2 Samuel 6:1-11
David’s first thought, on the inauguration of his reign, is for the Ark of the LORD. He mobilises thirty thousand men, Israel’s elite, not this time for battle, but to escort the Ark in a worthy manner up to Jerusalem. Never can we render too high honour to the person of the Lord Jesus. Only we must render this homage, this worship, to Him with intelligence and with obedience. According to the divine order, the Ark should have been carried on the shoulders (Leviticus 7:9), but David and the people failed to take account of this. In their opinion a new cart, like the one employed by the ignorant Philistines, would serve the purpose much better. Was it not more practical than transport on foot? And here is Uzzah struck dead! Consternation! We would not have considered him so guilty. But indeed he is! God would make us understand, ourselves as well as David, what a serious matter it is to replace His teaching with our own good intentions and arrangements, particularly where worship is concerned.
Distressing breakdown of this fine ceremony! David, at the same time upset and frightened, diverts the Ark and so loses a blessing, which was enjoyed instead by the family of Obed-Edom.