Spring 2013
Lesson 5: Moving the Ark—Doing the Right Thing the Wrong Way
2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13, 15–16
Introduction: The account in 1 Chronicles 13, 15–16 parallels 2 Samuel 6, and also provides additional details. Be sure to read both texts to better understand the narrative.
Day One: Read 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13; Moving the Ark Man’s Way
1. What did you learn from last week’s lesson or lecture that was particularly meaningful to you?
2. What do the following verses teach about the Ark of the Covenant?
a. Exodus 25:10–22
b. Numbers 7:89
c. Deuteronomy 10:5
d. 1 Samuel 4:4 and Psalm 80:1
e. 1 Kings 8:9
3. According to 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13, who agreed to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem with David and how many people came with him?
a. According to these passages, did anyone consult the Lord?
b. From earlier in this study, find an example of when David did consult the Lord before acting. Briefly describe the circumstances and the outcome.
Day Two: Read 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13; David Moves the Ark
1. From 2 Samuel 6:3–5 and 1 Chronicles 13:7–8, describe how the ark was transported from Kiriath-Jearim, as well as the attitude of the people.
a. According to Numbers 4:15 and 7:9, how was the ark supposed to be carried?
2. David and the people of Israel were “celebrating before God with all their might” (1 Chronicles 13:8) as they moved the ark. Do you think this celebration was appropriate? Explain your answer.
Day Three: Read 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13; God’s Judgment of Uzzah
1. Why did Uzzah touch the ark, and what was the consequence?
2. What attribute of God was displayed in God’s punishment of Uzzah? (See also 1 Samuel 5:10–12 and 6:19–21.)
a. How can you better understand and practically acknowledge this attribute of God in your own life?
3. According to 2 Samuel 6:8–11 and 1 Chronicles 13:11–14, what was David’s immediate response to God’s judgment of Uzzah?
4. While David’s desire was right, his actions were wrong. From Deuteronomy 28:1–2, 1 Samuel 12:14, Psalm 40:6–8, Proverbs 21:3, Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, Luke 11:28, and John 14:15, describe what pleases the Lord.
Day Four: Read 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 15; Moving the Ark God’s Way
1. From 1 Chronicles 15:1–15, how did David prepare to bring the ark to Jerusalem?
a. Which leadership and/or character qualities of David are evident in this plan?
2. Both 2 Samuel 6:12 and 1 Chronicles 15:25 mention that David brought the ark up with gladness or joy. What do you think was the difference between this experience and the first attempt to bring the ark up to Jerusalem?
3. Why do you think 1 Chronicles 15:16–28 includes the specific lists of the Levites and how they ministered?
4. According to 2 Samuel 6:20–23 and 1 Chronicles 15:29, what was Michal’s response to David’s actions when the ark was returned to Jerusalem?
a. What was David’s response to Michal?
b. In your own words, explain the meaning of 2 Samuel 6:22.
5. How might the truths contained in Psalm 34:19, 1 Peter 3:14, and 2 Timothy 3:12 encourage believers today who are persecuted for doing what is right?
Day Five: Read 1 Chronicles 16; David’s Joy
1. From 1 Chronicles 16:7–12, list the imperatives that David enumerates to the people.
2. Identify at least three themes in David’s Psalm of Thanksgiving.
a. Following these themes, write your own brief prayer of thanksgiving.
3. What do the chapters in this week’s lesson teach about the Word of God?
4. In these chapters, David often listened to others rather than relying on God’s specific instructions. Are there areas in your own life where you desire to follow the Lord in obedience but are influenced unduly by the opinions of others? Ask God to show you what specific change needs to take place to better honor Him, and share that with your group.
Brown/Peters April 17, 2013
NOTES