold, with great pains I have prepared would not have mattered that the Lord had some- for the house of the Lord 100,000 talents of gold thing better in mind. I would probably have and 1,000,000 talents of silver, and bronze and

9 iron beyond weight, for they are in great quan- for worship, it leaves a tiny hole in our schedule tity; also timber and stone I have prepared, and you may add to them. . . . Of the gold, the silver that soon heals over. and the bronze and the iron, there is no limit. . . . “God, we come before You as a people who (1 Chronicles 22:14, 16). again and again fail to show You the reverence and awe You deserve. We do not know why You The cost of the temple has been calculated as continue to suffer with our shortcomings in wor- astronomical, exceeding billions of dollars! ship, but we are grateful that You do. Now, help us feel Your presence, to know You are near— Then David gave to his son Solomon the that we might be humbled and become more like plan of . . . all that he had in mind, . . . “All this,” said David, “the Lord made me understand in You. Help us to leave this service with our hearts writing by His hand upon me, all the details of more in tune with Your heart. In Jesus’ name, this pattern” (:11, 12, 19). Amen.” David did not arrive at the details of the temple on his own. The blueprints he gave Solomon SERMON AND VISUAL-AID NOTES came by inspiration. Sermon Notes: Second Samuel 6; 7 is the high Please notice that David’s response to the point of the life of David. Dozens of powerful Lord’s message consisted of forgetting his per- lessons can be based on these texts. sonal desires and submitting to the will of God— Many outstanding sermons on “New Carts” and doing all this with a good attitude! David’s have been preached, based on 2 Samuel 6 and desire was always to draw closer to God. That is 1 Chronicles 13; 15. Two types of “new carts” are what worship is all about. If we worship God mentioned in the lesson: new carts of doctrinal with the right attitude, afterward, both our hearts error and new carts of irreverence. A third could and our lives will be more in tune with the will of be added: new carts of worldly techniques. In- God. stead of depending on the gospel as the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16), we can be- CONCLUSION come enamored with human wisdom and Madi- When Isaiah saw the Lord, “lofty and ex- son Avenue techniques. alted,” he cried: A practical lesson can be preached from Woe is me, for I am ruined! Samuel 6 on worship. During the lesson, empha- Because I am a man of unclean lips, size the seriousness of partaking of the Lord’s And I live among a people of unclean lips; Supper (“do not profane the holy” [Leviticus For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts (Isaiah 6:5). 22:15]). Immediately following the sermon, have the Supper. The invitation can be offered before What a difference it would make in our worship the sermon or after communion. even today if we could realize that we are in The psalm recorded in 1 Chronicles 15:8–36 God’s presence, that we are standing on holy would make an excellent supplementary study. ground! It could be studied in connection with Psalms 105 I hope that we have been impressed with the and 106. importance of worship—whether in our private The story of Michal and David can be the devotions or the public worship services of God’s basis of a powerful lesson on “How To Destroy a people. Worship is the heart of our religion; it Happy Marriage.” needs to be the focus of our lives. Second Samuel 7 can provide the spring- Our problem is that we fit worship into our board for a lesson on “When God Says ‘No.’” lives: an hour here, a few minutes there. David Psalm 132 is a summary of 2 Samuel 7. Psalm did not fit worship into his life; his life centered 89 is also on the covenant made with David in around worship—praising and honoring his 2 Samuel 7. Lord. When his relationship with the Lord went A faith-strengthening lesson can be built sour, he knew it—for the focus of his life was around the promises God gives David in 2 Sam- gone. On the other hand, when we allow but an uel 7. Note how these Old Testament passages hour here and there, when we do not take time directly impact our lives—and our eternity.

10 Henry H. Halley’s notes on 2 Samuel 7 are a good 19“Gittite” means “native of ” (note 2 Samuel 15:18), but here it probably does not refer to the Philistine source. (Bible Handbook [Chicago, Ill.: Henry H. city by that name. Several Israelite cities had “Gath” in Halley, 1955], 174). their names ( 21:20–25); he was probably from one of those. He probably was the “Obed-edom” later mentioned Visual-aid Notes: among the Levites (1 Chronicles 15:18; etc.). A full-sized model of the 20In the story we are studying, David used instruments ark of the covenant makes an excellent visual of music, but this was in Old Testament worship. Such aid. It is possible some teacher in the Bible school music is in the class with the burning of incense and animal either has a model or would be willing to make a sacrifices that were done away with when the church was established. model to be used later in his/her Bible class. If 21Note Jesus’ statement in Matthew 15:9. you are unable to get a model, a cardboard box 22The lesson may be personal, practical, and painful! 23 approximately the size of the ark will help your Proverbs 1:7; Habakkuk 2:20. 242 Samuel 6:11. audience get a feel for what was involved in 25Cf. . moving the ark. 261 Chronicles 15:1, 3, 12; see also 2 Samuel 6:17. Why did David place the ark in some location other than the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle, and why did God allow him to do so? Here are some thoughts: (1) The fact that the NOTES ark had been at a variety of locations and had blessed those 1Note Exodus 25:22. locations indicated that its location was optional. (2) The 2“Cherubim” is the plural of “.” These were various components of the tabernacle had been scattered, probably symbolic representations of angels. and this was the first step in bringing the parts back 3Exodus 25:12–15. together. (3) David may have had some revelation from 4The high priest took blood for his sins and the sins of God which we are not told about. the people, and he sprinkled the blood on the mercy seat. 27This is the only passage in which the Hebrew word 5Numbers 7:9; see also Deuteronomy 10:8. here translated “dancing” appears (2 Samuel 6:14, 16). It 6The first edition of the NASB said that the people had literally means “to whirl.” hemorrhoids, but the most recent edition says “tumors” 281 Chronicles 15:27; see also 2 Samuel 6:14. An ephod (1 Samuel 5:6; etc.). was a close-fitting, sleeveless pullover. It was worn by 71 Samuel 6:7. priests (1 Chronicles 15:27); it was also worn by servants. It 8Joshua 21:16. was not the usual kingly apparel. 9The KJV and NASB have 50,070 as the number that 291 Chronicles 16:8–36. Cf. 16:8-22 and Psalm 105:1–15. died. The NIV, NEB, and other translations have 70. Cf. 16:23-33 and Psalm 96. Cf. 16:34-36 and Psalm 106:1, 47, 10The twenty years of 1 Samuel 7:2 probably refers to 48. the period between the time the ark was placed at Kiriath- 301 Chronicles 15:13; KJV. jearim and the assembly Samuel called in verse 3. A mini- 31The tabernacle and the altar of burnt offerings were mum of twenty years of Samuel’s ministry plus forty years temporarily left in Gibeon until a permanent structure of Saul’s reign plus ten or so years into David’s reign equals could be built to house them. David appointed others to seventy-plus years. take care of the service there (:39ff.). When 11Joshua 15:9. the temple was completed, the ark and the tabernacle were 12Note they put it “on a new cart,” probably one espe- moved to that location (cf. 1 Kings 8:4; 2 Chronicles 5:5). cially built for the occasion. I imagine it was the fanciest 322 Samuel 6:20a. cart ever constructed! It was not, however, what God had 33Commentators do not agree on whether David did or specified. did not expose his nakedness; my opinion is that he did not. 13Maybe someone had a vague recollection that carts 34This could mean that she “had no more children,” but were used for transportation for other parts of the taber- it probably means that she had no children at all. In 2 Sam- nacle (Numbers 7:3–8). uel 21:8 the KJV, NKJV, and some other translations say 14First Chronicles 13:7 says that they “drove” the cart. that Michal had several children. However, the Septuagint They probably walked beside the cart and drove the oxen and several Hebrew manuscripts have “Merab” instead of who pulled the cart. “Michal,” and most modern translations reflect this. 15According to ancient drawings, a cart normally had 35In Old Testament times, to be childless was consid- two wheels and was pulled by two oxen. ered one of the greatest of curses (note 1 Samuel 1:5, 6). 161 Chronicles 13:9. Second Samuel 6:6 has “the thresh- 36Second Samuel 7:1 says, “When the king lived in his ing floor of Nacon.” Since “Nacon” appears nowhere else house, and the Lord had given him rest on every side from in the Scriptures, we are not sure what it means. The NEB his enemies.” Probably at least some of the battles summa- has “a certain threshing floor.” Some think “Nacon” is rized in chapter 8 were fought in the time period between another name for Chidon. chapters 6 and 7. 17This can be personalized with an example where 37This is the first time we read of Nathan, who played someone prevented damage to something valuable and a major role in the rest of David’s life (2 Samuel 12:1–14; was rewarded, not punished. Keep in mind if they had 1 Kings 1). David named one of his sons “Nathan” (2 Sam- been transporting the ark correctly, it would never have uel 5:14). been in danger. 38Isaiah 55:8; Proverbs 14:12. 18The spot was named “Perez-uzzah,” which refers to 39In His message, God reminded David of what He had God’s “outburst [anger] against Uzzah” (2 Samuel 6:8). It been able to do for Israel in general and for David in was a divine warning not soon forgotten. particular, and He spoke of what He would do in the

11 future. 47Acts 2:29–36; Revelation 3:7. 40Note 1 Kings 5:3. 48Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:24–27; Colossians 1:13. 41“Give us the nod” is a figure of speech meaning “to 49The question arises, Did David talk to Nathan as a say ‘yes.’” friend or a prophet? If he spoke to him as a prophet, maybe 42“Writes off” is a figure of speech that can mean he did make an effort to check on God’s will in the matter. “disregard” or “dispose of.” In the first part of this sen- My guess is that he spoke to him as a friend. At any rate, tence, it is used in the first sense; in the last part, it is used whether the guilt lay with David or Nathan or both, God in the second sense. was not consulted. 43In 1 Chronicles 22:6–10 and 28:6–10, David quoted 50This (along with the cross reference in 1 Chronicles from 2 Samuel 7 and applied it to Solomon. I believe that 17:16) is the only reference in the Bible for sitting as a David was correct in applying these words to Solomon (for posture for prayer. This may be a variation of the kneeling instance, note verse 14). position—sitting back on the heels with head lifted. 441 Kings 15:4. 51Cf. 1 Chronicles 28:19. One writer used the example 45See also Luke 3:31. of the temple as proof that it is all right to update God’s 46Cf. Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 2:2–4; Mark 1:14, 15; Matthew revelation “to fit the times,” “as David updated the taber- 16:18, 19; Mark 9:1; John 18:36; Luke 24:45–49; Acts 1:6–8; nacle.” It is important to note that the “updating” was done 2:1–4; Hebrews 12:28. by God. ■

The Philistines David’s Request and Michal The Philistines are first mentioned in Genesis An incident during David’s early days as 10:14. Very early, perhaps as early as the time of king illustrates that even successful leaders are Abraham (Genesis 20:2), they had migrated to not exempt from family tragedies (2 Samuel 3:12– the land of Canaan. They had five principal cit- 15). When Abner proposed a peace treaty with ies: Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. David, David had one requirement, a seemingly Each city had a lord or king (Joshua 13:3; Judges strange one: He wanted his first wife, Michal, 3:3) who ruled the surrounding area. The influ- back (2 Samuel 3:13). You will remember that ence of the people is seen in that the name “Pal- Saul reluctantly gave Michal to David when estine” is derived from “the land of the Philis- David brought the king double the required tines.” “bride-price.” Then, after David became a fugi- The crude, insensitive character of the Philis- tive, Saul broke all royal ties with him by giving tines has made its mark on the English language. Michal to another man (1 Samuel 25:44). If you look in Funk & Wagnalls Dictionary under We can only guess why David insisted on “Philistine,” you will find this use of the word: Michal’s return. Maybe personal pride was in- “an ignorant, narrow-minded person; devoid of volved. It is more likely, however, since this culture and indifferent to art.” requirement was tied with the matter of unity, The Philistines were Israel’s most persistent that David had the interests of Israel in mind. enemy. For years the Philistines had a monopoly Note that David sent messengers directly to Ish- on iron weapons (1 Samuel 13:19–22) and used bosheth; David wanted Michal’s return to be an them to terrorize the Israelites. They had chariots official act of the house of Saul. Probably David of iron with sharp blades attached to the wheels thought his reunion with Michal would to mow down soldiers on foot. In our series we strengthen his claim to the throne in the minds of have seen the Philistines, with their champion the leaders in the north; he would again be con- Goliath, arrayed against the army of Saul (1 Sam- sidered Saul’s son-in-law. uel 17). We have seen the Philistines make raids Regardless of how pure or impure David’s on Keilah (1 Samuel 23:1) and other areas in motives were, it is a story filled with tragedy. It Israel (1 Samuel 23:27). We have noted the Philis- breaks my heart to read of Michal’s husband tines’ defeat of the Israelites on Mount Gilboa, following her, weeping, until they reached the deep inside the land of Israel, and their treatment boundary of the . It also saddens of the bodies of Saul and his sons (1 Samuel 31:8– me to read a few chapters later that Michal “de- 10). At one point the Philistines captured David’s spised [David] in her heart” (2 Samuel 6:16). It is home town of Bethlehem (cf. 2 Samuel 23:14), too easy for love to become hate in neglected and David had many bloody battles with them. relationships. Wise leaders do not neglect their It is astounding that David would ever make mates or their children (Ephesians 5:23; 6:4). any kind of alliance with this fierce enemy of “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ Israel, but he did. also loved the church. . . .” (Ephesians 5:25).

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