May 4

2 Samuel 5:11-25; 2 Samuel 6:1-23; 1 Chronicles 13-16

Worship Restored

These passages from 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles chronicle a turning point in Israel’s spiritual and national life under David’s leadership. After establishing his rule in Jerusalem and experiencing military victories by God’s hand, David turns his attention to restoring the centrality of worship by bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the new capital. These chapters reveal David’s heart for God, his desire to honor the Lord publicly, and the joy and reverence surrounding God’s presence among His people. However, they also highlight the seriousness of handling holy things according to God’s instruction and the mixed responses that true worship can provoke.

Up to this point, David had been anointed king over all Israel, uniting the tribes under his rule, and he captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it his capital, calling it the City of David. God’s favor was on David, who grew stronger with the Lord’s help (2 Samuel 5:1-10).

2 Samuel 5:11-25 – David’s Kingdom Established and God’s Deliverance Revealed

Now, King Hiram of Tyre sends cedar logs, carpenters, and stonemasons to build a house for David in Jerusalem (v. 11). King Hiram was the ruler of a wealthy Phoenician city known for its skilled craftsmen and abundant cedar wood. Besides its significant role in the sea trade of the day, the export of cedar was among the pillars of the city’s economy. Cedar trees, native to the high elevations of Lebanon’s western slopes, were highly prized in the ancient world for their beauty, pleasant scent, and exceptional durability. Growing slowly and living for thousands of years, they could reach heights of 120 feet. Their high resin content protected against decay, making cedar ideal for constructing temples and palaces. By 1000 B.C., these trees had been heavily harvested, making the wood rare and extremely valuable. Civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt had imported cedar since as early as the fourth millennium B.C.

King Hiram’s gesture signaled a diplomatic alliance, recognizing David’s growing power and establishing peaceful relations between Tyre and Israel. Hiram’s gift also highlights the value of Tyrian resources and craftsmanship, affirming that God was exalting David and establishing Jerusalem as Israel’s political and spiritual center. David rightly discerns that the Lord has confirmed him as king and has exalted his kingdom “for the sake of His people Israel” (v. 12). This moment of reflection reveals that David does not view his kingship as a personal triumph but as part of God’s redemptive plan for Israel.

Likewise, when you experience success or recognition, consider how you can use it to serve others and bring glory to God, as God exalts leaders not for their own sake, but to carry out His purpose for His people. Therefore, in seasons of blessing, ask: “Am I using this influence or provision to build God’s kingdom or my own?”

David expands his household with more wives and concubines, and his family grows significantly (v. 13-16). In the ancient Near East, marriage was commonly used as a diplomatic tool to forge alliances and ensure loyalty. Rulers often married daughters of allied families to strengthen political ties and secure their power. David’s multiple marriages, even before becoming king, likely enhanced his political and economic influence, and his marriages in Jerusalem likely helped gain the support of powerful local families. While such practices were typical for kings of the time, they contradict the spirit of Deuteronomy 17:17, which warns that Israel’s king must not multiply wives. These choices will eventually contribute to conflict and division within David’s household.

When the Philistines learn that David has been anointed king over all Israel, they attack (v. 17). David retreats to his stronghold and inquires of the Lord before engaging in battle (v. 19). From 1 Samuel 23 onward, David often seeks God’s guidance through oracular inquiry using the ephod, likely with Abiathar the priest. This process involved asking yes-or-no questions and receiving answers through the Urim and Thummim, as described in Exodus. This is possibly also what is happening here.

The Lord grants permission and assures David of victory. David defeats them at Baal-perazim (v. 20), the Philistines abandon their idols, and David and his men carry them away (v. 21), likely to be destroyed. However, the Philistines regroup and attack again in the Valley of Rephaim (v. 22). Once more, David seeks God’s counsel (v. 23). This time, God gives a new strategy. Circle behind them and wait for the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, which will signal that the Lord has gone out before him (v. 24). David obeys exactly and wins the battle (v. 25).

God brings supernatural deliverance when His people rely on Him. We must not assume God’s will, but rather we should seek it. When we pray before moving forward, we invite God’s power into our plans. Additionally, God’s guidance isn’t always the same; our dependence must be daily. Victory often depends not on repeating past formulas but on fresh obedience to God’s voice. Is there a battle you’re fighting without asking God first? Pause and seek His direction today. Do you rely on routines or past experiences instead of God’s present guidance? Cultivate a daily dependence on Him.

This passage shows a spiritually grounded David, one who is blessed with political favor, yet careful to seek God’s will in every challenge. However, the seeds of future trouble are also sown in his personal life through compromise. These verses offer a rich picture of leadership that honors God: humble, prayerful, and obedient. As we lead in our own spheres, may we imitate David’s dependence on the Lord, even while avoiding the traps of unchecked success.

2 Samuel 6:1-23 – Worship, Reverence, and the Presence of God

This powerful chapter recounts David’s attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and the dramatic events that unfold. It reveals deep theological truths about the holiness of God, the joy of worship, and the heart posture required when approaching God’s presence. The chapter is marked by both joy and judgment, reverence and rejoicing.

David gathers 30,000 chosen men of Israel to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem (v. 1). The Ark represents God’s presence and power, described here as “the Ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty who sits enthroned between the cherubim on the ark” (v. 2). They place the Ark on a new cart and transport it from the house of Abinadab, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it (v. 3). As they journey, David and all Israel celebrate before the Lord with songs, lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals (v. 5).

Worship is a joyful celebration of God’s presence, but must be grounded in reverence and obedience. Expressing joy in God’s presence is right and good, but our methods of worship must align with His instructions. Do your worship practices honor both the joy and holiness of God? Examine whether your heart and actions reflect both freedom and reverence.

As the oxen stumble, Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark (v. 6). Instantly, the Lord’s anger burns, and He strikes Uzzah dead for touching the Ark (v. 7). David is both angry and afraid, calling the place Perez-uzzah (meaning “outburst against Uzzah”) (v. 8). This shocking event reminds Israel that God’s holiness cannot be treated casually. Numbers 4:15 clearly states that no one is to touch the holy things, or they will die. Despite good intentions, the Ark was being transported in a way that violated God’s law (Exodus 25:14; 1 Chronicles 15:13-15).

Sincerity in worship does not excuse disobedience to God’s Word. Holiness cannot be compromised. Good intentions must never replace God’s instructions. Learn God’s ways through His Word, and obey them. Are there areas where you’ve assumed God will overlook disobedience because your heart is “in the right place”? Let Scripture guide both your heart and hands.

David becomes afraid of the Lord that day and decides not to bring the Ark into Jerusalem, instead placing it in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite (v. 9-10). The Ark remains there for three months, and the Lord blesses Obed-edom and his household (v. 11). When David hears that the house of Obed-edom is being blessed, he brings the Ark to Jerusalem properly, with reverence and rejoicing (v. 12). This time, the Levites carry the Ark, and after taking six steps, they offer a sacrifice (v. 13; see 1 Chronicles 15:2, 13–15).

David offers a sacrifice every six steps as the Ark is brought to Jerusalem. This intense frequency far surpasses even grand pagan processions. When the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal was restoring the image of Marduk to Babylon (seventh century), fatted bulls were offered every two miles along the way (Assur to Babylon is about 250 miles). David would have made about the same number of sacrifices as Ashurbanipal in about half a mile. The text doesn’t specify the type of altar, duration of the procession, or exact kind of sacrifice. The term “bull” likely refers to well-fed cattle, though “fatted calf” isn’t a formal sacrificial category in the Law. The emphasis is on the extraordinary devotion and reverence shown in David’s worship.

David dances before the Lord with all his might, wearing a linen ephod, a humble priestly garment (v. 14). The people shout and blow trumpets in celebration (v. 15). Worship should engage our whole being, mind, body, and spirit, and reflect God’s worthiness, not our pride. Are you holding back in worship due to fear of people’s opinions? Like David, choose to be “undignified” for God’s glory if needed (v. 22).

As the Ark enters Jerusalem, Michal, Saul’s daughter and David’s wife, watches from a window. Seeing David dance with abandon, she despises him in her heart (v. 16). After David blesses the people and gives them gifts (v. 17-19), he returns home to bless his household, but Michal confronts him with sarcasm and contempt, accusing him of exposing himself like a vulgar person (v. 20). David responds firmly, explaining that he danced before the Lord who chose him over Saul to lead His people (v. 21). He vows to become even more undignified if it glorifies God, even if it lowers him in the eyes of others (v. 22). As a result of her contempt, Michal remains childless for the rest of her life (v. 23), which symbolically marks her disconnection from the blessings of David’s legacy and possibly God’s judgment on her hardened heart.

2 Samuel 6 is a vivid reminder that God is not only loving but also holy. Worship must be joyful but never careless. David’s journey from fear to joyful reverence illustrates the balance every believer must embrace. It calls us to take God seriously without losing the joy of His presence. When we worship in spirit and truth, with hearts humbled and hands clean, God delights to dwell among us.

1 Chronicles 13 – The First Attempt to Bring the Ark

After David is firmly established as king over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:11-25), he seeks to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 6 records the first failed attempt and the eventual joyful procession. The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 13–16 gives additional details, especially about the Levites’ role and the preparations for proper worship. As you read these chapters, note the deeper focus in Chronicles on worship, priestly order, and the Ark’s central role in uniting the nation under God’s presence.

In 1 Chronicles 13, David, early in his reign, consults with military leaders and the Israelite congregation to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to a central place of honor (v. 1-4). This indicates his desire to restore worship and national unity under God’s rule. Though the motive is good, the method is flawed. They transport the Ark on a cart, imitating the Philistine method (1 Sam. 6:7–8), rather than following God’s law that the Ark should be carried by Levites (Num. 4:15; Deut. 10:8). When the oxen stumble and Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark, God strikes him dead (v. 9-10). David is angry and afraid, halting the mission and placing the Ark in the house of Obed-edom (v. 11-14), where it brings blessing.

Again, right motives must be paired with obedience to God’s Word. God’s presence is holy, and He must be approached on His terms. Enthusiasm in ministry or worship is not enough; it must be grounded in scriptural truth.

1 Chronicles 14 – David’s Kingship Strengthened

This chapter details the political and military strengthening of David’s kingdom. Hiram of Tyre sends materials and workers to build David a palace (v. 1), symbolizing international recognition of David’s leadership. David discerns that God has established him as king for the sake of His people Israel (v. 2), a key insight into godly leadership. Though David takes more wives and has more children (v. 3-7), which was culturally acceptable but contrary to Deuteronomy 17:17, the narrative quickly shifts to his military victories over the Philistines. Importantly, David inquires of the Lord before battle (v. 10, 14), showing his dependence on divine guidance. Both victories demonstrate God’s favor and David’s spiritual attentiveness (v. 11, 16–17).

1 Chronicles 15 – Preparing for the Presence of God

After learning from his previous failure, David prepares to bring the Ark to Jerusalem correctly. He builds a tent (tabernacle) for it (v. 1) and commands that only the Levites carry the Ark, as God instructed (v. 2). He gathers the priests and Levites, sanctifies them, and instructs them in their duties (v. 11-15). Musicians and singers are appointed to lead worship (v. 16-24). This careful organization reveals the seriousness with which David now approaches God’s presence. As the Ark is moved, the people rejoice and worship with music and dancing. David wears a linen robe, humbling himself before the Lord (v. 27-29). Michal, Saul’s daughter, despises David for his exuberant worship, revealing a heart that failed to value God’s presence.

This detailed listing of musicians in verses 19-22 reveals how intentional and ordered worship was under David’s leadership. Each person had a specific role, instrument, or musical responsibility, and they were chosen not just by availability but by skill. Kenaniah was placed in charge of singing because he was skillful at it. This highlights a biblical principle: excellence in worship matters. God is honored when His people use their gifts with diligence, discipline, and devotion.

The challenge here is twofold: First, are we offering our best in the service of God? Whether we sing, play, teach, or serve behind the scenes, do we do it with skill, preparation, and humility? Second, are we willing to embrace our specific role in the larger act of worship, even if it’s not the most visible? The example of these named individuals reminds us that every contribution in worship matters and that God values both excellence and obedience in those who lead His people in praise.

1 Chronicles 16 – Celebrating God’s Presence

Once the Ark is placed in the tent David prepared, burnt offerings and peace offerings are made  (v. 1), and David blesses the people (v. 2). He gives each person food (v. 3), and appoints Levites to minister before the Ark, offering praise and thanksgiving continually (v. 4-6). The psalm that follows (v. 8-36) is a beautiful combination of Psalms 105, 96, and 106, emphasizing God’s faithfulness, His works, and His glory among the nations. David calls the people to “give thanks,” “sing,” “seek the Lord,” and “declare His glory.” He proclaims that the Lord alone is worthy of worship and invites the whole earth to join in praise. The chapter concludes with David organizing ongoing worship and sacrifices, highlighting the centrality of worship in Israel’s life (v. 37–43).

God’s presence among His people calls forth continual, communal worship rooted in remembrance and joy. Worship should recall God’s faithfulness, proclaim His greatness, and invite others to glorify Him.

Together, these chapters portray the unifying power of worship and the necessity of approaching God with both joy and reverence. David’s journey, from military triumphs to the celebration and correction surrounding the Ark’s return, shows that spiritual leadership involves humility, obedience, and a deep longing for God’s presence. The restored focus on worship laid a spiritual foundation for the kingdom, reminding us that any lasting legacy must be rooted in honoring and exalting the Lord.