How does David's response in 2 Samuel 6:12 reflect his reverence for God? Setting the Moment “Now it was reported to King David: ‘The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him because of the ark of God.’ So David went and had the ark of God brought up from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with rejoicing.” (2 Samuel 6:12) What Had Just Happened • A first attempt to move the ark on a cart ended with Uzzah’s death (2 Samuel 6:6–7). • David became “afraid of the LORD” and paused the relocation (v. 9). • For three months the ark remained with Obed-edom, and God’s favor on that household was obvious (v. 11). David’s Fresh Response 1. He listens. – News of God’s blessing reaches him; he pays attention instead of hardening his heart. 2. He acts, but differently this time. – 1 Chronicles 15:2, 13 fills in the blanks: David gathers the Levites and insists the ark be carried “as the LORD ordained.” – Reverence shows up in obedience to the letter of God’s instructions (cf. Exodus 25:14; Numbers 4:15). 3. He moves with rejoicing. – Fear hasn’t vanished, but it is now mingled with faith and joy (Psalm 2:11; Philippians 2:12–13). – Reverence isn’t dour; it delights in God’s presence while honoring His holiness. 4. He worships sacrificially. – “When those carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf” (2 Samuel 6:13). – Genuine reverence values God above personal convenience or expense (2 Samuel 24:24). Markers of True Reverence in David’s Example • Humble correction—willing to admit prior error and realign with Scripture. • Careful obedience—handling holy things exactly as God commanded. • Joyful celebration—finding delight, not drudgery, in honoring the Lord. • Costly worship—offering tangible sacrifices that acknowledge God’s worth. • Public testimony—leading the nation to esteem God’s presence (Psalm 34:3). Takeaway David’s response in 2 Samuel 6:12 models reverence that is both trembling and thrilled: a heart that bows to God’s holiness, adjusts its methods to His Word, and then bursts into joyful, sacrificial worship. |
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