2 Samuel 6:9 – “David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, ‘How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, David reacts with fear after witnessing Uzzah’s sudden death for touching the Ark of the Covenant. The fear David experiences is not just a fear of punishment but a reverent awe of God’s holiness and power. David’s question, “How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?” reflects his concern about bringing such a powerful and holy object into his presence. It also shows his uncertainty about how to continue the journey of transporting the Ark. This verse marks a turning point for David as he reevaluates his approach to honoring God.
Historical Context
The Ark of the Covenant had been neglected during the reign of Saul, and David’s intention was to restore it to a central place in Israel’s worship by bringing it to Jerusalem. However, in their excitement, David and the people failed to follow God’s instructions for handling the Ark (Exodus 25:12-15), which led to Uzzah’s death. This tragic event caused David to pause and reconsider how he approached God’s presence. David’s fear was a response to the overwhelming display of God’s holiness and his realization that the Ark could not be treated lightly.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the proper response to encountering God’s holiness: reverence and fear. David’s fear of the Lord was not an irrational terror but a deep respect for the power and majesty of God. Theologically, this verse teaches us that God’s presence is both wonderful and dangerous—it brings blessing but also requires careful obedience. David’s question shows that even the most well-meaning worship can go wrong if it doesn’t align with God’s instructions. The verse reminds us that our relationship with God must be based on both love and reverence.
Literary Analysis
The structure of the verse reveals David’s shift from anger in the previous verse to fear and reflection in this one. The rhetorical question, “How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?” underscores David’s feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty. It also foreshadows the deeper spiritual lesson David would learn about approaching God on God’s terms. This moment of fear sets the stage for the eventual joyful, but more reverent, arrival of the Ark in Jerusalem later in the chapter.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 10:1-3: The deaths of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire, a similar display of God’s holiness requiring reverence.
- Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,” showing that fear of God is the foundation for wisdom and understanding.
- Hebrews 12:28-29: A reminder that we should worship God with reverence and awe, for He is a consuming fire.
Meaning for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse teaches us the importance of approaching God with reverence. While we are invited into a personal relationship with God, we must never forget His holiness and power. David’s fear reminds us that we cannot treat God casually. Even as we experience His love and grace, we should also maintain a deep respect for who He is. This verse challenges us to balance our intimacy with God and our reverence for Him, recognizing that He is both our loving Father and the Almighty Creator.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God’s holiness and love are intertwined. God’s actions in this passage were not meant to push David away but to teach him and the people of Israel the importance of honoring His holiness. By allowing David to experience this fear, God was guiding him toward a deeper understanding of His nature. God’s love is not only seen in His kindness but also in the way He draws boundaries that protect us from taking His presence for granted. His love invites us into a relationship where respect for His holiness deepens our connection with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
David’s fear and question—”How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?”—reflect the human dilemma of approaching a holy God. Jesus Christ is the ultimate answer to this question. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus bridged the gap between God’s holiness and our sinfulness. In Hebrews 4:16, we are encouraged to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence,” something made possible because Jesus has taken our place and made us clean. Where David felt fear and inadequacy in the presence of God, Jesus provides a way for us to come near to God with assurance of His grace.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does David’s fear of the Lord challenge the way you approach God in your own life?
- What does this verse teach you about the balance between intimacy with God and reverence for His holiness?
- How does Jesus’ work on the cross give you confidence to approach God, even in His holiness?