7
God's Wrath
& Blessing
2 Samuel 6
In the Narnia Chronicles we are introduced to Aslan, the son of the great Emperor Beyond-the Sea in this way:
"Don't you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion-the Lion, the great Lion."
"Ooh!" said Susan, "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."
"That you will, dearie, and no mistake," said Mrs. Beaver. "If there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."
"Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy.
"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver. "Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good."
In this chapter David learns in a terrible way that the Lord, the God of Israel, isn't safe. But he also gains a greater appreciation of God's goodness.
1. When you think of God's holiness, what ideas or images come to mind?
2. Read 2 Samuel 6. What words would you use to describe the mood of those bringing the ark to Jerusalem (vv. 1-5)?
3. Why do you think David and the people of Israel viewed this as an occasion to celebrate with all their might (v. 5)?
4. Uzzah's act of taking hold of the ark seems well intentioned (v. 6). Why then did the Lord's anger burn against him (v. 7-1 see also I Chron 15:11-15)?
5. Why are sincerity and good intentions sometimes not enough to please the Lord?
6. After Uzzah died, David became both angry and afraid of the Lord (vv. 8-9). How would you evaluate his emotional response?
7. Although the Lord had struck down Uzzah, he blessed the house of Obed-Edom (vv. 10-11). What was the rd saying about himself through these events?
8. What new precautions does David take as he moves the ark to Jerusalem (vv. 12-15)?
9. In what other ways was this event marked by celebration?
10. Do your times of worship tend to he somber or joyous? Explain.
11. In what ways might we make our times of worship more of a joyous celebration?
12. How does this chapter help its to understand God's holiness?