2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13
“The anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah [Uzza]; and God smote him there for his error, and there he died by the ark of God” (2 Sam. 6:7).
This account gives us an important principle for those who, placed in some position of responsibility, may act with zeal, but in ignorance of God’s Word. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Whether these actions come of ignorance, forgetfulness or willfulness, the effect of disregard for the Word in our service may bring similar, sad results. Though David referred to the Lord on this occasion (see 1 Chron. 13:23), we do not read that he asked the Lord for guidance in moving the ark.
Twenty years earlier (1 Sam. 6:10; 7:2), the Philistines used a cart to return the ark to Israel after it had been lost in battle. God allowing the Philistines to move it in this manner and the Levites’ earlier use of a cart to transport other instruments of the tabernacle while in the wilderness may have suggested a reasonable precedent to David. Were not David’s faith and zeal to reclaim the ark and move it to Jerusalem more important than how it was done? But faith does not depend on precedent.
Regardless of the joy that accompanied the ark’s return, the authority for moving it and directions for how to move it did not rest with David. God only sanctions simple obedience to His Word. Real faith always obeys the Word of God without question.
The result of failing to have God’s mind about the handling of the ark resulted in the death of Uzzah, and David’s joy and singing were replaced by sorrow, displeasure and fear. Jehovah’s mind for carrying the ark and those responsible to do so are given in Exodus 25:12-15, 37:35, Numbers 3:30 and Deuteronomy 10:8. Earlier examples of the ark’s correct transport, on the shoulders of the priests, are in Joshua 3:3 and 6:4. Failure to obey these divine instructions is clearly foretold in Numbers 3:10.
Yet the Lord acted in grace and blessing. We read that “the Lord blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that he had” (1 Chron. 13:14). What carefulness those three months of reflection wrought in David! He instructed the priests to carry the ark to Jerusalem (1 Chron.15:12,15). What followed this happy event was joy and gladness, with David blessing the people and giving praise and thanks to the Lord. Jehovah’s approval of the way in which the ark was moved is seen, too, for we read that “God helped the Levites that bare the ark” (vs. 26). The joy of David’s heart bursts forth in a psalm of praise (1 Chron. 16:7-36), some of which is found repeated in Psalm 105.
Though David failed, there is no doubt he gained appreciation for the Word of God. This was of the highest importance and what was needed then, as it is today. All was used for David and Israel’s benefit, for God was seeking to bring His dear people into greater dependence on Himself and His Word (1 Chron. 15:2). Surely He desires that for His people today, as well. As one in a position of responsibility among God’s people, David learned to obey God’s Word in everything (1 Chron. 16:40).
Even though times and dispensations have changed, we, too, must learn the vital necessity of relying on God’s Word for guidance—never seeking to change or innovate where He has spoken. May we gain blessing such as David’s through diligent reading of and obedience to the precious Word of God.
R. Lee