2 Samuel
Lesson 42 Samuel 6-7 & 1 Chronicles 13
This week we’ll look at the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, making Jerusalem both the center of government and the religious center of the new nation of Israel. We will also have a look at true worship, and we’ll see the new king of Israel as both a humble follower of God and a bold leader. In all, we’ll see how great David’s love for God was and how even greater was God’s love for David.
Read 2 Samuel Chapter 6 and 7; then answer the following questions:
- How many men did David take to bring back the Ark? (2 Sam. 6:1)
- The ark had been separated from the people of Israel for one hundred years, since the time when it was lost in battle to the Philistines. How many Israelites died when the Ark was lost? (See 1 Samuel 4:1-11.)
- Read verse 5 of Chapter 6 and list the musical instruments used in worship. (See also Psalm 150). Was a piano or organ in the list? (If you also read the same account in 1 Chronicles 13, you will notice that they even had a large choir.)
- How long did it actually take to get the Ark back to Jerusalem? (2 Sam. 6:1-15)
- What happened along the way that delayed the trip?
- How was the Ark being physically transported in 2 Sam. 6:3?
- How was the Ark supposed to be transported? (See Exodus 25:12-16.)
- How was the Ark transported when it was brought into Jerusalem? (2 Sam. 6:12-15)
- What can we learn from David about worship in Chapter 6, verses 12-23?
- Can you tell David really loved the Lord? What are some of the indications of this in verses 2 Sam. 6:12-19?
- Today, do you suppose the Lord can tell that you really love Him by the way you worship Him?
- In Chapter 7 what was God’s reaction to David's wanting to build a place for Him? (2 Sam. 7:1-7)
- What does God promise David in verse 2 Sam. 7:16?
- What is David’s response to God’s promise? (2 Sam. 7:18-29)
- David’s response was very humble - how many times did David use the phrase "your servant" in verses 18 thru 29?
Have you taken the time this week to notice all the ways that God has blessed you? What has been your response to Him – do you suppose "worship breaks out" when we see God’s blessings in our lives and his presence with us, even in difficult times? Perhaps this is true worship, when we humbly praise him with joy in our hearts as we lift him up as the God above all gods, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
I pray this week that we will humbly lift our voices and prayers up to Him in worship as we give God all the glory and praise. And perhaps this week we’ll gain a deeper appreciation for all the forms of worship we see around us and be more accepting of our fellow Christian brothers and sisters who may chose to worship differently than us.
Let’s commit this week to “enter into His courts with thanksgiving” and worship Him.
May God richly bless you this week. Thanks for studying with us.
Yours in Christ,
Wes