The united kingdom · 2 Samuel 5–7
David as King, the Ark in Jerusalem
At Hebron, all the tribes of Israel come to anoint David king: he is thirty years old and will reign for forty years. He takes the stronghold of Zion from the Jebusites and makes it the city of David: Jerusalem becomes his capital. David wants to bring the ark of God up there. It is carried on a new cart; when the oxen stumble and the ark tips, Uzzah takes hold of it, and God strikes him down on the spot. Afraid, David leaves it for three months at the house of Obed-edom, whom the LORD blesses. Then he brings it up with joy, dancing before the LORD with all his might, under the scornful gaze of Michal. Settled in a house of cedar, David wants to build a temple. Through the prophet Nathan, God answers that he is the one who will make David a house: his son will build the temple, and David’s throne will be established forever.
What happens
- At Hebron, all Israel anoints David king 2 Samuel 5:3–4
- David takes the stronghold of Zion, the city of David 2 Samuel 5:7
- Uzzah touches the ark and dies 2 Samuel 6:6–7
- David dances before the LORD with all his might 2 Samuel 6:14–15
- God promises a son who will build the temple and an eternal throne 2 Samuel 7:12–13
- David marvels: “Who am I, O Lord GOD?” 2 Samuel 7:18
Who is in this story
The lesson
David puts God’s presence at the heart of his kingdom, with joy and without worrying about what others think. But it is God who builds David’s “house”: a promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the son of David, whose kingdom will have no end (Luke 1:32-33).
And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
Quick quiz on this story
How old is David when he becomes king?
“David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.” 2 Samuel 5:4
Which stronghold does David take from the Jebusites?
“David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.” 2 Samuel 5:7
Why does Uzzah die while the ark is being transported?
At Nachon’s threshing floor, “Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it”; God struck him down there. 2 Samuel 6:6–7
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