2 SAMUEL 6
Fervor. David wanted to honor God by having the ark in the new capital of the land, Jerusalem (Matt. 6:33). The plan had all the marks of success: thirty thousand choice men assisted him, and the people were enthusiastic. David had lived among the Philistines so long that he unconsciously adopted their methods (
Fear. If the ark had been on the shoulders of the Levites, God would not have judged Uzzah, and David would not have been afraid. God’s throne does not need man’s hand to keep it steady and safe.
Faith. David was not one to quit because of a mistake, so he did it again—God’s way. David expressed his worship and praise publicly, without shame, and God accepted them. Acts 3:1–10 is another example of fervent praise to God.
Folly. Full of joy, David came home to bless his family, only to have Michal ridicule him. Not everybody gets the blessing, and some people resent it when others get blessed. She was unspiritual and unsympathetic, and as a result, she became unfruitful. Michal was David’s first wife, and she no doubt resented the other wives in the home (Deut. 17:17).
When all else fails, take time to read God’s instructions.
Criticism
Never be afraid of honest criticism. If it is correct, the critic has helped you. If it is incorrect, you can help the critic. Either way, somebody is helped. When criticism is cruel, as was Michal’s, look beyond the critic and leave the matter with God (Ps. 37). Elbert Hubbard observed, “To escape criticism—do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.”