2 SAMUEL 6

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT TRANSPORTED TO JERUSALEM

David gathers the people of Israel to move the ark of the covenant back into Jerusalem, using a cart carried by oxen. As they are carrying the ark, a man named Uzzah reaches out and touches the ark when one of the oxen stumbles. Uzzah is immediately stuck down and killed. David is saddened and scared by Uzzah’s sudden death. Instead of continuing on his journey with the ark, David stays in the home of a man named Obed-edom for three months.

God blesses Obed-edom and the home where the ark is kept for three months. Eventually David transports the ark to Jerusalem. Once the ark is in Israel’s capital city, David dances in celebration! David’s wife Michal sees David rejoicing and despises him in her heart. Although we are unsure of Michal’s reason for despising David, it is clear that she did not rejoice over the symbol of God’s law and presence arriving in Jerusalem. David disregards Michal’s response and worships God regardless of the consequences or opinions of others.

Another account of this story is recorded in 1 Chronicles 13-16.