2 Samuel 6:1-12a “Progress Halted!”
After David became king of Israel he desired to restore the ark of God to their center Jerusalem. The ark symbolizes the manifest ruling presence of God: “…the very name of the LORD of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim.” (2c). When they began, “They placed the ark of God on a new cart………; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were leading the new cart.” (3a & c). As Ahio walked ahead of the ark, David and all Israel celebrated before God with various instruments (5). When they came to a rough spot [threshing floor], the oxen nearly upset the cart so Uzzah reached out to hold it. God then struck Uzzah down for his irreverence and he died. David was angry with God and unwilling to move the ark further placing it in the house of Obed-edom. It remained there for three months, “…and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.” (11b). While the celebration was appropriate for this process, the cart was a borrowed idea from when their enemies returned the ark. The consequence of not seeking God’s directives [in Scripture] not only resulted in the death of Uzzah but halted the progress of restoration of God’s manifested ruling presence. Let us be careful to always honor God’s word when doing God’s work.
