The Returners of the Lost Ark

Introduction: Good Intentions

Second Samuel 6 confronts us with a truth modern that Christianity often resists:

God is not honored merely by sincerity, enthusiasm, or good intentions.

David wanted to restore the Ark of the Covenant to the center of Israel’s national life—and that desire was right.

We live in a time when almost anything can be called worship—as long as it’s sincere, emotional, and well-produced.

But 2 Samuel 6 confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: God does not accept every form of worship that claims His name.

Introduction: Good Intentions

The music was playing. The crowd was energized.

The intentions were good and God interrupted the service.

Uzzah’s death wasn’t a failure of worship—it was a judgment on disobedience disguised as devotion.

Tonight’s text forces us to ask an important question:

Are we inviting God’s presence—or assuming it?

The Ark symbolized the very presence of God, the place where the LORD of Hosts “dwells between the cherubim” (2 Sam. 6:2).

Psalm 132 reflects this longing

Psalm 132 ESV

A Song of Ascents. 1 Remember, O Lord, in David’s favor, all the hardships he endured, 2 how he swore to the Lord and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob, 3 “I will not enter my house or get into my bed, 4 I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, 5 until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” 6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar. 7 “Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!” 8 Arise, O Lord, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. 9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your saints shout for joy. 10 For the sake of your servant David, do not turn away the face of your anointed one. 11 The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: “One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne. 12 If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.” 13 For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: 14 “This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. 15 I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. 16 Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy. 17 There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. 18 His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine.”

I. A Right Desire, Handled the Wrong Way (2 Samuel 6:1–5)

2 Samuel 6:1–5 ESV

1 David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim. 3 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. And Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart, 4 with the ark of God, and Ahio went before the ark. 5 And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.

I. A Right Desire, Handled the Wrong Way (2 Samuel 6:1–5)

David gathers thirty thousand choice men of Israel—an extraordinary show of importance and enthusiasm.

He is not apathetic.

He is not negligent.

He is intentional.

He wants Israel to once again live with a conscious awareness of God’s nearness.

Yet verse 3 quietly introduces the fatal flaw:

“They set the ark of God on a new cart.”

I. A Right Desire, Handled the Wrong Way (2 Samuel 6:1–5)

God Law had already spoken clearly on how the Ark was to be transported. The Ark was not to be transported mechanically.

It was to be carried, on poles, by consecrated Levites (Exod. 25:12–15; Num. 4:15).

The Ark represented God’s holy presence—nothing casual, nothing automated, nothing flesh-driven was to be associated with it.

Numbers 4:15 ESV

15 And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, as the camp sets out, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to carry these, but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die. These are the things of the tent of meeting that the sons of Kohath are to carry.

I. A Right Desire, Handled the Wrong Way (2 Samuel 6:1–5)

Redpath insightfully notes, “The ark was nothing less than the burden of the Lord, and the burden of the Lord was to be carried on the hearts of the Levites.”

Yet Israel copied the Philistines, who had earlier transported the Ark on a cart (1 Sam. 6).

The Philistines “got away with it” because they were pagans.

God expects more from His people.

Innovation borrowed from the world never excuses disobedience from God’s Word.

John Wesley’s warning rings true here:

“It is not new things we need, but new fire.”

II. Uzzah at the Threshing Floor: Familiarity Without Fear (2 Samuel 6:6–7)

2 Samuel 6:6–7 ESV

6 And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God.

II. Uzzah at the Threshing Floor: Familiarity Without Fear (2 Samuel 6:6–7)

When the oxen stumble at Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah instinctively reaches out and touches the Ark—and dies instantly.

This moment unsettles us because Uzzah’s intentions seem reasonable.

But Scripture makes clear that his error was theological, not accidental.

Numbers 4:15 explicitly warned: “They shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die.”

II. Uzzah at the Threshing Floor: Familiarity Without Fear (2 Samuel 6:6–7)

David Guzik outlines Uzzah’s fatal assumptions:

He assumed it didn’t matter who carried the Ark

He assumed it didn’t matter how it was carried

He assumed familiarity reduced reverence

He assumed God needed his help

He assumed his hand was holier than the dirt

II. Uzzah at the Threshing Floor: Familiarity Without Fear (2 Samuel 6:6–7)

Alexander Maclaren wrote, “There was a profound insensibility to the awful sacredness of the ark.”

The setting matters.

A threshing floor separates wheat from chaff. In that moment, God stripped away the chaff of emotionalism, production, and presumption.

God showed up—but not the way anyone expected.

The death of Uzzah reminds us that worship is never casual, careless, or convenient.

If God’s holiness mattered this much under the Old Covenant—when His presence was symbolized by the Ark—how much more should reverence matter now, when we gather in the name of Christ and the Spirit of God dwells among His people?

Worship does not require perfection, but it does demand preparation, humility, and our very best.

Sloppiness in worship is not a sign of freedom; it is often a sign of familiarity without fear.

II. Uzzah at the Threshing Floor: Familiarity Without Fear (2 Samuel 6:6–7)

When we plan worship, lead worship, preach, sing, serve, or even sit in the congregation, we are not merely filling time—we are standing before a holy God.

Excellence is not about performance or polish; it is about honor.

God is worthy of thoughtful preparation, disciplined hearts, biblical structure, and sincere reverence.

Casual worship may attract crowds, but reverent worship invites the pleasure of God.

III. David’s Anger and Fear: When Theology Is Corrected (2 Samuel 6:8–9)

2 Samuel 6:8–9 ESV

8 And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day. 9 And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and he said, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?”

III. David’s Anger and Fear: When Theology Is Corrected (2 Samuel 6:8–9)

David responds with anger and fear.

He names the place Perez-Uzzah—“the outbreak against Uzzah.”

His question reveals the tension in his heart: “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?”

David is confused because he believed sincerity should have been enough. But Scripture never teaches that intentions override obedience.

God cares about both heart and holiness.

Guzik rightly observes: “The curse didn’t come from God’s heart, but from man’s disobedience.”

Yet this pause becomes a turning point. David doesn’t abandon worship—he re-examines Scripture. Isaiah would later summarize the answer David found:

Isaiah 8:20 ESV

20 To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.

IV. Obed-Edom: When Holiness Brings Blessing (2 Samuel 6:10–12a)

2 Samuel 6:10–12 ESV

10 So David was not willing to take the ark of the Lord into the city of David. But David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 And the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household. 12a And it was told King David, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.”

IV. Obed-Edom: When Holiness Brings Blessing (2 Samuel 6:10–12a)

When David halts the procession, the Ark rests in the home of Obed-Edom for three months—and Scripture tells us plainly that “the LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household” (2 Sam. 6:11).

This blessing was not accidental, emotional, or mystical. It was the natural outcome of God’s presence being honored according to God’s Word.

Obed-Edom was not a random bystander; he was a Levite from the family God had specifically appointed to handle the Ark (Num. 4).

In other words, the Ark was finally in the hands of someone who both knew God’s holiness and respected God’s instructions.

What had been a source of fear on the road became a source of fruitfulness in the home.

IV. Obed-Edom: When Holiness Brings Blessing (2 Samuel 6:10–12a)

This moment corrects a dangerous misconception:

God’s presence is not a liability to be managed but a blessing to be received. Reverence should lead the way.

The same Ark that brought judgment through disobedience now brings favor through obedience, reminding us that God never changed;

the posture of the people did.

Where God is honored rightly, His presence does not destroy—it restores, strengthens, and blesses.

The Ark was never meant to be dangerous. God’s presence brings blessing when His holiness is respected.

V. The Second Attempt: Obedience Unleashes Joy (2 Samuel 6:12b–15)

2 Samuel 6:12–15 ESV

12b So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. 13 And when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal. 14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn.

V. The Second Attempt: Obedience Unleashes Joy (2 Samuel 6:12b–15)

Now everything changes.

The Ark is carried on shoulders.

Sacrifices are offered every six steps—excessive, costly, reverent worship. David later explains the lesson plainly:

1 Chronicles 15:13 ESV

13 Because you did not carry it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.”

V. The Second Attempt: Obedience Unleashes Joy (2 Samuel 6:12b–15)

This time, worship is even more joyful than before—but now it is anchored in obedience.

God never asked for subdued worship—He asked for ordered worship.

We live in a generation convinced that power comes from innovation—new methods, new models, new experiences.

But Scripture is clear: power flows from obedience.

God did not respond to David’s creativity;

He responded to David’s correction.

The breakthrough came not when Israel tried something new, but when they returned to what God had already said.

The Church does not need new carts; it needs obedient carriers.

When God’s Word is honored, His presence is unleashed.

John 14:15 ESV

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

V. The Second Attempt: Obedience Unleashes Joy (2 Samuel 6:12b–15)

David dances before the LORD with all his might—but not as a showman.

He wears a linen ephod, the same garment as the priests.

He sets aside his royal robes and worships as one among the people.

Guzik wisely notes there are two dangers:

emotional manipulation and emotional suppression.

David avoids both.

We live in a generation convinced that power comes from innovation—new methods, new models, new experiences.

But Scripture is clear: power flows from obedience.

God did not respond to David’s creativity;

He responded to David’s correction.

V. The Second Attempt: Obedience Unleashes Joy (2 Samuel 6:12b–15)

The breakthrough came not when Israel tried something new, but when they returned to what God had already said.

We often assume spiritual power comes from innovation—from new methods, fresh approaches, or heightened experiences—but Scripture teaches that power flows from obedience.

God did not bless the second procession because it was more creative;

He blessed it because it was more obedient (1 Chr. 15:13).

Once the Ark was carried according to God’s Word, worship did not become muted—it became extravagant.

V. The Second Attempt: Obedience Unleashes Joy (2 Samuel 6:12b–15)

Sacrifices were offered every six steps (2 Sam. 6:13).

Shouts rang out. Trumpets sounded.

David danced before the LORD with all his might (2 Sam. 6:14–15).

Worship, rightly ordered, should be the most joyful and celebratory time of our week, because it is the moment when God’s redeemed people consciously gather in His presence.

Scripture commands us to worship God with gladness

Extravagant worship is not emotional excess—it is the proper response of grateful hearts who know they are standing before a holy God who has shown them mercy. 

Psalm 100:2 ESV

2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

Psalm 95:1 ESV

1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

V. The Second Attempt: Obedience Unleashes Joy (2 Samuel 6:12b–15)

The Church does not need new carts;

it needs obedient carriers who know the Word.

When God’s Word is honored, His presence is unleashed.

We cheer at touchdowns.

We raise hands at concerts.

We celebrate weddings loudly.

Why do we grow suspicious when joy erupts in worship directed toward God?

VII. Michal: The Barrenness of Contempt (2 Samuel 6:16–23)

2 Samuel 6:16–23 ESV

16 As the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart. 17 And they brought in the ark of the Lord and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. 18 And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts 19 and distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed, each to his house. 20 And David returned to bless his household. But Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants’ female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” 21 And David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord—and I will celebrate before the Lord. 22 I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honor.” 23 And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.

VII. Michal: The Barrenness of Contempt (2 Samuel 6:16–23)

As the Ark enters Jerusalem, Scripture tells us that “Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart” (2 Sam. 6:16).

That detail matters. Michal is not in the procession.

She is not among the worshipers. She is watching from a distance.

Worship is happening, but she is observing it rather than participating in it—and her heart fills not with joy, but with contempt.

Her issue is not modesty, decorum, or theology.

Her issue is pride.

She values image over intimacy, dignity over devotion, and appearance over obedience.

VII. Michal: The Barrenness of Contempt (2 Samuel 6:16–23)

Charles Spurgeon captures the posture perfectly when he writes, “From the window of their superiority they look down upon us.”

That window becomes a powerful metaphor.

Pride always creates distance.

It separates us from the joy of worship while convincing us we are above it.

Michal’s lineage matters here—she is the daughter of Saul, a man obsessed with appearances, reputation, and public honor.

What she sees in David feels beneath her.

But what she fails to see is that David’s humility before God is precisely what qualifies him to lead God’s people.

VII. Michal: The Barrenness of Contempt (2 Samuel 6:16–23)

When Michal confronts David with biting sarcasm, his response is unmovable: “It was before the LORD” (2 Sam. 6:21).

David does not defend his behavior in terms of preference or personality.

He grounds it in purpose.

He was not performing for people; he was worshiping before God.

Faithful worship is never about being impressive—it is about being obedient.

David would rather be undignified before men than disobedient before the LORD.

He understands something Michal does not: true humility before God is never humiliating—it is freeing.

VII. Michal: The Barrenness of Contempt (2 Samuel 6:16–23)

The chapter ends with a sobering statement:

“Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death” (2 Sam. 6:23).

Scripture does not sensationalize this, but it does not soften it either.

Whether this barrenness is direct judgment or the result of relational separation, the spiritual principle stands:

a critical spirit often leads to fruitlessness.

Where worship is despised, joy withers.

Where humility is mocked, blessing dries up.

Michal had proximity to the king, access to the palace, and visibility of worship—but no participation in the joy of it.

She watched life with God from a window and paid the price of spiritual barrenness.

Conclusion: God’s Presence on God’s Terms

Second Samuel 6 teaches us that God is holy before He is helpful, and obedience always precedes blessing.

Worship that honors God is never casual—but it is always joyful.

The Ark pointed forward to Christ—Immanuel, God with us.

Yet even now, Hebrews reminds us:

Hebrews 12:28 ESV

28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

God’s presence is not something we manage—it is something we honor.

When obedience leads, joy follows.

When holiness is restored, worship comes alive.